How to Find a Nice Apartment のアーカイブ

The easiest target for price reduction negotiation is key money.  It is the money paid only right after the contract, and there will be no further trouble in the future.
On the contrary, if the landlord reduces the rent, the difference of rent between the new tenant and the existing tenants may cause troubles.  Therefore, it is not very comfortable for the landlord to reduce the rent.  Reducing the rent is not impossible, but it depends on the landlord.

Reducing the every-month payment is difficult but there are some ways to reduce your initial cost.
One is the key money, which I have already mentioned.  Another is delaying the start of paying the rent.  If the rent is JPY1,500,000, and the rent occurs from 2 weeks after your move in, you will save JPY750,000.

Negotiating price reduction of deposit is not recommendable.  For the landlord, deposit is more like insurance than profit.  It is a mortgage for rent in arrears or bill for repairs.  Therefore, it is unlikely that the landlord takes in the negotiation, and what is worse, it might awake ill feelings to the landlord, and lead to soaring of relations.  It is better to negotiate on other payments.

For more information & tips on renting in Tokyo, click here!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Anzen Building Residence #1902　【Finished/終了】

Agent commission 50% OFF

Bed Rooms: 1
Floor Area: 109.17 sqm / 1175.13 sqft
Address:  2-6-1, Moto-akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access:  4 minutes walk to Akasaka-mitsuke Station /  Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line
Completion: May. 2007
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY540,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0
Key Money: 2 month
Deposit: 2 month
Parking: None
Pets: Not Allowed

Anzen Building Residence is located in Akasaka, close to Toyokawa Inari Shinto Shrine.
Anzen (安全) means ’security’ in Japanese, and there is the central office of ALSOK, one of the largest security companies in Japan, in this building.

Entrance and lobby.

Room entrance.
There are no bumps in this room, including the entrance

Rest room and walk-in closet, both connected to the entrance.

Living dining room, 55.34sqm.
There is a slide door between theis room and the bed room.

Balcony, with wooden floor.
You can see the forest and lake of the Hotel New Otani very closely.

Kitchen, with 3 induction cookers.

Bed room.

Rest room, connected to the bed room.
The mirror in the center opens, and a chest is inside.

Bath room.
Equipped with bathroom dryer.

物件名：安全ビルレジデンス
賃料：540,000
敷／礼　：2/2
仲介手数料50%Off

Thank you for checking Anzen Building Residence.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Agent Commission is the money paid to the real estate broker.  Generally, the amount is equivalent to 1 month rent.  If the rent is JPY100,000 the commission will be JPY100,000.  If the rent is JPY1,500,000, the commission is JPY1,500,000.

Our Policy on Agent Commission

Our agency, Higherground will discount this agent commission for all apartments.  The commission is 50% off for most of the apartments, and for some, the commission is free!
What makes this large discount possible?  Normally, commission becomes expensive as the rent gets higher.  However, the amount of our work and expense doesn’t differ so much, whether the rent is JPY100,000 or JPY1,500,000.  Also, there are cases when the landlord pays us the agent commission.  This is when the commission is free for the customer.

We do not wish you to make any unnecessary payments when choosing your dream home.  We would be grateful if you feel glad that you chose us as your real estate agent.

For more information & tips on renting in Tokyo, click here!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Key Money Today

Nowadays, the city and the countryside became much closer, with telephones and air planes.  The need to be taken care by the landlord is no longer there.
However, it is still general that key money is required for renting apartments.
There are several theories of what key money is for.  Below are some of the representative theories.
1. Gratuity for executing the rental agreement
2. Advance payment of rent
3. Recompense for the blank period after vacating, when the landlord cannot have rent income
4. Cost for restoring to original state

In recent years, an increasing number of landlords and real estate agencies have begun to offer “reikin-free” rental housing.  There are also apartments whose key money and deposit is both free, called ‘Zero-zero Bukken (ゼロゼロ物件)’.
This Zero-zero Bukken seems to be very cheep, and is popular among low-income households, but it’s not necessarily appropriate to suggest so.  Since there are no key money nor deposit, the risk of the landlord is very high: if the tenant bunks off without paying delinquent rent, the landlord wouldn’t have any means to cover the loss.  Therefore, the landlord often collects fees on other names, for instance, key-exchange money and admission charge.  Also, the landlord tends to be hard on default of payment, and sometimes expels the tenant.

For more information & tips on renting in Tokyo, click here!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

What is Key Money?

The system of key money is difficult to understand, for the term is used differently in different parts of the world.
In France, it means money paid to an existing tenant who assigns a lease to a new tenant where the rent is below market.   In the US, it sometimes means a bribe to a landlord.  In other parts of the world it is used synonymously with normal security deposits, which are used to cover nonpayment of rent and excessive damage to a rental unit.

In Japan, key money, called Reikin (礼金, literally, “gratitude money”) is a mandatory payment to the landlord.  Key money can be the equivalent of 6 months of rent or more, but is typically the same as 1 to 3 months of rent, often the same amount as the original deposit (Shikikin, 敷金).  This money is considered a gift to the landlord, and is not returned after the lease is canceled, unlike Shikikin or other deposits.

The Origin of Key Money

How did the system of key money start?
It is said that originally, key money was paid in order to protect the job bachelors and students, who came to Tokyo from the countryside alone and do not have any acquaintance in the city.  Their family paid key money to the landlord so that they would be taken care of by the landlord when in trouble.  Key money had the meaning of gratitude in advance, and so it came to be called Reikin (礼金, literally, “gratitude money”).  In other words, for the landlord, taking the key money meant promising to take care of the new tenant.

For more information & tips on renting in Tokyo, click here!

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Shibuya Infos Tower Heights #2102

Agent commission 50% OFF!
No Keymoney!

Bed Rooms: 1
Floor Area: 94.31 sqm / 1015.18 sqft
Address:  1-20, Sakuraoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes walk to Shibuya Station /  JR Lines, Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Toyoko Line
Completion: Mar. 1998
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY400,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0
Key Money: JPY0
Deposit: 3 month
Parking: Available
Pets: Not Allowed

Shibuya Infos Tower Heights is located in the Shibuya, up Sakurazaka Hill, with a cluster of small buildings in the neighbor.
A convenience store is right across the narrow street from the entrance.

Entrance.

Room entrance.  There are 2 footsteps to reach the wooden corridor, so watch your step!

Closet on the corridor.

Rest room.

Powder room.  There is room to place a washing machine here.

Bath room.

Kitchen, with 3 induction cookers.

Bed room, with a walk-in closet.

Living dining room.
2 sides surrounded by glass walls, plenty of light comes in the room

Balcony is very long.
You won’t see many landmarks from here, but your sight is heigher than any other buildings you will see.

物件名：渋谷インフォスタワーハイツ
賃料：400,000
敷／礼　：3/0
仲介手数料50%Off

Thank you for checking Shibuya Infos Tower Heights.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Minami-aoyama Toyoda Park Mansion #202　【Finished/終了】

Agent commission 50% OFF!

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 118.92 sqm / 1280.09 sqft
Address:  31-17-4, Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 8 minutes walk to Omotesando Station /  Chiyoda Line, Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line
Completion: Nov. 1986
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY450,000/month
Management Fee: JPY20,000/month
Key Money: 2 month
Deposit: 2 month
Parking: Available
Pets: Not Allowed

Minami-aoyama Toyoda Park Mansion is located in a residential area, a little away from the melee of Omotesando.  It is not so close to the railway station, but a bus stop is within 2 minutes walk.
This apartment was built more than 20 years ago, and so the design of the rooms is overall pretty old.

Entrance and lobby.

Room entrance, with a closet.

Closets on the corridor.

Kitchen, with 4 cooking stoves, and a dish washer.  Washing machine and drying machine are placed here.

Living dining room.

The balcony is very roomy.  You can get a little view of Tokyo Tower
It is very close to the apartment next door (as you can see in the left photo), you may be seen by neighbors while spending time on the balcony…

Bed room.

Rest room.

Powder room and bath room.
There is a shelf on the left side of the mirror.

Master’s bed room, with a walk-in closet.

Prefabricated bath room, connected to the master’s bed room.

物件名：南青山豊田パーク・マンション
賃料：450,000
敷／礼　：2/2
仲介手数料50%Off

Thank you for checking Minami-aoyama Toyoda Park Mansion.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Towa Akasaka Apartment #407　【Finished/終了】

Agent commission 50% OFF!

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 90.09 sqm / 969.75 sqft
Address:  30-10-8, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes walk to Aoyama-icchome Station /  Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line
Completion: Feb. 1999
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY372,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0
Key Money: 2 month
Deposit: 2 month
Parking: Available
Pets: Not Allowed

Towa Akasaka Apartment stands in the border of Aoyama and Akasaka.
It is located one street away from the business district of Aoyama.
This apartment is not very gourgeous, but has a quiet atmosphere.

Entrance and lobby.

Room entrance.  There is space before the door, where you can place a bicycle, baby carriage, outdoor equipments, etc.

Closets on the corridor.

Rest room.

Powder room.
The doors on the right are closets, and in the door in the left, is a space for a washing machine.

Bath room.

Kitchen, with 4 cooking stoves.
The counter faces the living dining room.

Living dining room.

Japanese style room, with a closet.

Balcony.
There is not much of a view, surrounded by trees and apartments.

物件名：藤和赤坂アパートメント
賃料：372,000
敷／礼　：2/2
仲介手数料50%Off

Thank you for checking Towa Akasaka Apartment.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Blossom Terrace #601　【Finished/終了】

Agent commission 50% OFF!

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 215.97 sqm / 2324.76 sqft
Address:  1-14-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 4 minutes walk to Tameike-sannno Station /  Ginza Line
8 minutes walk to Kamiyacho Station /  Hibiya Line
Completion: Aug. 2004
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY1,500,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0
Key Money: 2 month
Deposit: 3 month
Parking: Available
Pets: Negotiable

Blossom Terrace is an apartment near Suntory Hall, Hotel Okura, the U.S. Embassy, etc.
There are numbers of convenience stores near by.

Entrance.

Lobby.

#601 uses the whole floor.  The exit of the elevator will be the entrance to the room (key is required to use the elevator).
There is a door to the stairs too.

Bed room with walk-in closet.

Powder room, incluiding a toilet and a shower box.

Closet on the corridor.

Master’s bed room, with a walk-in closet.

Prefabricated bath room, connected to the master’s bed room.

Extra room.  It can be hidden from the corridor by the blind.

Rest room.

Kitchen, with 4 induction cookers, and a dish washer.
There is a door to the corridor, and a slide door to the living dining room.

Living dining room, 67.12 sqm.

Balcony surrounds 3 walls.  And up the stairs is…

your private roof terrace!
Perfect for parties and BBQ

物件名：Blossom Terrace
賃料：1,500,000
敷／礼　：3/2
仲介手数料50%Off

Thank you for checking Blossom Terrace.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Residia Tower Azabu-juban #2401

Agent commission Free!

Bed Rooms: 2
Floor Area: 122.82 sqm / 1322.07 sqft
Address:  12-1-1, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 4 minutes walk to Azabu-juban Station /  Namboku Line, Oedo Line
Completion: Jan. 2003
Structure: Steel-reinforced Concrete

Rent: JPY530,000/month
Management Fee: JPY0
Key Money: JPY0
Deposit: 2 month
Parking: Available
Pets: Not Allowed

Residia Tower Azabu-juban is a tower mansion located in the Azabu district.  There is a convenience store right accross the street.

Entrance and lobby.

Room entrance.

Walk-in closet.

Living dining room.

Kitchen, with 4 cooking stoves, and a dish washer.

Balcony.
Strangely, there are no doors to the balcony, so you will have to get out from the large windows.  Same on the 2nd floor.

Great view ot Tokyo Tower from the balcony.

Rest room.

Understair storage.

Up the stairs…

Bed room.

Balcony.

Walk-in closet.

Rest room/powder room connected to the bed room.

Bath room is separated from the rest room by glass walls.

物件名：レジディアタワー麻布十番
賃料：530,000
敷／礼　：2/0
仲介手数料無料！

Thank you for checking Residia Tower Azabu-juban.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/