Understanding Key Rental Terms・Public housing・Moving Procedures
Understanding Key Rental Terms
- Deposit:Money paid to the landlord when signing a contract. Typically equivalent to 1-3 months' rent, it is used to cover unpaid rent and repair costs when you move out. Any remaining balance after deductions will be refunded.
- Key Money: A non-refundable payment made to the landlord as a gesture of appreciation when signing a contract. It is usually equivalent to 1-2 months' rent.
- Agency Fee: A commission paid to the real estate agent who introduced the property. This is generally equivalent to 1 month's rent.
- Reservation Deposit: A portion of the deposit paid in advance to secure the property you wish to rent. Once paid, the room will not be rented to anyone else. However, if you cancel the contract later, this payment will not be refunded.
- Common Area Fee: A monthly charge for the maintenance and utilities of shared areas in an apartment or condominium (e.g., entrance, hallways). This fee is paid along with the rent.
Public Housing
Each local government has public housing for people who are struggling to find housing. There is a set application period for public housing. Because there are many applicants for public housing, you cannot move in unless you win a lottery, but there are also housing units that you can move into without a lottery. There are also eligibility restrictions such as income and age. For more information, please contact the city hall/management office.
| House name | Eligibility | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Hyogo Prefectural Housing | Single person or household | Please refer to section "3. List of designated managers and the latest local information" in the "Recruitment and management of Hyogo Prefectural Housing" section of the following website. URL |
| Meimai Danchi Student Share House | University students (graduate students) enrolled in a nearby university (graduate school) in Meimai Danchi (Tarumi Ward, Kobe City) | Hyogo Prefecture Housing Development Division TEL: 078-230-8458 URL |
| Hyogo Prefectural Housing Corporation | Single person or household | Hyogo Prefectural Housing Corporation TEL: 078-232-9505 URL |
| Kobe Municipal Housing | Single person or household | Kobe Residential Management Authority Public Housing Recruitment Section TEL: 078-647-9804 URL |
Private Rental Housing
When looking for a private house or apartment, it is convenient to use a real estate agent. The University of Hyogo Co-op also offers assistance with finding accommodations (for a fee), so feel free to consult with them. If you provide details such as your desired rent, apartment size, and transportation needs, they will help you find a house or apartment that meets your requirements.
When renting a property, in addition to the monthly rent, you will need to pay a deposit to the landlord, key money, and a commission to the real estate agent. These costs typically amount to about 5 to 6 months' rent in total. Additionally, you will need a guarantor when signing the rental contract.
Moving Procedures
Notice of termination of rental contract
If you live in a rental property, you must notify your landlord of your intention to terminate the rental contract one to two months before the desired termination date.
The formalities are outlined in your rental agreement.
Request to a moving company
There are many moving companies out there, so we recommend getting quotes from multiple companies.
Garbage disposal
If you have a large amount of garbage when moving, the city office will collect it for a fee. Please contact the office in charge and request collection.
Please follow the designated procedure for disposing of bulky garbage at the designated place on the designated day.
Refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines are not collected as bulky waste. Please ask the retailer where you bought them or the retailer where you will be purchasing them to collect them and pay the recycling fee and collection and transportation fee.
Procedures before moving
Electricity, gas, water
Inform the electricity, gas and water companies of your address, name, phone number and moving date.
It is convenient to contact them with your "customer number" shown on your road meter reading slip or receipt.
If there is any use, you will be billed on the day you move out.
Mail
If you submit a "change of address notification" at a nearby post office, your mail will be forwarded to your new address free of charge for one year (domestic only).
please bring with you proof of identity such as your residence card or health insurance card.
National Health Insurance
If you move out of the city, please return your National Health Insurance card to the relevant office at your local government office.
Necessary notifications after moving (for domestic moves)
Resident card
Changes of address must be made at the local government office of your new address within 14 days of moving.
National Health Insurance
If you have moved from outside the city, you will need to apply for insurance at your local city hall.
Financial Institutions
Notify your bank of the change of address. Please contact your financial institution for details on the procedure.