Monthly apartments are a popular and convenient choice of accommodation for temporary residents. Similar facilities like budget hotels and regular apartments are also readily available, so you might be wondering what the advantages of staying in a monthly apartment are.

The rent may be a bit more than regular rental apartments, but monthly apartments have their strong points.

Here we’ve listed the pros and cons of staying in a monthly apartment when compared to a regular home for rent.

■The 3 Main Advantages of a Monthly Apartment

Here are the top three things that make monthly apartments so appealing.

◇Simple Application Process

Signing a contract for a room can usually be done through the internet, email, or post. Send in a copy of your ID and you won’t even have to step foot into a real estate office. Most places don’t require a guarantor unless you’re underage. You can even find apartments that will let you move in as soon as you’ve signed the papers.

◇Fully Furnished Homes

Everything you need for a comfortable stay will be prepared by the management company. This includes utilities like electricity, water, and gas. Rooms are equipped with basic furniture and appliances such as bedding, washer, refrigerator, and more. Most places will have shampoo, detergent, and toilet paper for you to use as well. All you have to do is bring your bag.

◇No Security Deposit, Key Money, or Commission Fee

Monthly apartments don’t require tenants to pay a security deposit, key money, or commission fee. You’ll also save money that you’d otherwise be using for furniture and appliances. Rooms with internet included even provide free Wi-Fi. It’s easy to see that the initial costs of moving in are significantly lower than when renting a regular apartment.

■Disadvantages of Monthly Apartments

◇Rent is Slightly More Expensive

A one-room studio apartment with a kitchen in Tokyo will cost you 5,000 yen/day, or 150,000 yen/month. This is slightly more expensive than a regular apartment for rent of the same size. While these homes are hassle-free and easy to move into, they come with higher price tags that include the usage fees of facilities and appliances.

◇Upfront Lump Sum Payment

Monthly apartments usually require an upfront lump sum payment. So if you’re planning on staying six months, you’ll have to pay for all of it at once. As even one-room studios in Tokyo can set you back 100,000 yen/month, making a one-time payment for your whole stay could be difficult if you intend on being there long-term.

However, atinn offers the option of paying rent monthly instead of all upfront to guests staying longer than a month. Discounts are also available for extended stays.

■In Conclusion

The main advantage of monthly apartments is the easiness of moving in.

・If you pay in advance and pass a simple screening, you can move in straight away.

・Basic furniture, utilities, and appliances are provided.

・No security deposit, key money, or commission fees.

On the other hand, the main disadvantage of these apartments is the cost of rent.

・A one-room studio with a kitchen in Tokyo costs 150,000 yen/month, cleaning fees exceed 10,000 yen/month.

・Upfront lump sum payments for the whole stay are usually required. (atinn offers a monthly payment option)

The rent of a monthly apartment can be more expensive than a regular room, and therefore might not be the best choice for an extended stay. But being so easy to use, they are very convenient if you’re looking for a temporary place to stay for one or two months.

We provide discounts and monthly payment options for longer stays. Many of these disadvantages are less of a concern when staying with atinn.