Job Discussion Forums

[ESLgeek]

Hi everyone,
It looks like my boyfriend and I might be going to live in Nagoya starting next month. I've been in touch with an agency called Freebell that arranges apartments without key money. Has anyone used them before? Are there other agencies like that in Nagoya? They've quoted us a price of 80,000 yen for 1 bedroom- is this about normal? Unfortunately, it looks like we'd have to rent a bed from them- can we get out of this somehow? Any insights are welcome.

[markle]

I have dealt with Freebell, very good service. I think you can get cheaper or bigger places but it's not as convenient. On the up side Freebell is located a couple mins walk to Nagoya station so you have good acess to the rest of the city. Lots of other gaijin there too.

[stevenbhow]

I've never lived there, but I've heard it can be pretty loud at times. The rent sounds pretty high for a 1 bedroom place, but you are probably paying for the location. I was renting a 4DLK apartment in Chikusa for the same price, but I did have to pay a deposit. You might want to check with the international center. I think they have info about rental agencies.

[Jon Taylor]

Do not use FreeBell. A friend of mine is trying to get out of his freebell housing contract early as the other tenents are loud (making all kinds of noise until 2 and 3am), and the apartments are unclean and poorly maintained.

He contacted Freebell and asked if he could be freed of his contract and they have apologised and have agreed to terminate his contract. An admission of guilt on their side.....


My advice would be to contact a company called Interlink. They have places all over Nagoya and their staff are friendly and used to dealing with foreigners.

Their website, along with a list of available properties can be found at www.interlinknagoya.com.


Good Luck

[gonzarelli]

I stayed in Freebell for nearly a year. Nothing more than a gaijin ghetto. While the location was great, I found the place to be too noisy and crowded. It's right by Nagoya Station so you won't be enjoying too many peaceful moments. No key money was a huge bonus and it was nicely furnished though.

Interlink provides a good service but they are a business that will try to milk you for all you're worth. I moved from Freebell after they helped me find my own place. They found me a lovely and spacious place in a great location near parks etc.

However, they contacted me twice in the first year claiming that I owed them over 100,000 yen in unpaid service fees or whatever they claimed to be. Both times they were proven wrong and both times the owner blamed it on changes in the accounting department. They're a good service but watch out. Keep your receipts and keep accurate records and you will be fine with Interlink.

[Miyazaki]

So, "Freeball" sounds like it might be best for short stays. noisy, dirty places suck but can be tolerated by most if it's in a convenient location and knowing that they're going to be getting something more private, clean and long-term.