Accommodation for International Students

On-Campus Housing

Off-Campus Housing

There are a number of apartments and condominiums near the campus. When you look for an apartment, you must go to a real estate agency and tell them what you are looking for in a place to live.

The monthly rent varies depending on the location, the age of the building, and whether the room comes with certain equipment and furniture. The average monthly rent for a 6 tatami (the size of one tatami is on average between 176cm-191cm x 88cm-95.5cm) room with a kitchen, a bath, and a toilet in the city of Tsukuba, would be between 30,000 and 50,000 yen. In Japan, the rent is paid prior to the beginning of the month, so you must be careful not to fall behind with the payment.

When you sign the lease, you must pay a deposit (Shikikin) and key money (Reikin), usually equivalent to 1-2 months of the rent, and a commission.

Shikikin:

This is a rental deposit paid to the landlord when you first rent an apartment. On principle you will receive the deposit back when you move out the apartment; however, usually this is the amount that covers the repair costs.

Reikin:

This is key money, meaning "gratuity fee", in Japanese and is non-refundable.

Commission fee:

This is handling charge you pay the real estate agency, when you choose to rent an apartment through an agency.

When you rent an apartment, you must have a joint guarantor, take out fire insurance and pay fees related to them. Ask the real estate agency for any details on the matter.

Joint Guarantor:

In Japan, if you wish to move into a privately owned apartment, you must have a joint guarantor. Usually a family member will be the guarantor. However, if you cannot find one, you can pay a guarantee charge to a guarantee company that has partnership with the real estate agency.

Fire Insurance:

This covers household property damages by fire, lightning, water, leak, etc. You are required to arrange fire insurance with "personal liability insurance" which covers damages having occurred as a result of your negligence.

To International Students

When you apply to a guarantee company, you must have emergency contact information within Japan. If you do not have one, please contact the office of the Tsukuba Futureship Association for International Student Support (Division of Student Exchange).

【Moving Out】

You must inform the real estate agency of the date you plan to leave, 1 to 2 months prior to vacating. If you inform the agency too close to the date, you might need to pay an extra rent. Also, your room should be in the condition as it was when you moved in. Make sure you understand the conditions in your contract regarding restoration and termination of contract.