Finding an Apartment Leasing an Apartment1. Security Deposit and Key Money
Average monthly rent for a single room in Tokushima City is about 25,000 yen to 60,000 yen, but since renters need to pay following charges apart from the monthly rent for the first month, students are advised to prepare a fund equal to 6-7 times of your monthly rent:
2. About Gurrantor for Housing
In Japan, renters need to find a gurrantor before they rent an apartment. If you could not find a guarantor, please consult with the International Affairs Division.
About TU Guarantor System for International Students
Tokushima University (TU) started a guarantor system for international students that TU acts as a guarantor when you rent an apartment. In order to use this system, an internatinal student has to be registered at TU and make a contract on the “Renters’ Insurance for foreign students living in Japan.” However, this system requires the consent of both the lender and the real estate company. You will need to obtain a consent form from both the real estate company and the lender to indicate that they have given their consent. If they do not agree, please consult with the real estate company as there are private guarantee companies available (e.g., GTN Rental Guarantor Service).
About Housing Insurance
When you rent an apartment, please be sure to enroll in the Comprehensive Renters’Insurance for Foreign Students Studying in Japan.
For details, please see the guidance booklet.
Other Important Issues
Requesting New Electricity, Gas and Water Services
After you completed housing contract, you need to apply for electricity, gas and water services.In case you feel it difficult to apply for those services by yourself, you may ask your landlord or real estate agency for help.
Electricity
To start receiving electricity, contact the electric company and switch the circuit breaker on your switchboard to 入 (on).
For details, please contact the service provider: Shikoku Electrical Company
Gas
There are two different types of gas service: City Gas and propane gas. First check which type is used in your residence, and be sure to use compatible appliances. (It could cause a very serious accident if you use an appliance, such as a cooking stove, which is not compatible with your gas supply.)
City Gas: Contact Shikoku Gas
Someone from the gas company will come to your home and connect your gas system.
Propane gas: Contact your nearest propane gas supplier
You should find the name of the propane gas supplier on a tag or sticker attached to the
gas cylinder.
Water
Contact your local Water Board for connection or cancellation of your water supply. Your water meter will be read every month or every two months. You can pay your water bill at any nearby financial institution.
Contact the Water Board in your city, town, or village.
Telephone
Installing a Telephone in your Apartment
Please contact nearest NTT office and directly apply for the installment.
Required Documents:
・ Valid Passport or Alien Registration Card
・ Contract Form
・ Contract Fees
To Buy a Mobile Phone
You can buy a mobile phone if your visa is valid for at least another 120 days.
Since many service providers sell various different types of contracts and services, you should better ask your Japanese friends for help when you buy a mobile phone.Required Documents:
・ Residence Card showing at least 120 days remaining
・ Personal seal for application form
・ Bank book
・ The personal seal used on your bank book
Internet
Please ask your landlord about the available internet service.
