Job Discussion Forums

MattElz · Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 92 Location: New York, NY, USA

I am in Kyushu with the lingering possibility of a job in Tokyo. If I am offered it, how much is key money?

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Key money is usually 2 months rent. You will most probably be required aswell to pay 2 months rent as deposit and one month rent as an agent's fee. There could also be additional charges for insurance etc. And of course one month's rent in adavnce.

You can count on being up for 6 to 7 months rent upfront.

MattElz · Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 92 Location: New York, NY, USA

what about gaijin houses?

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Usually only about a 20 or 30 thousand yen deposit required

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Whether you have to pay key money depends on the outfit that hires you. Eikaiwas recycle their apartments, so they have already paid the key money years in advance. If they ask you to pay it, tell them to take a hike.

High schools and other mainstream schools usually don't provide housing. They might give you a monthly subisidy, pretty meager at best (10,000 yen or so).

Paul can tell you about university situations.

MattElz · Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 92 Location: New York, NY, USA

But is it possible to find an apartment that doesn't require key money to begin with? The school said they'll sponsor me for an apt, but they wouldn't be able to pay the key money. Are gaijin houses worth it?

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Mike L. · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 519

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

azarashi,

Don't get so worked up. My figure of 50K was purposely low just to show how ridiculous it would be to have to pay for key money when the employer hires you. I am fully aware that prices can be much higher in Tokyo. They are in Hokkaido, too.

To say that "very few places in Tokyo will offer accomodation." piqued my interest. I don't know that many places there, so I can't say who offers what. In the interest of helping others, do you know any?

FWIW:
I did a really quick search on a recent Ohayo Sensei newsletter. What I found was (not surpsingly) pretty scanty, especially concerning whether places pay for key money or not. Here are some rental figures and other details on all of the eikaiwas advertising for FT jobs listed on that one issue.

fukuoka 49K
fukushima 20K plus moving & relocation expenses paid
fukushima 43K (2 places)
fukushima free rent
kobe 50K
hiroshima key money paid
hiroshima 50-56K
ehime key money paid
himeji free rent
osaka semi furnished with free rent
tsukuba no key money needed
nagoya 50K
hamamatsu key money and 1/3 rent paid by employer
chiba 45-60K
saitama 40-50K
kanagawa homestay or shared house (with car provided)
kitazawa 55K

Those last few are in the Tokyo area, so it seems quite possible to find housing for that price range. It just depends on where you want to live and work, I guess.

I know a guy who lives in Ebisu and pays 170,000 yen/month (with four months rent up front).

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Hi Glenski... Sorry about getting worked up!

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any specific places that do or don't offer accomodation (other than the Big4). I just remember from my own experience that it was not at all uncommon for employers to only offer to be the guarrantor on an apartment you find yourself.

MattElz mentioned Tokyo in his post... That's why I said it would be difficult to find a place to rent for 50 000. Of course in Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba, it's totally possible. Depending on where you are in those prefectures, you could be really far or really close to Tokyo.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

In Chiba it is pretty darn difficult to find an apartment near Tokyo for 50,000. On the bright side, finding an apartment without the key money requirement is quite possible.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

MikeL,

Tell it like it is! I just moved into one of those places and it ROCKS!

They also have maintenance people who will come and promptly repair anything.

They immaculately maintain the common areas.

There are sandboxes for the kiddies.

I have a garden that is probably larger in area than many apartments.

We even moved after 2 months to the first floor and got back every cent.

I have a friend who lives in one in Sangenjaya.

One in Chiba. The previous tenant passed away and as a result he pays half rent for 2 years. What's half of 38,000?

And a friend moved into the building next to ours.

Plus, there is no re-up money every 2 years.

I don't know why more people don't live in these places.

Yesterday I read that they will start renting to folks with no income but enough lettuce in the bank.

I call it living.

You know it MikeL!

Oh yeah, the walls are solid concrete. Can't hear a sausage!