[By Type] How to Choose a Share House
The type of share house that suits you best depends on your purpose and lifestyle. First, try to find the one that best fits you from the three main types. Applying this to Cross House's living arrangements, we can organize them as follows. If you're wondering, "Is a share house even right for me?", please also see our section on reasons why people say you should avoid share houses, their disadvantages, and points to consider when choosing one .
1. Interaction-focused type — Share house with a living room
For those who want to enjoy interacting with other residents, a share house with a common living room is ideal. It provides opportunities to naturally see each other, creating an environment where it's easy to make friends. It's popular with people who have just moved to Tokyo and don't know anyone, as well as those who want to enjoy international exchange with foreign residents.
- Suitable for: People who want to make more friends / People who enjoy talking to others / People who enjoy socializing
- Note: Those who prefer a quiet environment may find the noise level bothersome.
2. Privacy-focused type — Shared apartment (SA-XROSS series)
For those who value their alone time, the "Shared Apartment (SA-XROSS series)" offers private rooms with locks and shared bathroom facilities. It combines the best aspects of both shared housing and independent living, offering a sense of individuality without a shared living room while keeping costs down.
- Suitable for: People who want to concentrate on work or studies / People who want to maintain a moderate distance / People who want to live a quiet life
- Note: Opportunities for interaction are limited. Those seeking a lively atmosphere may find it lacking.
3. Fully private room type — Furnished apartment with appliances
For those who prioritize complete independence and do not want to use shared facilities, there is also the option of a furnished apartment (studio/1K) where you can have your own bathroom and kitchen. Since it comes furnished, you can move in with just a bag and start living there immediately.
- Suitable for: People who prioritize privacy above all else / People who want to live at their own pace
- Note: The rent is set higher than the other two types.
Once you have a better idea of the type of property that suits you, let's use the following "5 points" to carefully select a specific property.
How to choose a share house you won't regret! 5 key points
Once you've decided on the type of property you want, it's time to compare individual properties. Here are five key points to keep in mind to help you avoid major mistakes.
1. Rent and utilities (viewed as total monthly amount)
Since rent is a fixed monthly expense, it's important to choose a property that fits your income. A good guideline is "no more than one-third of your net monthly income." What's often overlooked here are expenses other than rent.
Things to check regarding monthly payments
- In addition to the rent, there are also common area fees, management fees, utilities (water, electricity, gas), and Wi-Fi fees.
- Are those included in the rent, or are they paid separately? (Compare the total cost)
- Initial costs at the time of signing the contract and costs incurred upon moving out.
In the case of Cross House, the common area fees (including utilities and shared amenities) for share houses and share apartments are fixed, making it easy to predict monthly payments.
2. Location and distance from the station
If you commute to work or school, be sure to check the distance and access from the nearest station. Ideally, it should be within a 10-minute walk; anything over 15 minutes can easily become a burden on your daily commute. It's also a good idea to check if there are supermarkets or convenience stores nearby and if the streets are safe at night.
3. Facilities (both shared and private rooms)
Facilities are a major factor in determining how livable a place is. In particular, in shared housing, whether the shared facilities are sufficient for the number of residents is a key point.
Things to check with the equipment
- Shared facilities: Number of kitchens, showers, and toilets (is it sufficient for the number of residents?), Wi-Fi speed, number of washing machines and rules for their use.
- Private room: Availability of furniture and appliances such as bed, desk, storage, and air conditioner; windows, sunlight, and soundproofing.
Please also check out our guide on how to use and enjoy the common spaces in a shared house .
4. The atmosphere of the residents
The comfort level of a shared house depends on your compatibility with the other residents. Whether it's mainly working professionals or students, whether the atmosphere is lively or quiet, and whether their lifestyles align with yours – these are all factors that are difficult to discern from photos alone. Therefore, it's reassuring to check with the management company beforehand about the residents' demographics and the house rules. Those who prioritize privacy may also find the information on important points for ensuring privacy in a shared house helpful.
5. Management system of the operating company
It's surprisingly easy to overlook, but the quality of management by the operating company directly impacts the living experience. Be sure to check the frequency of cleaning, how quickly they respond when equipment breaks down, and their policy for handling disputes between residents.
At Cross House, a cleaning company comes to the common areas once a week, and we also provide an emergency contact number in case of trouble. We offer support in multiple languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean), so foreign residents can consult with us with peace of mind.
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Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
How to find a shared house — A way to avoid mistakes without visiting the property in person
Once you understand the key points to consider when choosing a property, you can start actually searching for one. Nowadays, you can make a good decision using only online information without even having to go to a viewing. This article introduces a search method that helps busy people and those moving to Tokyo from far away or overseas to avoid making mistakes.
1. Decide on your desired conditions.
First, decide on your "maximum rent," "area and commute time," "room type (emphasis on social interaction/emphasis on privacy/completely private room)," and "whether or not you want furniture and appliances." Once you have clear criteria, you can efficiently narrow down your search for properties.
2. Check the conditions, photos, and panoramas online.
On the official website, you can check floor plans, photos, 360-degree panoramas, rent, and information on shared facilities. By combining photos and panoramas, you can get a pretty concrete idea of the room size, cleanliness, and atmosphere of the common areas without actually visiting. If you have any questions, you can ask the management company directly and get answers, which should resolve most of your concerns.
3. Make your decision through online viewing and web contract.
Cross House has a system in place that allows you to choose an apartment without visiting our office. We offer online viewings via video call, and contracts can be completed entirely online. You can even sign a contract while overseas. Even if you "don't have time to visit a property" or "are not yet in Japan," you can proceed with the application process with peace of mind.
Reasons why you can make a decision with confidence without visiting the store
- Find out the details online : You can check the floor plan, photos, panoramas, rent, and amenities on the official website.
- Online viewing and web contract : Check the interior via video call; no need to visit our office until the contract is finalized. Contracts can be made even from overseas.
- If it doesn't suit you, you can move : If it's not what you expected after living there, you can move between properties free of charge (moving across prefectures and changing room types are also OK).
- Move in as little as 7 days : Start your new life quickly after applying.
With the understanding that you can move if it doesn't suit you, you can choose with peace of mind without being fixated on viewing the property in person. First, try looking at the conditions of the rooms you're interested in online.
Cross House is an easy choice even for those living in a shared house for the first time.
Since its establishment in 2007, Cross House has been operating share houses, shared apartments, and furnished apartments, serving over 50,000 people to date. We operate primarily in Tokyo, but also in 11 other prefectures (Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Aichi, Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido), with new properties being added every month. As the operating company itself, we can provide you with realistic and up-to-date information about our properties.
Three types of housing and estimated costs
| item | Share house | Shared Apartments (SA-XROSS Series) | Furnished apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room configuration | Private room + shared living room + shared bathroom | Private room with lock + shared bathroom facilities (no living room) | A fully private studio apartment/1K with a private bathroom/kitchen area. |
| Rent range | From 24,800 yen | From 40,000 yen | From 50,000 yen |
| Initial cost | 30,000 yen | 30,000 yen | 30,000 yen (with campaign discount; normally 50,000 yen) |
| For people like this | People who want to enjoy interacting with others | For those who want to balance their private life and budget | People who prefer to live completely alone |
All three types of accommodations offer the following benefits: no security deposit, no key money, no brokerage fees , furnished with appliances , move-in as short as 7 days , and free transfers between properties . Minimum rental period is one month, and there are no penalties for early termination.
To avoid any surprises later on, we will inform you of all costs related to moving out and contract signing upfront. The contract is a one-year fixed-term lease agreement. In addition to the monthly rent, there is a safety support fee (1,500 yen per month, tax included), and for share houses and shared apartments, there is a common area maintenance fee (a fixed rate including utilities and shared amenities). Upon moving out, there is a cancellation administrative fee (16,500 yen for share houses / 55,000 yen for furnished apartments, both tax included), and if you renew the contract, there is a re-contract administrative fee (11,000 yen for share houses / 22,000 yen for furnished apartments, tax included). Knowing the costs upfront will allow you to choose a place to live that fits your budget. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
FAQ
What is the most important point to consider when choosing a shared house?
The five key factors are "rent (total), location, facilities, the atmosphere among the residents, and the management system of the operating company." In particular, when it comes to rent, it's important to compare the total monthly amount including common area fees and utilities, and when it comes to facilities, make sure that there are enough shared toilets and showers for the number of residents. These are the keys to avoiding regrets.
Is it more likely to make a mistake if I don't go to see the property in person?
Not necessarily. Nowadays, you can check the cleanliness, size, and even the atmosphere of the common areas through photos, 360-degree panoramas, and online viewings (video calls). Cross House supports online contracts, and you can even sign a contract from overseas. Furthermore, there is no charge for moving between properties, so if you move in and it doesn't suit you, you can move again, and you can make a decision with peace of mind without visiting the office.
How much are the initial costs for moving into a shared house?
While it varies by property, for Cross House, the initial cost for a share house is 30,000 yen, and for a furnished apartment, it's 30,000 yen during the campaign (normally 50,000 yen). Neither requires a security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee. However, a cancellation fee (16,500 yen including tax for share houses) is charged upon moving out. Understanding both the move-in and move-out costs will make it easier to compare total costs.
What should I do if I live there and it doesn't suit me?
With Cross House, moving between properties is free. You can move across prefectures or change room types. The free fees include the cancellation processing fee for your previous property and the initial costs for your new property (in the case of individual contracts, the initial guarantee fee may be charged again depending on the guarantee company's re-screening). The minimum rental period is one month, and there are no penalties for early termination, so you can move flexibly to suit changes in your lifestyle.
Are there any women-only share houses?
Some properties have female-only areas, floors, or rooms. Availability varies by area and property, so please let us know when you inquire if you have any specific requirements so we can find a property that suits you.
Can foreign nationals rent here?
Yes. Crosshouse provides support in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, and many foreign nationals use our services. We offer online communication and contract services, so you can start the application process even while you're overseas, before you even arrive in Japan.
summary
When choosing a share house, first decide which type suits you best: "emphasis on interaction," "emphasis on privacy," or "completely private room." Then, check these five things: "rent, location, facilities, residents, and management system." This will significantly reduce the risk of regret.
And now, with photos, panoramas, and online viewings, you can thoroughly assess a property without even visiting in person. Cross House allows you to check floor plans and conditions online, and you can sign a contract online without having to visit in person (even from overseas). There is no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, furniture and appliances are included, you can move in as little as 7 days, and if it doesn't suit you after living there, you can move to another property free of charge.
The reassurance that you can move if it doesn't work out makes it easy to take that first step. First, try searching for a room in an area and rent that interests you.
