What is a monthly apartment that you can stay in for one month?
Monthly apartments, which can be rented on a monthly basis, are gaining attention as a suitable option for short-term moves, business trips, or temporary housing. Unlike typical rental properties, they do not require a security deposit or key money and come fully furnished with appliances, making them an attractive option for those who want to move in easily while keeping initial costs down.
Below, we will explain in detail the differences between weekly apartments and hotels, the pros and cons of a one-month contract, and key points regarding contract terms.
Differences from monthly/weekly hotels
Monthly apartments are generally rental properties intended for stays of one month or longer, and are characterized by a "fixed-rate package" that includes furniture, appliances, and utilities. Weekly apartments, on the other hand, are for short-term stays of a few days to a few weeks and tend to be more expensive. Hotels charge per night and include cleaning and services, but it's important to note that costs can add up for long-term stays.
If you have a clear plan for staying for a specific period, such as one month, a monthly apartment that offers a good balance of cost-effectiveness and amenities is the ideal choice.
Who would you recommend a one-month contract to?
A one-month contract for a monthly apartment is,
- "People who need temporary housing due to changing jobs or relocating."
- "People who need a temporary place to live while their parents' house is being renovated."
- This is recommended for people who want to secure a base of operations for long-term travel or workcations.
It's also suitable for temporary stays before starting university or as a bridge between moving into a shared house. While regular rental agreements can be problematic due to contract duration and screening processes, monthly apartments allow you to easily stay on a monthly basis, offering flexibility to accommodate diverse lifestyles.
Features of contract types and move-in conditions
Unlike regular rentals, monthly apartment contracts often follow a format similar to "fixed-term lease agreements" or "lodging contracts," and the screening process is relatively simple. In many cases, a guarantor is not required, and only identification documents are needed to sign a contract, making it convenient for those who need to find accommodation quickly.
However, it's important to note that there are differences in conditions for each property, such as the requirement for a corporate contract or parental consent for those under 20 years old. Since it may be possible to extend the contract after its expiration, it's crucial to check beforehand whether the contract terms are flexible.
Average monthly cost of a monthly apartment rental
When considering renting a monthly apartment for just one month, one of the main concerns is the difference in prices depending on the area. Even with the same floor plan, there can be a significant price difference between properties near train stations in the city center and older properties in the suburbs. Also, many properties offer a "fixed-rate" plan that includes utilities and cleaning fees, so it's important to understand the cost structure of each property.
Here, we will provide a detailed overview of market prices in major cities and regional areas, as well as price differences based on factors such as location and age of the building.
Estimated market prices in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka
In major metropolitan areas like Tokyo and Osaka, the average monthly rent for a monthly apartment is typically around 100,000 to 150,000 yen. These are often one-room or 1K apartments furnished with appliances, and many plans include utilities and management fees.
In particular, in highly convenient areas such as within Tokyo's 23 wards, along the Yamanote Line, and around Umeda, it's not uncommon to find apartments costing over 200,000 yen per month. On the other hand, in areas slightly further from the city center, there are properties available for around 80,000 yen per month, making it possible to choose a cost-effective option.
Price range in suburban and regional cities
The average monthly cost of renting a monthly apartment in suburban or regional cities is between 60,000 and 100,000 yen.
For example, in the suburbs of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa prefectures, as well as in regional cities like Nagoya and Fukuoka, you can generally rent a 1K apartment for 20,000 to 40,000 yen less than in urban areas. Many of these apartments come furnished with appliances and include utilities, making them an ideal option for those who want to keep initial costs down.
For business trips, long-term travel, or temporary housing, monthly rental properties in regional areas are a very attractive option if cost is your main concern.
Price differences due to location and age of the building
The cost of a monthly apartment varies greatly depending on its location and age.
Properties located within a 5-minute walk from the station and close to bustling commercial or office districts can have a price difference of 1.5 times or more, even for the same size. Also, newer properties with clean interiors are highly sought after, and cleaning and management fees tend to be slightly higher.
On the other hand, choosing a property that is more than a 10-minute walk from the station and is over 20 years old can make a difference of tens of thousands of yen per month. The key to saving money is to find a balance between location and age of the building while determining the amenities and conditions that are necessary for you.
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Check the detailed breakdown of costs!
A one-month stay in a monthly apartment includes various costs in addition to rent. Unlike regular rentals, utilities such as water, electricity, internet, and cleaning fees are often included in the fixed-rate plan, making it easy to understand the overall cost. However, some plans may incur additional charges or options, so it's important to understand the breakdown of each item beforehand.
Here, we will explain the typical pricing items in detail.
Basic rent
The basic rent is the monthly rent for the room itself and accounts for the majority of the total cost. These are often simple layouts such as studio apartments or 1K apartments, and the price varies depending on the location, age of the building, and size.
In urban areas, the average monthly rent is around 100,000 to 150,000 yen, while in the suburbs it's around 60,000 to 90,000 yen. Because furniture and appliances are included as standard, it may seem more expensive than a regular rental property, but considering the savings on initial costs and the hassle of buying your own household items, the total cost can actually be cheaper in some cases.
Water and electricity bills
In most monthly apartments, utilities such as water, electricity, and gas are either included in the rent as a fixed rate or billed separately as a monthly fee.
With a fixed monthly fee, the estimated cost is around 10,000 to 15,000 yen, and the advantage is that there are no additional charges due to overuse. However, there may be a usage limit, so it is necessary to check before signing a contract. Conversely, with properties where costs are reimbursed based on actual expenses, the cost will fluctuate depending on your lifestyle, so you need to pay attention to the bill at the end of the month.
Management fee/cleaning fee
Management fees cover the costs of maintaining common areas, while cleaning fees cover the costs of cleaning the interior of the property upon move-in and move-out. Even for a one-month stay, management fees are typically around 3,000 to 5,000 yen per month, and cleaning fees are around 10,000 to 20,000 yen per cleaning.
Cleaning fees, in particular, are often paid upfront as part of the "initial costs," effectively becoming an additional expense for short-term guests. Some properties offer promotions that waive cleaning fees, so it's wise to compare the total cost before making a decision.
Internet charges and furniture/appliance usage fees
Monthly apartments typically come equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions, but some properties may charge extra for internet access or the use of furniture and appliances.
Internet fees are typically around 3,000 to 5,000 yen per month, and furniture and appliance rentals are often included, although there may be an additional rental fee for bedding sets (around 5,000 yen per month). Checking "what is included" in advance is key to avoiding exceeding your budget.
Are there any security deposits, key money, or brokerage fees?
Many monthly apartments do not require the security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees that are typically required for regular rentals. This is a major advantage as it significantly reduces initial costs. However, some properties may charge several thousand to tens of thousands of yen in administrative fees or security deposits.
Additionally, you may be required to join a guarantee company as a guarantee in case of late payments or other issues. When searching for properties, check whether they are marked as "no security deposit or key money" and choose a property that meets your requirements.
What is the total initial cost?
Monthly apartments are often advertised as having "no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees," but in reality, when you move in, you'll typically be charged a lump sum for cleaning fees, administrative fees, and other charges in addition to the first month's rent. Even for a one-month stay, the total cost can be higher than expected. On the other hand, you can also save money by taking advantage of discount programs available for corporate or long-term contracts.
Here, we will explain in detail the specific breakdown of initial costs, compare them to typical rental properties, and provide methods for reducing costs.
Breakdown of the lump-sum payment required upon moving in
The initial costs for a one-month stay in a monthly apartment generally consist of "first month's rent," "utilities (water, electricity, gas)," "cleaning fee," "management fee," and "administrative fee."
For example, if the rent is 100,000 yen per month,
- Utilities (water, electricity, gas): 15,000 yen
- Cleaning fee: 12,000 yen
- Management fee: 3,000 yen
- Including administrative fees such as 5,000 yen, the total cost will be approximately 130,000 to 150,000 yen.
Payment is generally made in a lump sum upfront, and the invoice is typically sent in full before you move in. Additional options (such as bedding sets) may increase the cost.
Cost comparison with standard rentals
Compared to regular rental housing, the monthly rent for monthly apartments is set higher, but the low initial costs and ease of immediate occupancy are major advantages.
With regular rentals, the initial costs can sometimes amount to 4 to 6 months' rent, including security deposit, key money, brokerage fees, fire insurance, and key replacement fees, sometimes exceeding 300,000 yen. On the other hand, with monthly rentals, you can start with a total of around 150,000 yen. It offers exceptional cost performance, especially for those considering short-term stays of 1 to 3 months.
Corporate contracts and discount programs for long-term use
Many monthly apartment rentals offer discount programs for corporate use and long-term contracts.
For example, some rental properties offer a 5-10% discount on monthly rent or waive cleaning fees for contracts of three months or longer. For corporate contracts, volume discounts may also be available for renting multiple rooms at once.
If you anticipate regular use of these services for business trips, training, or assignments away from home, actively utilizing these preferential plans can lead to significant cost savings.
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How to keep monthly expenses low
Even when renting a monthly apartment for just one month, you can significantly reduce costs depending on your property selection and contract timing. While daily rates tend to be higher for short-term stays, you can keep your budget down by taking advantage of promotional properties, booking during off-peak seasons, and carefully selecting amenities.
Here are three specific ways to cleverly save money on monthly apartment rentals. With a little ingenuity, you can easily save over 10,000 yen, so please give them a try.
Target properties with campaigns or discounts.
The easiest way to keep costs down is to target properties that are part of a promotional campaign.
Many monthly apartment management companies
- "Half price on initial costs"
- "Cleaning fee is free."
- "Discount of ◯ yen per day," etc.
We regularly run these kinds of limited-time campaigns. Especially during periods with many vacancies or when a new property opens, you can sometimes find properties that are 20-30% cheaper than the market rate. Search sites often allow you to filter by "discounted" or "campaign in progress," so it's important to check the information frequently and not miss out on booking opportunities.
Price differences between peak and off-peak seasons
Monthly apartment rental rates generally fluctuate depending on the season.
During peak seasons such as March-April (when people start new lives), the year-end and New Year holidays, and summer vacation, demand increases, and prices tend to rise by 20-30%. On the other hand, during off-peak seasons such as June-July and November, there are many vacancies, making it a good opportunity to find affordable properties.
Furthermore, off-peak seasons are easier to combine with promotions, and you may be able to get even further discounts depending on your negotiations. If you can shift your move-in date forward or backward by a month, aim for the off-peak season to wisely reduce costs.
Tips for choosing only the essential equipment
Monthly apartments come with a variety of amenities depending on their size and grade, but you can significantly reduce costs by choosing only the bare minimum amenities.
for example
- "Bathroom with dryer"
- "Automatic lock"
- Properties with amenities such as a separate washbasin tend to have higher rents.
For short-term stays, choosing a property that is a little older but still livable can save you 10,000 to 20,000 yen per month. In particular, simply removing options like bedding and providing your own can reduce costs.
What kind of property should I choose if I'm only staying for a month?
When renting a monthly apartment for a month, the comfort and cost can vary greatly depending on the property you choose. Factors that are important to each individual differ, such as distance from the station, surrounding environment, security, and the availability of amenities. Furthermore, the contract plan and amenities also have a significant impact on your lifestyle, so it is important to choose a property that suits your purpose and lifestyle.
Here are four types of properties you should prioritize when staying for a month.
Station-adjacent and access-focused type
For those who commute to work or school daily, or business professionals who are often out and about, properties near train stations are highly recommended. Especially if the location is within a 5-minute walk, travel will be comfortable regardless of the weather.
Furthermore, choosing an area along a major train line or one with few transfers can reduce travel costs and time. The area around the station also boasts a high concentration of supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants, making it extremely convenient for daily life. While rent may be slightly higher in such locations, prioritizing convenience is worthwhile, especially for a short-term stay of just one month.
Properties that prioritize security and facilities
If you're a woman living alone or using a monthly rental for the first time and have concerns, choosing a property with good security and in-room amenities will give you peace of mind.
Properties with features like automatic locks, security cameras, and women-only floors offer a sense of security. Furthermore, amenities that prioritize ease of living, such as bathroom dryers, separate washbasins, and two-burner stoves, can make even a one-month stay comfortable.
If you prioritize peace of mind and comfort, even if it means paying a little more, then you should focus on these amenities when choosing a property.
If you're planning a long-term stay, the middle plan is recommended.
If you anticipate staying for more than a month, or are considering extending your stay, choosing a middle-length plan for 30 to 90 days will be more cost-effective. Many monthly apartments offer discounts based on the length of stay, with lower daily rates for middle-length and longer plans.
Furthermore, cleaning fees and contract fees are often fixed, and extension procedures are smooth. If you want flexibility in the future, it's best to choose the middle plan from the start.
Furnished apartments are also an option.
For those who want to move in immediately with everything they need for daily life provided, furnished apartments are extremely convenient. They come fully equipped with a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, bed, air conditioner, and other appliances, eliminating the hassle of moving and the initial purchase costs.
Recently, there has been an increase in properties equipped with Wi-Fi and smart locks, making it possible to enjoy a fulfilling life even on a short-term stay. The ease of being able to move in with just one piece of luggage makes it a perfect option for singles or business travelers who want to save time and effort.
Cross House offers furnished apartments available for stays as short as one month. Please search to see what properties are available.
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FAQ
When considering renting a monthly apartment for a month, many people have practical questions such as "flexibility of the contract period," "screening requirements," and "rules for cancellation." To avoid problems during the actual contract and use, it is important to be aware of frequently asked questions in advance.
Here, we'll provide a clear explanation of four common search questions.
Can I use it for less than a month?
As a general rule, "monthly apartments" require a contract of one month or longer, but some properties may accommodate shorter stays of one to three weeks. However, stays of less than one month are often treated as "weekly apartments," and the daily cost tends to be higher.
Additionally, since cleaning and management fees are charged at a fixed rate, the cost-effectiveness may decrease the shorter your stay. If you are considering a short-term stay, choose a company that offers weekly rentals or short-term-only plans.
Is it possible to extend my monthly apartment rental?
Many monthly apartments allow extensions, but the conditions vary depending on the property's availability and contract type. If you wish to extend your stay, it is important to contact the management company as soon as possible to confirm whether an extension is possible and what the fees will be. Some plans may offer discounts on the extension period as well as special rates for long stays.
On the other hand, extensions may not be possible if there is another reservation, so it's reassuring to choose a property that is flexible.
Can I borrow money even if I'm unemployed or a student?
Monthly apartments often have less stringent screening processes than regular rentals, and there are many properties that can be rented even by unemployed people or students. In many cases, you can sign a contract with just identification documents (ID) and contact information, and the number of properties that do not require a guarantor is also increasing.
However, depending on the property, you may be asked to show your student ID, obtain parental consent, or provide proof of income. Checking in advance and preparing the necessary documents will help ensure a smooth contract process.
Can I cancel the contract midway?
Monthly apartments are generally based on fixed-term or short-term lease agreements, so in principle, early termination is not permitted, or even if you terminate the contract, you will often not receive a refund for the remaining contract period.
However, there are exceptions where some operators offer flexible options such as "partial refunds if notified more than a week in advance" or "early termination is OK if a fee is paid." Always check the "cancellation policy" before signing a contract, and if your plans may change, choose a plan that allows for easy extension or shortening.
summary
When renting a monthly apartment for one month, it's important to understand things like "average costs," "breakdown of fees," "tips for choosing a property," and "overall picture of initial costs."
In central Tokyo and Osaka, the going rate is between 100,000 and 150,000 yen per month, but in the suburbs and rural areas, you can find properties starting from around 60,000 yen per month. Furthermore, since there is no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, and furniture, appliances, and internet are provided, it can be said to be a very suitable way to live for short periods.
By taking advantage of promotions and carefully selecting amenities, you can wisely save on your monthly accommodation costs. Choose the perfect property that suits your purpose and lifestyle to enjoy a comfortable monthly stay.
