What is a fully furnished apartment?
A furnished apartment is a type of rental property that comes with furniture and appliances already installed in the room. By renting the room, you can freely use the furniture and appliances while you live.It is not uncommon to find rooms with air conditioning in rental apartments. Since there is no need to take the trouble of purchasing and installing an air conditioner, many people look for a room with air conditioning as a requirement.
You can think of furnished apartments in the same way. If the apartment comes with not only an air conditioner, but also furniture like a bed and sofa, as well as home appliances like a refrigerator and washing machine, it can make moving much easier.
The condition of "furnished with furniture and appliances" is also attractive to landlords and management companies as it helps them differentiate their property from others. This is because even if your property is at a disadvantage in terms of location or age, it may catch the eye of more potential tenants. Furnished apartments were rare until recently, but in recent years their numbers have been increasing. Please keep an eye out for them.
The difference between furnished apartments and monthly apartments
Furnished apartments and monthly apartments have one thing in common: the furniture and appliances are included in the rental room. They also reduce the hassle of moving, but there is a big difference in the contract style.First of all, most furnished apartments have contracts in the same way as regular rental properties. You will pay initial fees such as a deposit and key money, and rent the room on an annual basis. The procedures required when moving in and moving out are also almost the same as for regular rental properties.
On the other hand, with a monthly apartment, you rent a room on a monthly basis. You can sign a contract without having to prepare a deposit, key money, or security deposit, and there are many properties where you can move in immediately. Many properties include electricity and water charges in the rent, so there is no need to sign a contract or go through the procedures separately. It is convenient to use if you are staying for about two months for work, but don't want to live in a hotel the whole time.
There is also a difference in the monthly rent between furnished apartments and monthly apartments. Since there are initial costs, furnished apartments will have a lower monthly burden. They are more expensive than regular rentals, but only about 20-30% more expensive.
On the other hand, it is about 2.5 to 3 times the rent for a monthly apartment or general rent. If utility fees are included in the rent, be careful as this can be a heavy monthly burden. For example, if the general rent is 60,000 yen/month, the estimated rent for an apartment with furniture and appliances is 72,000 to 78,000 yen/month. For a monthly apartment, aim for 150,000 to 180,000 yen/month.
Comparing them like this, you might think that monthly apartments are expensive, but if you stay in a hotel for 30 days at 10,000 yen per night, the cost comes to 300,000 yen per month. There are plenty of benefits to using a monthly apartment instead of a hotel. We recommend using a furnished apartment or a monthly apartment depending on the length of your stay and your lifestyle during your stay.
Reasons why fully furnished apartments are recommended and things to keep in mind
Below are some reasons why we recommend furnished apartments. We will also explain some points to keep in mind when considering furnished apartments.Why fully furnished apartments are recommended
Furnished apartments are recommended for people who want to minimize the burden of moving. Here are some specific reasons why:
- ・You don't have to buy new furniture or appliances. ・You don't have to transport large furniture or appliances. ・You can save on initial costs when moving. ・You can live your life as usual from the day you move in. ・You don't have to dispose of furniture or appliances when you move out.
It takes time and money to buy furniture and appliances from scratch when moving. If they are prepared in advance, you don't have to arrange them yourself. You can save money not only on purchasing costs, but also on moving expenses.
Also, if the apartment comes with furniture and appliances, you will have less trouble cleaning up after moving in. You will be able to do everyday tasks such as "putting groceries purchased at the supermarket in the refrigerator" and "washing your clothes for tomorrow" from the day you move in. This is also recommended for those who don't have much time to plan after moving in.
When moving out of a rental apartment and returning to your parents' home, the furniture and appliances you used for living alone are often inconvenient to use. Many people dispose of them all at once, but it can be a hassle. If you live in an apartment that comes fully furnished, you won't have to go through this hassle.
Things to note about furnished apartments
When considering moving into a furnished apartment, here are some points to keep in mind: - About the type and condition of furniture and appliances - About the contract form - About handling of unnecessary furniture and appliances
Even if a property is said to be "furnished with furniture and appliances," the condition of the furniture and appliances varies depending on the property. Be sure to get as much information as possible before signing the contract, such as what furniture and appliances are included and what the condition of each item is.
The items used in furnished apartments are generally second-hand. Some of them may be "too old to be practical" or "broken." Be sure to check not only the condition of the room, but also the furniture and appliances carefully.
Also, how furniture and appliances are treated will vary depending on the type of contract. Who will be responsible for the costs in the event of a breakdown will differ depending on whether they are treated as "fixtures" or "other items." It is a good idea to ask the person in charge until you are satisfied with any points that you cannot understand just by reading the contract. Don't forget to ask about what to do if there are any unwanted items among the furniture and appliances.
What is included in a fully furnished apartment?
When considering moving into an apartment with furniture and appliances, the question that comes to your mind most is, "What furniture and appliances are included?" The main items are as follows:・Sofa, bed, table, chair, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, electric kettle, TV, etc.
Of course, not all properties come equipped with all of these, and some may offer a more attractive set of furniture and appliances.
If you are considering an apartment that comes with furniture and appliances, be sure to take a look at the items that come with the set to find a property that is even more appealing.
Steps to move into a furnished apartment
If you want to move into an apartment with furniture and appliances, what is the procedure? We will explain the key points for each step.Contact a real estate agency
If you wish to move into a furnished apartment, the process is basically the same as for a regular rental property.First, contact a real estate agency to narrow down your options. There are several ways to do this:
・Visit a real estate agency and tell them that you are looking for an apartment with furniture and appliances. ・Find a property you are interested in on a real estate website and apply to view it online. ・Contact the real estate agency by phone or email to tell them your desired area and desired move-in date, and have them send you information about apartments with furniture and appliances.
You can choose the method of inquiry that is most convenient for you. Popular properties fill up quickly, so once you have decided to move, contact a real estate agency as soon as possible.
View the room
If you find an apartment with furniture and appliances that interests you, we recommend that you take a look around the apartment. Take note of not only the condition of the room and the surrounding area, but also the type and condition of the furniture and appliances included in the set. Even if it is difficult to view the property because your current residence is far away, your schedule doesn't match, or the property is currently occupied, try to find ways to get as much detailed information as possible. We also recommend using online viewings or checking out similar types of rooms.
Proceed to contract
Once you find a room you like, you can proceed with the contract procedure. When signing the contract, you will generally need a photo ID and emergency contact information. You will be given instructions before signing the contract, so prepare based on that information and don't forget to bring it with you. Most initial fees required when moving in are paid in advance by bank transfer, but many companies also accept credit card payments. Be sure to prepare this as well.