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Q I don’t speak Japanese well. Is it difficult to rent a room? AWe have a bilingual staff and always pleasure to support. Please make feel free to contact us. Q How long does it take to find an apartment? AAnywhere from 2-6 weeks. The difference in how quick you find a place depends on availability/vacancy, location, your limitations (rent cap, area, type of apartment etc.). We recommend visiting at least 5 properties before making a decision. Q How can I find a furnished apartment? AVisit foreigner-friendly real estate agents listed on the agent list in OSSE and specify your preference for a furnished apartment. Your agent will show you listings of what’s on the market. Q How much does it cost to move? AMoving in Japan can be very expensive and there are many different fees real estate agencies charge. For private apartments you can expect to pay anywhere from 2 months rent up to 6 months rent for the entire move-in costs. This money is expected to be paid at the time you sign on the contract and must be paid in full. Average move-in costs for TUJ students is somewhere around ¥250,000. Guest houses and private dorms in general do not charge such high move-in fees. Q Who should I place under "emergency contact?" AGenerally for Japanese, it will be a relative whom resides within Japan. However, a friend can be accepted if s/he agrees. If you do not have any above, you may place MH as an institution with telephone number of 03-3333-9300. MH cannot be your guarantor. Q What are Shiki-kin / Rei-kin? AShiki-kin is "key" money. This is the actual deposit, and you will usually get this returned when you leave the apartment (minus charges for cleaning, damage, etc.). Rei-kin is "gift" money. This is a “present” given to the landlord to thank him for being so generous as to let you into the property and charging you rent for the pleasure of living there. You will not get any of this refunded. Q How do I pay my rent? AHow to pay will be explained when you sign the contract. Some landlords accept cash payment while others prefer bank wire transfer. Monthly payment is most common. Q How can I get internet connection in my apartment? ASome apartments come with internet connection intact. For apartments without a connection, research and select a provider. You will need to set up an appointment with your provider to come and install the connection. Q Where and how do I sign up and pay my utilities? AIn private apartments either the real estate agent will give you utility information or there will be a plastic bag attached to the door or mailbox that has sign up information in it. To pay for utilities, either sign up for automatic withdraw from your bank account or take the bill to the convenience store to make a cash payment.