Moving into a new apartment and getting all the necessary paperwork done may seem daunting to many. That’s why monthly apartments have been attracting attention in recent years. These temporary homes are hassle-free and much easier to move into than conventional rooms for rent. Leaving is easy too, so they’re perfect for casually experiencing life in a new city before deciding if you want to move there long-term.

Here we’ll explain the procedures required to move into a monthly apartment and how they’re different from weekly apartments and hotels. We’ve also included tips on how to choose the right place for you.

■What's the Difference Between Monthly Apartments and Weekly Apartments?

If you renew your weekly apartment contract, technically you can live there for the same length as a monthly apartment. So for the tenant, there aren’t many significant differences between the two.

Different Laws and Taxation Rules
From a legal aspect, monthly apartments and weekly apartments are classified as follows.

・Monthly Apartment: Fixed-Term Building Lease - Teiki Shakka Hou (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) applies, non-taxable
・Weekly Apartment: Hotel Business Act - Ryokan Gyo Hou (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) applies, taxable

Weekly apartments, targeted at short-term visitors, are available from as short as one night in accordance with the Ryokan Gyo Hou. With a loan period of less than a month, guests will need to pay a sales tax. On the other hand, monthly apartments are non-taxable as they're considered to be for residential purposes.

■How to Rent a Monthly Apartment

An advantage of monthly apartments is how easily you can sign a contract. The process can be done almost completely through the internet. Here we explain the necessary steps to moving into a monthly apartment using atinn’s (http://tokyo.atinn.jp/map) requirements as an example. Countless properties in the Kanto area are managed by atinn.

◇Find an Apartment and Book It

・Search for an apartment of your liking on the website.
・Check availability by phone or through the online contact form.
・Send your application through the internet, by FAX, or by post.

◇Necessary Documents

・Application form (applicant information, emergency contact, work information) *Submittable by email.
・"Upon application" document (signed/stamped) *Unnecessary if booking through internet.
・Two forms of identification (driver’s license, health insurance card, etc., one photo ID required) *Submittable by FAX or email.
・A guarantor may be required if the applicant is underage.

◇Payment

・General rule of thumb: upfront payments.
・Monthly payment option available for stays longer than one month.
・Bank transfer fees shall be borne by the customer.

■Advantages and Disadvantages

◇Advantages of a Monthly Apartment

・No security deposit or key money required.
・Simple screening process and accessible by almost anyone.
・Most properties include the latest security equipment.
・Utilities (water, electricity, etc.) are included and ready to use.
・Fully furnished with necessary appliances and commodities.
・No initial expenses other than the cost of rent.

◇Disadvantages of a Monthly Apartment

・A lump sum payment is generally required upfront.
・Breach of contract penalties for midterm cancellations can be expensive.
・You usually can’t see the room before moving in.
・You can’t change the furniture and appliances even if they aren’t to your liking.

◇Comparing Costs to Hotel Living

Monthly apartments are slightly more expensive than renting a regular apartment, but how do they compare to staying in a hotel? Below is a comparison of the costs required for living one month in a monthly apartment and a hotel in central Tokyo.

【Monthly Apartment】5-year-old building, approximately 20㎡
・Rent: 160,000 yen
・Utility Costs: 0 yen *included in rent
・Cleaning Fee: 20,000 yen
Total: 180,000 yen

【Business Hotel】approximately 15㎡
・Rent (Accommodation Fee): 210,000 yen *7,000/day
・Utility Costs: 6,000 yen *Laundry expenses
・Cleaning Fee: 0 yen
Total: 216,000 yen

In this comparison, renting a monthly apartment turned out to be 36,000 yen cheaper than living in a hotel for a month. If you take into account the fact that an apartment offers self-catering facilities, you'll probably be saving significantly on living expenses as well.

■In Conclusion

・Monthly apartments are used for residential purposes and therefore are non-taxable.
・Booking and contract procedures can be done almost completely online.
・Documents are submittable by post, FAX, and email.
・Upfront payment is usually required. Monthly payment options may be available for long-term stays.
・No security deposit or key money required.
・Utilities and necessary appliances are provided.
・Relatively expensive for long-term stays.
・More than 30,000 yen/month cheaper than staying in a business hotel.

Moving into a traditional apartment is time-consuming and complicated. You can always start by renting a hassle-free monthly apartment to experience living in a desired area while you get ready to make your big move.