■ Private-Sector Rental Housing

In general, people buy housing magazines at bookstores and train stations in order to look for a place which meet their conditions such as location, space, rent, and services/fixtures. When they find something they like, they go to real estate agencies to actually see the places. 
If you don't speak Japanese, it is better to go with a Japanese person or friend who can speak Japanese with the agent or owner in negotiating. 
A guarantor is always needed.

■ Expenses at the time of closing a rental contract

(1) Rent (Yachin) Monthly payment. Rent for the next month must be paid by the end of the month. (2) Key Money (Reikin) Key money (equivalent to 1 to 2 months rent) is paid to the landlord at the time of making the contract. It is a gift to the landlord and will not be returned. (3) Deposit (Shikikin) Deposit (equivalent to 1 to 2 months rent) is paid to the landlord in the form of a deposit. It will be returned to you when you leave the rental property. However, the full amount may not be returned in case of delinquent payment of rent or damage made to the rental property. (4) Handling Fee (Chukai Ryokin) Handling fee paid to the real estate agent. It is usually equivalent to 1 month rent.

■ Other matters

(1) Each contract is usually for a period of 2 years. Please keep the contract in a safe place until you move out of the rental property.

(2) When you renew the contract, an increase in rent and renewal fee may be asked in some cases.

(3) It is customary to inform the landlord one month in advance when you want to leave the rental property before the contract expires. Without the notice, you may be charged 1 month rent.

■ Advice on Living in Rental Housing

In addition to abiding by the conditions specified in the contract, please observe the following matters.

(1) Greet your landlord and neighbors to stay on good terms with them.

(2) Don't remodel the rooms, invite others to move in, or sublet without permission.

(3) Don't make noises which might disturb your neighbors. 

     Especially when you play musical instruments, listen to music or watch TV at night.

(4) If you share the toilet or kitchen with others, use them respectfully and keep them clean.

(5) If you leave for a long period of time for travel or such, inform your landlord, property manager, and neighbors.

■ Public Housing

Public housing built by municipal governments such as Tokyo metropolitan, prefectural and city governments with subsidies provided by the national government, offers inexpensive housing. Foreign residents are also eligible when certain requirements and conditions are met, including the income restrictions.
As the rents are inexpensive and facilities are well managed, public housing is quite popular, resulting in more applicants than vacancies. A lottery is often conducted to select the winners.

<Inquiry>
  Matsudo municipal Housing (Shiei Jutaku)
      Municipal Housing Office (Shiei Jutaku Tantoshitsu) 8F, New Bldg. City Hall
      Phone 047-366-7366
      Email  mcjuutaku@city.matsudo.chiba.jp

  Housing managed by Urban Renaissance Agency 
      Urban Renaissance Agency (UR Toshi Kiko), Matsudo Housing Management Center
      Phone 047-368-3800
      Address Matsudo 1307-1, 13F, Matsudo bldg.
              (5 minutes walk from West Exit of Matsudo station. Next to Isetan Department store)  
      URL http://www.ur-net.go.jp/ (in Japanese)