Are the application processes for shared housing strict or lenient?
While the application process for shared housing is often said to be "relatively lenient" compared to typical rental properties, different criteria are set for each property. In typical apartments and condominiums, income and the presence of a guarantor are considered important, but in shared housing, the emphasis tends to be on whether the applicant can "live together smoothly."
However, not all share houses are lenient with their screening process. Popular properties and concept-based share houses (art, international exchange, business-oriented, etc.) may require applicants to meet certain criteria to pass the screening. Therefore, it is important to understand the screening process and checkpoints beforehand.
Points checked during the screening process for a shared house
The following points are emphasized in the screening process for applying to a shared house. Basically, the criteria for screening are whether you can "pay rent on time and live smoothly with other residents."
Occupation and income status
During the screening process for shared housing, whether or not you have a stable income is checked. In particular, when there is no "guarantor company screening" like in rental agreements, the management company or owner will often directly verify the tenant's ability to pay.
- Occupations that are more likely to pass the screening process: Full-time employees, civil servants, freelancers (if they have a stable income)
- Occupations that may face stricter scrutiny: Unemployed, part-time workers only, freelancers unable to provide proof of income.
Even if you are unemployed or working part-time, you have a good chance of passing the screening process if you can provide proof of bank balance and a co-signer.
Emergency contacts and guarantors
While many shared houses do not require a guarantor compared to regular rentals, it is common to be asked to provide emergency contact information.
Why emergency contact information is required
- Handling rent arrears and other problems.
- Emergency contact methods in case of illness or accident
Ideally, you should list a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, as your emergency contact. For properties that require a guarantor, it's best to ask a relative or a friend with a stable income.
Reason for moving
Share house management companies and owners place great importance on understanding "why a prospective tenant chose to live in a share house."
Positive reasons for moving
- I want to enjoy living together.
- I want to live in a convenient location while keeping costs down.
- I want to expand my network of contacts.
Reasons why it might give a negative impression
- I had trouble with the previous property.
- I was forced to move out because I couldn't pay the rent.
Having a history of past problems can make it harder to pass the screening process, so be sure to state a positive reason for moving.
Personality and teamwork
In a shared house, where you live together with other residents, "cooperativeness" is one of the most important qualities.
Points that indicate cooperativeness
- Calm and communicative
- Can follow the rules
- A personality that rarely causes trouble
Factors that may negatively impact the review
- To act arrogantly
- Poor impression during the interview (unable to greet properly, brusque attitude)
- They have a history of causing trouble in cohabitation.
Your demeanor during interviews and property viewings will influence the outcome of the screening process, so be sure to answer questions politely and respectfully.
Cleanliness and personal grooming
"Cleanliness" during interviews and viewings is also a major factor in the selection process. Management companies place importance on first impressions to determine if a prospective tenant is suitable for communal living.
Points that will be a plus in the review process
- Clean and presentable attire (suit not required, just clean and simple clothing)
- Neat hairstyle and grooming
- Keep your shoes and belongings clean.
Points that will negatively impact your application
- Extremely sloppy attire (worn-out clothes, dirty shoes)
- Unkempt beard, bedhead, unkempt hairstyle
- Strong body odor or cigarette smell
In particular, unpleasant odors and disheveled clothing can create a bad impression on the management company or owner, so it's important to be careful.
Gender and age restrictions
Share houses come in various types, including mixed-gender, male-only, female-only, and properties with age restrictions.
Gender-restricted shared housing
- Women-only shared housing (emphasizing security and comfort)
- Male-only shared housing (with attached co-working space, etc.)
Share house with age restrictions
- Limited to ages 18-39 (for young people)
- Ages 30 and over only (calm atmosphere)
- Senior-friendly shared housing (for those aged 50 and over)
If the shared housing you're interested in has age or gender restrictions, it's important to choose a property that meets your specific requirements.
Compatibility with the property's concept
Recently, there has been an increase in shared housing with specific concepts. During the screening process, it's sometimes necessary to check whether the residents share compatible values.
Examples of concept-based shared housing
- English language learning share house (primarily focused on interaction with foreigners)
- Shared housing for creators (mostly designers and engineers)
- Sports and health-oriented shared housing (with attached gym, health-conscious)
In properties like these, people who don't fit the concept may not pass the screening process, so it's important to choose a property that suits your lifestyle.
If you'd like to learn more about shared housing for creators, please check out this article.
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The process of applying for tenancy at a shared house.
While the application process for shared housing is often simpler than for typical rentals, a minimum level of verification is still conducted. Here, we'll explain the application process in five easy steps.
① Application for tenancy
First, you choose a shared house you want to live in and apply to the management company or owner. This is usually done via a web form or email.
② Document screening (identification, proof of income, etc.)
After applying, you will need to submit identification documents (such as a driver's license or passport) and proof of income (such as pay stubs or bank statements). Some share houses may not require proof of income.
③ In-person/telephone confirmation
If you pass the initial document screening, you may be asked to meet with the management company or owner for an interview or phone call. This is to determine if you can live without causing problems with other residents.
④ Notification of the review results
You will be notified of the results of the screening within a few days after the interview. The results are usually available within 3 to 7 days. If you pass the screening, you will proceed to the contract procedures.
⑤ Contract and move-in procedures
Once your application is approved, you'll sign a contract and pay the initial fees (security deposit, key money, guarantee deposit, etc.). After that, you'll receive the keys and your move will be complete.
Characteristics of people who fail the screening process for shared housing.
While the screening process for shared housing is more flexible than for typical rentals, there are certain criteria in place to prevent problems after moving in. Here, we introduce the characteristics of people who are likely to fail the screening process.
People who are extremely bad at communication
Since shared housing involves communal living, smooth communication among residents is essential.
- Don't greet
- Unable to have even the most basic conversations.
- A behavior that is likely to cause trouble with other residents
Such individuals may be deemed "unsuitable for communal living" and may fail the screening process.
People who have concerns about their ability to pay
Share house management companies prioritize whether tenants can reliably pay their rent.
- Unemployed and no income
- Income is unstable and payment delays are expected.
- Previously, there is a history of rent arrears.
If any of these apply to you, the screening process may become stricter. Providing proof of income and savings can also help reassure your applicant.
People who make false declarations
If you falsify information such as your income, occupation, or past trouble history when applying, you are highly likely to be rejected.
- Overreporting income
- Falsifying information about one's workplace or guarantor
- Hiding the troubles from the previous shared house
Since property management companies value their reputation, it's important to be honest when reporting your situation.
People who don't seem likely to follow the rules
Share houses have rules regarding shared spaces and things like garbage disposal.
- Taking an arrogant attitude during an interview
- They have caused trouble in cohabitation in the past.
- Give vague answers to the management company's questions.
Such behavior can raise suspicions that you might be a "troublemaker," and may result in your application being rejected.
People who don't fit the property's concept
Recently, there has been an increase in "concept-type" shared housing properties that serve a specific purpose.
- English learning share house → No interest in English at all
- Share house for creators → People who don't do creative work
- Women-only share house → Men apply
Choosing a property that fits your concept will make it harder to pass the screening process, so it's important to choose a property that suits you.
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Key points for passing the screening process for a shared house.
While the screening process for shared housing is more flexible than for typical rentals, it's still possible to be rejected. To increase your chances of passing the screening smoothly, keep the following points in mind.
Be mindful of basic morals and manners.
Living in a shared house requires basic manners because you'll be sharing living space with other residents. It's important to greet others, follow the rules, and maintain a polite demeanor during interviews. Arrogant behavior or inconsiderate actions will create a bad impression and may lead to your application being rejected.
Prepare to prove your income and ability to pay.
Since your ability to pay rent is a key factor, prepare documents such as pay stubs and bank statements. Demonstrating a stable income will increase your chances of passing the screening process. If a guarantor is required, it's best to discuss this in advance.
Do not report false information
Falsifying your occupation or income when applying will likely result in your application being rejected. Since property management companies prioritize trustworthiness, it's crucial to be honest. If you have concerns about your income, it's a good idea to explain that you have savings or family support.
Focus on cleanliness to make a good impression
When attending interviews or viewings, make sure to dress neatly and pay attention to your hairstyle and overall appearance. Sloppy attire and strong body odor will create a bad impression. Cleanliness is highly valued in shared living situations, so making a good first impression is key to passing the screening process.
What to do if you fail the screening process for a shared house.
While the screening process for shared housing is more flexible than for typical rentals, it's still possible to be rejected. However, there's no need to give up if you're rejected. By reviewing the reasons for your rejection and taking appropriate measures, you can increase your chances of finding another property. Here, we'll introduce specific ways to deal with being rejected during the screening process.
Search for other shared housing options (consider properties that don't require a screening process).
Since the screening criteria vary from one share house to another, it's a good idea to look for a different property. Choosing a share house with less stringent screening criteria, or one that doesn't require a guarantor or screening, will increase your chances of approval. Consult with the management company to find a property that suits you.
Improve income and guarantor requirements
If your application was rejected due to income or guarantor issues, consider ways to improve the situation. Providing proof of income, increasing your bank balance, or asking relatives or friends to act as guarantors can significantly increase your chances of approval.
Re-evaluating my own impression
The impression you make during interviews and document screenings is also important. Simply being well-groomed and paying attention to cleanliness can make a big difference in how you are perceived. In addition, it is important to speak clearly and confidently during interviews and to demonstrate your suitability for communal living.
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summary
While the application process for shared housing is often more flexible than for typical rentals, suitability for communal living and financial ability are still important factors. To pass the screening, it's crucial to demonstrate a willingness to follow rules and give a clean and tidy impression. If you fail the screening, you should look for other properties or prepare alternatives such as proof of income or a guarantor. Finding a shared house that suits you will allow you to start a comfortable communal living experience.
