Housing

City Housing/Prefectural Housing

• Application periods for the general public are listed in the city newletter (distributed by the local neighborhood council, or obtained at the City Office twice a month).
• During these periods, applications can be made at the City Hall ArchitecturalSection (934-2843) for city housing, or the Yamaguchi Prefectural Public Works Office (922-1070) for prefectural housing.
• Proof of income and a certificate of Alien Registration are necessary when applying.
• Should there be a large number of applications, residents are chosen by lottery, therefore it may not be possible to obtain housing immediately.　In addition, other conditions such as financial need, etc, must be met.

Private Housing

• When looking for private housing, it is best to go to a real-estate agent to find something to suit your needs. Be sure to inspect the property before renting.
• It is best to decide the size, number of rooms, desired location, and budget before actually going to look at properties.
• Most apartments and houses in Yamaguchi have electricity, gas, water, and toilet facilities, but it is necessary to confirm whether or not there is a bath.
• Sizes or rooms are measured in tatami mat units, with one tatami mat equalingapproximately 1.8 ×0.9 meters.
• Once the property and terms have been agreed upon, a contract is drawn up.

Housing Contract

• After having found suitable housing, it is necessary to sign a contract.
• When signing a contract for a house or apartment, the equivalent of 5 〜6 months' rent must be paid in advance, as listed:
• Deposit : usually equivalent to 2 〜3 months rent, and used as collateral forrent.　Upon termination of the contract, payment for any damage incurred duringresidence is subjected from the deposit amount, and the remainder is returned.
  
  Guarantee : Usually the equivalent of one month's rent, and is paid to the owner of the residence.　It is not returned upon termination of the contract.
  ・Finder's Fee: Paid to the real-estate agents, it is usually the equivalent of one month's rent.
  ・First Month's Rent: Paid upon signing contract. Each month's rent is usually paid by the end of the preceding month.

*Inaddition, a letter of guarantee from a sponsor is also necessary.
《Average rents in Yamaguchi》
Apartment 　　30,000〜　70,000 yen　par month
House 　　　　50,000〜 100,000 yen　par month