Job Discussion Forums

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I have a question for Tokyo residents. Has anybody had good experiences with fudosanyasan, real estate agents who handle rentals, in Tokyo? I'm looking for a place on the Chiyoda Line, and I'm really unsure about who to talk to. I speak Japanese, but not fluently, so I can mostly negotiate for myself. I also have a guarantor.

I know the schtick - key money, deposit, mainainance fees. My question is really about gaijin-friendliness. Any to watch out for? Any good ones?

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

Hi Liz...

I've had mostly good experiences with real estate agents in Tokyo.

All real estate agents (bar one) that I have dealt with have been extremely gaijin-friendly... Or at least they were friendly towards me.

However, the final decision as to whether or not you can rent the place is up to the OWNER, who may or may not be gaijin friendly, and not the real estate agent.

Be prepared for a lot of phone conversations with owners like,

"I have a foreigner from X country who would like to rent this apartment .... Ah, hai, hai wakarimash ita. Sumimasen" Click.

But as far as the real estate agents go, it's business to them... They'll take anyone's money.

I would avoid however, local family-ish real estates run by OLD people. It's less likely that they will be gaijin friendly.

You mentioned Chiyoda line... Unless you're looking arond Nippori/Kita Senju (YUK), be prepared to shell out LOTS of cash. And be prepared to see a whole lot of exhorbitantly priced dingey old hovels.

Good luck.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Azarashi sushi,

Thanks for the advice.

Out east, I've walked through Kita Senju, which looks quaint, walked from Kita Senju station to Ayase Station and seen mostly decent, quiet neighbourhoods. I make a point of scouting before I commit.

The rents Y60,000 to Y80,000 - in Kita Senju, Ayase and Kita Ayase look really reasonable to me - key money/deposit usually 2 months total. I've looked at a few buildings and they seem clean enough.

Which locations are, in your opinion, most hovel-like?

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

If your going to be that far out why don't you go co-op? There are a few out there.

No real estate agents, no landlords, no discrimination, no key money, no gaurrantor and often rennovated units to boot.

http://www.udc.go.jp/

They have offices all over Kanto. You can drop by pick up the information books check for availability in your desired location and book an appointment to look at the place.

You can also check online.

There's someEnglish on the website, but if you don't speak and or read Japanese fairly well you'll need help with the whole process.

Once your in it's great!

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

ruggedtoast · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 81 Location: tokyo

What have you got against poor old Kita Senju? Its not that bad, and some people say that its up and coming!

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

I only just realised that my message was beeped... It should have said "shi t amachi".

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I guess I, too, am more used to grubby and run-down places than some folks. My base line is Vancouver, Canada's east side. I've lived in former marijuana hothouses (affectionately known as grow-ops in my town) and perhaps I'm less squeamish than some folks.

I find danshi to be not that bad... And I guess, for me, Kita Senju is convenient enough for my purposes.

But the input is very useful. Thank you.