Is the screening process for share house applicants strict? Or lenient?
The screening process for share houses is often said to be "relatively lenient" compared to regular rental properties, but each property has different standards. In regular condominiums and apartments, income and the presence or absence of a guarantor are important, but in share houses, the emphasis tends to be on "whether communal living can be carried out smoothly."
However, not all share houses are lenient in their screening process, and in popular properties or concept-based share houses (art, international exchange, business, etc.), you may not pass the screening unless you meet certain standards. For this reason, it is important to understand in advance what kind of screening process will be carried out and what the checkpoints are.
Points to be checked during the share house screening
The following points are emphasized in the screening process for applicants to share houses. The basic criteria for the screening are whether the applicant can live smoothly with other residents without falling behind on rent.
Occupation and income status
When screening for a share house, the applicant is checked to see if they have a stable income. In particular, if there is no "guarantor company screening" like in a rental contract, the management company or owner will often directly check the applicant's ability to pay.
- Occupations that are likely to pass the screening: Full-time employee, civil servant, freelance (if you have a stable income)
- Occupations where screening may be stricter: Unemployed, part-time only, freelancers who cannot provide proof of income
Even if you are unemployed or only working part-time, there is a good chance that you will pass the screening if you can provide proof of bank balance and a guarantor.
Emergency contact and guarantor
Compared to regular rental properties, many shared houses do not require a guarantor, but you will usually be asked to submit emergency contact information.
Why emergency contacts are required
- Dealing with rent arrears and other problems
- Contact method in case of emergency such as illness or accident
It is best to submit a close family member such as a parent or sibling as the emergency contact. If a property requires a guarantor, it is best to ask a relative or an acquaintance with an income.
Reason for moving
Share house management companies and owners place great importance on why prospective tenants chose to live in a share house.
Positive reasons for moving
- I want to enjoy communal living
- I want to live in a convenient location while keeping costs down.
- I want to expand my network
Reasons why it may create a negative impression
- Had some trouble at the previous property
- I was forced to move out due to a delay in paying rent.
If you have a history of trouble in the past, it will be harder to pass the screening, so make sure to give a positive reason for moving.
Personality and cooperation
Since a share house involves living together with other residents, cooperation is one of the most important aspects.
Points that are judged to be cooperative
- Calm and communicative
- Follow the rules
- A trouble-free personality
Factors that are detrimental to the review
- take an arrogant attitude
- Bad impression during interview (not being able to greet, brusque attitude)
- Have a history of causing trouble in communal living situations
How you respond during interviews and viewings will affect the outcome of the screening, so be sure to respond politely.
Cleanliness and grooming
Cleanliness during interviews and viewings is also a major factor in the screening process. Management companies place great importance on first impressions in order to determine whether prospective tenants are suitable for communal living.
Positive points in the examination
- Wear clean, simple clothing (it doesn't have to be a suit, just clean, simple clothing)
- Neat hairstyle and grooming
- Keep your shoes and belongings clean
Negative points in the examination
- Extremely sloppy clothing (worn clothes, dirty shoes)
- Stubble, bedhead, unkempt hair
- Strong body odor or cigarette odor
In particular, you should be careful about odors and sloppy dress, as these may give a bad impression to the management company and owner.
Gender and age restrictions
There are many different types of share houses, including unisex, men-only, women-only, and properties with age restrictions.
Share house with gender restrictions
- Women-only share house (emphasis on crime prevention and comfort)
- Share house for men only (with co-working space, etc.)
Age-restricted share house
- 18-39 years old only (for young people)
- Ages 30 and over only (calm atmosphere)
- Shared house for seniors (for people 50 and over)
If the share house you want to live in has age or gender restrictions, it is important to choose a property that meets your requirements.
Compatibility with the property concept
Recently, there has been an increase in share houses with a specific concept. The screening process often involves checking whether the residents' values match up with each other.
Examples of concept-based share houses
- English learning share house (mainly for interacting with foreigners)
- A share house for creators (mostly designers and engineers)
- Sports and health-oriented share house (gym attached, healthy lifestyle)
With properties like these, people who do not fit the concept may not pass the screening, so it is important to choose a property that suits your lifestyle.
If you would like to know more about share houses for creators, please read this article.
Share house application screening process
The screening process for sharehouse tenants is often simpler than for regular rental properties, but there are some basic checks that must be done. Here, we will explain the screening process in five easy steps.
① Application for residence
First, choose the share house you want to live in and apply to the management company or owner. Usually, applications are made via a web form or email.
② Document review (ID, income proof, etc.)
After applying, you will need to submit identification (driver's license or passport) and proof of income (salary statement or proof of bank balance). Depending on the share house, proof of income may not be required.
③ Interview/phone confirmation
If you pass the document screening, you may be asked to meet with the management company or owner for an interview or a phone call. This is to determine whether you will be able to live there without any problems with other tenants.
④ Notification of the screening results
After the interview, you will be notified of the results within a few days. Usually, it takes about 3 to 7 days. If you pass the screening, you can proceed to the contract procedure.
⑤ Contract and move-in procedures
If you pass the inspection, you will sign a contract and pay the initial fees (deposit, key money, security deposit, etc.). After that, you will receive the keys and your move will be complete.
Characteristics of people who fail the share house screening
The screening process for sharehouses is more flexible than for regular rental properties, but there are certain standards to prevent any issues after moving in. Here we will introduce the characteristics of people who are likely to fail the screening process.
People who are extremely bad at communication
Since a share house is a communal living environment, smooth communication between residents is required.
- No greetings
- Unable to carry out basic conversation
- Behavior that may cause trouble with other residents
Such people may be deemed "unsuitable for communal living" and fail the screening process.
People who are unsure about their ability to pay
Share house management companies place great importance on whether rent can be paid properly.
- Unemployed and no income
- Unstable income and expected delays in payments
- Have a history of not paying rent in the past
If any of these apply to you, the screening process may be stricter. You may be reassured if you provide proof of income and savings.
A person who makes a false declaration
If you lie about your income, occupation, or past history of trouble when applying, you are more likely to fail the screening.
- Reporting more income than you actually have
- Falsifying your place of employment or guarantor
- Hiding troubles at a previous share house
Management companies place a lot of importance on credibility, so it is important to be honest about your declarations.
Someone who doesn't seem to follow the rules
Share houses have rules regarding common spaces and trash disposal.
- Be arrogant during the interview
- Have had problems living together in the past
- Answer the manager's questions appropriately
This kind of attitude will make people wary of you as a potential troublemaker and may result in you being rejected.
People who don't fit the concept of the property
Recently, there has been an increase in "concept-based" shared houses that have a specific purpose.
- English learning share house → No interest in English at all
- Share house for creators → Not doing creative work
- Women-only share house → Men apply
If it does not fit the concept, it will be difficult to pass the screening, so it is important to choose a property that suits you.
Key points for passing the share house screening
The screening process for share houses is more flexible than for regular rental properties, but you may still be rejected. In order to pass the screening smoothly, be sure to keep the following points in mind.
Be aware of minimum morals and manners
In a share house, you will be living with other residents, so basic manners are required. It is important to greet others, follow the rules, and be polite during interviews. Arrogant behavior or lack of common sense will leave a bad impression and cause you to fail the screening.
Be prepared to prove your income and ability to pay
Since your ability to pay the rent is important, prepare your pay slip and proof of bank balance. If you can show that you have a stable income, it will be easier to pass the screening. If you need a guarantor, it is a good idea to discuss this in advance.
Do not report false information
If you lie about your occupation or income when applying, your application may be rejected. Management companies place importance on credibility, so it is important to be honest. If you are worried about your income, it is a good idea to explain that you have savings or family support.
Create a good impression by being conscious of cleanliness
When you go to an interview or viewing, make sure to dress neatly and keep your hair and appearance neat. Sloppy clothing and a strong body odor will leave a bad impression. Cleanliness is important in communal living, so making a good first impression is key to passing the screening.
What to do if you fail the share house screening
The screening process for share houses is more flexible than for regular rental properties, but you may still fail the screening. However, there is no need to give up if you fail. If you review the reasons why you did not pass the screening and take measures, you will have a higher chance of being able to move into another property. Here are some specific steps to take if you fail the screening.
Find other share houses (consider properties without screening)
Since the screening criteria differ depending on the share house, it is effective to look for a different property. It is easier to pass if you choose a share house with a loose screening, or a property that does not require a guarantor or screening. Consult with the management company and find a property that suits you.
Improve your income and guarantor status
If the reason you were rejected is because of income or a guarantor, think about ways to improve it. You can increase your chances of passing the screening by providing proof of income, increasing your deposit balance, or asking a relative or acquaintance to act as a guarantor.
Reassess your impressions
Impressions made during interviews and document screenings are also important. Simply being well-groomed and conscious of cleanliness can make a big difference in your impression. It is also important to speak clearly during interviews and demonstrate your suitability for communal living.
summary
The screening process for sharehouses is often more flexible than for regular rental properties, but emphasis is placed on suitability for communal living and ability to repay. To pass the screening, it is important to be willing to follow the rules and give the impression of cleanliness. If you fail the screening, you should take measures such as looking for another property or providing proof of income and a guarantor. Finding a sharehouse that suits you will allow you to start a comfortable communal life.
