A few pointers to help you get on in Japan

Getting Settled

A few pointers that may help in choosing a new home in Japan:

Set a budget
Before looking for a new home, consider how much you are willing to spend for your monthly rent. Housing in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, is very expensive.
Decide on a location
It is important to consider a location that is convenient for your needs, business, environment, transportation, shopping, schools, and recreation. Tokyo is an expansive metropolis, so the proximity to work will be an important factor. Mass transportation is excellent and driving your own car could take as much as twice the time.
Before you settle on a residence
Inspect the premises and common areas
Discuss the term and rental with your agent

Real Estate Agents (Fudousan Chukai Gyosha 不動産仲介業者)
Real estate offices tend to be located near train stations. They are easily spotted with property advertisements pasted on the windows.

Check for Qualified Agents
Real estate agents must be legally licensed by the municipality governor or Minister of Construction, and are required to display their license to show that they are legally certified and how long they have been in the business.
Their license number looks like 「xxx“s’mŽ–(7)‘æxxx号」and the greater the number, the more years of business the agent has been certified
Pointers for checking property
It is important to ask the real estate agent questions until you are totally satisfied with his/her answers. One way to know determine if the realtor is trustworthy or not is to check the property personally and compare your findings with the realtor's explanations.
When Signing a Contract
Make sure that you understand the all of the contents of the rental contract, as some properties may have very demanding conditions.
Normally the rent period is for two years.
At the end of each month, rent for the next month has to be paid.
In addition to monthly rent payments, some properties may require a maintenance fee every month.
Make sure you know the length of period for your contract. In renewing your contract, an increase in rent and renewal fee payment (equivalent to one month's rent specified in the new contract) is required.
If you plan to move to another residence after your contract expires, then it is generally accepted that you notify your real estate agent (or landlord) one or two month(s) in advance before the expiration of the contract.

Money Needed when Signing a Contract
When you rent residential property, the sum of about four to six monthsErent will be necessary at the beginning.

Reikin 礼金(Key Money)

This is non-refundable (about 1-2 monthsErent) paid to the landlord. It is sometimes called kenrikin 権利金(concession money)

Shikikin 敷金(Deposit)

As a security for rent payment, this money is refundable (about 1-2 monthsErent) and paid to the landlord. It will be returned when you move out. However, any unpaid rent and/or repair costs will be deducted from your deposit.

Chukai Ryokin 仲介料金(Agency Fees)

This is paid to the real estate agency for handling. The amount is specified by law as one month's worth of rent or less.

Utilities
Before moving in or moving out to your new residence, you must notify the electric, gas, and telephone company in order to activate the utilities of your residence.

Electricity

After Moving In
Before Moving Out

To use the electricity at your new home, lift the ampere and short circuit breakers. Complete the application postcard for use of electricity and mail the completed postcard to the electric company.
As soon as you decide to move, call the number of the Tokyo Electric Company written on your receipts. Give your address, name, moving date, and other necessary information. On the day of your move, press the ampere breaker down before you leave.

If you use too much electricity, the ampere circuit breaker will automatically shut down and you will not be able to use electricity. When this happens, reduce the number of electrical appliances in use and lift the ampere breaker again.
Gas

After Moving In
Before Moving Out

Contact the local gas office and have the main valve opened Contact the local gas office up to two or three days before your move. Contact the gas company of your new address to notify them of your moving date.

Water

After Moving In
Before Moving Out

Contact Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waterworks Service Station or the Waterworks Section of the city or municipal office of your new address, or fill out the application form for use of water services and mail the completed form. Failure to notify the water bureau of water usage at your new address will cause billing problems Contact Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waterworks Service Station or the Waterworks Section/Division of your local city or municipal office, up to three or four days before moving out.
Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waterworks (03) 5320-6326
Telephone

After Moving In Before Moving Out

You should decide on where you would like to have your telephone connected in advance. You must be present in order to have the line put in. When your moving date is decided, call NTT East (dial 116) to make a reservation to disconnect the phone line.

Cable TV
For information about cable TV services, you can contact
SKY Perfect TV! (http://www.skyperfectv.co.jp/en/)


Internet Access
Cable modem services in Minato-ku (http://www.rosenet.ne.jp/e/index.html)
For ADSL/ISDN services.

Paying Utility Bills

Statement Eyou will receive electric, gas, and telephone (domestic) bills once a month, and waterworks/sewerage bills once every two months.
Payment EBills can be paid at banks, credit associations, post offices or at the business office of the utility company. You can also pay your utility bills at some convenience stores.
If you are late in payment Ea 3% late fee is added to your bill, except for waterworks/sewerage. In the case of your phone bill, contact NTT.
Automatic payment EInstead stepping out to pay your bills each time, there is a more convenient way of paying your bills in which you apply for automatic payment at the bank or post office where you have an account, and have the fees automatically deducted from your account. Every month, you will receive a receipt and notice that gives the amount to be deducted for the next payment and the next payment date.
Address changes should be notified for the following:

Foreign National Registration/VISA Report to the Municipal Office in your new area within 14 days of moving. Post Office To forward mail for one year, fill in the necessary information in the Change of Address forms available at the post office near you.
Bank/Driver's License Notify the change to your bank accounts/ driver's license office
Health Insurance/Transportation Pass
　
Insurance for house & furniture:
You are recommended to buy insurance policy to cover the following damages. Real Estate Agents help you to buy the insurance policy.