What is a short-term share house?
Among share houses, there are some that allow you to stay for as little as one month. Below are some examples of situations in which you can use these short-term share houses and the reasons why they are so popular.
Characteristics and usage scenarios of short-term share houses
Share houses come equipped with furniture and appliances, making it easy to move in. Contract periods vary depending on the property, but while regular rental properties are usually for two years, share houses can be rented for just a few months, allowing for a flexible response.
This makes it an ideal property for short-term training, business trips, job hunting, or other stays until you find your next home.
Why short-term share houses are popular in Osaka
There are two reasons why short-term shared houses are popular in Osaka.
- Good access and convenience
- Easy to live in without long-term contracts
Compared to Tokyo, Osaka is a compact city and easy to get around. It's only four subway stops from Umeda to Namba, but the downtown area, government offices, and business districts are all concentrated within that distance.
Osaka is also one of Japan's largest cities, with a wide variety of commercial facilities, from large shopping complexes to brand shops, making it convenient to get most of the things you need or want.
Although Osaka is not a large city, one of its characteristics is that the atmosphere and living conditions of the city vary greatly from area to area. Therefore, share houses that do not require long-term contracts allow you to move around easily and experience different areas in a short period of time.
Benefits of using a short-term share house in Osaka
There are three benefits to using a short-term shared house in Osaka.- Flexibility to work short-term contracts
- Less hassle and better value for money
- Community and social opportunities
Flexibility to work short-term contracts
The contract period for a share house varies depending on the property, and can be one month, two to three months, six months or more, etc. There are many share houses in Osaka, so you should be able to find one with a contract period that suits your needs.
Generally, shared houses are leased on a fixed term basis, and the contract ends when the contract period expires. If you wish to continue living in the same shared house after the contract expires, you can extend the contract by signing a new contract.
Less hassle and better value for money
Share houses come with furniture and appliances, so you don't have to worry about buying and moving. Many share houses also don't require a deposit or key money. Unlike regular rental properties, this way you can keep initial costs such as purchase fees low.
Also, a month's stay in a hotel would normally cost around 100,000 to 300,000 yen just for accommodation, but a share house would cost around 100,000 to 160,000 yen including living expenses. The appeal of a share house is that you can live a comfortable life at a much cheaper cost than a hotel.
Community and social opportunities
Share houses are home to a diverse range of people, including students, company employees, freelancers, etc. They come from a variety of places, and there are even some foreign residents.
If you stay in a share house, you can interact with people you've never met before in a short space of time, and you'll gain new information and a wider world. You'll experience a sense of fulfillment that you can't get by living alone.
Points to consider when choosing a short-term share house in Osaka
Below are three points to consider when choosing a share house in Osaka for short-term use.
- Check the flexibility of the contract period and the fee structure
- The importance of location and access
- Check shared facilities and living environment
Check the flexibility of the contract period and the fee structure
The contract period varies depending on the property. Some properties have conditions such as "you must live there for at least three months," so it is necessary to check the minimum occupancy period in advance.
Also, be sure to check the pricing plan, such as whether moving in mid-month is calculated on a pro rata basis, and whether you can renew your contract after the expiration of the contract period.
The importance of location and access
Good accessibility and the surrounding environment, such as "availability of multiple train lines" and "nearby supermarkets," are important points. Even if it is only for a short time, if there are inconveniences in your daily life, you will have to live with stress.
Popular areas in Osaka include Umeda, where commercial facilities such as major department stores and office buildings are concentrated, and Namba, where you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping. Tennoji, which is a transportation hub that serves as the gateway to the southern part of Osaka City, is also popular. It is a good idea to choose an area that suits your lifestyle.
Check shared facilities and living environment
Unlike living alone, a shared house has facilities that you can share with other residents. Make sure to check whether the shared spaces in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room are equipped with necessary equipment such as a microwave and washing machine.
Also, the items provided in the private rooms vary depending on the property. Be sure to check in advance what is available and know what you will need to get yourself.
Things to note when using a short-term share house in Osaka
There are two things to keep in mind when using a short-term shared house in Osaka.
- What to be aware of when signing the contract and whether there are any additional costs
- Rules for short-term stays and manners between residents
What to be aware of when signing the contract and whether there are any additional costs
When signing the contract, make sure to check whether there are any additional fees such as a deposit, key money, maintenance fees, etc. in addition to the rent.
You can also avoid any future disputes by checking in advance whether the contract requires a guarantor, whether there are any time restrictions, and whether it is possible to terminate or re-sign or renew the contract.
Rules for short-term stays and manners between residents
There are a few rules in a share house where residents with different values gather together. To ensure that everyone can live comfortably, rules are set such as the time the washing machine can be used and not to leave personal belongings in the living room.
In particular, shared spaces are also used by other residents, so please follow the rules and manners to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Whether you are staying for a short or long period of time, it is important to live with consideration for others in order to live a comfortable life.