FAQ | Tokyo Guest house Share Apartment by Share Style

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is Share Style?
A:  Share Style is a provider of high quality share houses in the Greater Tokyo area.  We are focused on providing comfortable environments for foreign residents to live together with native Japanese and exchange language.  You are able to live in a fun and comfortable environment without having to worry about inconveniences like key money or commission (extra fees typically required when renting an apartment in Japan).

Q:  What is a guest house or share house?
A:  Share houses are fully furnished houses that multiple tenants share together.  All of our houses offer individual private rooms for the tenants, but facilities such as the kitchen and living room are shared between all tenants.  This model allows for higher quality living at much more affordable prices, and is a great way to get to know new housemates and friends in the Tokyo area.

Q:  What makes Share Style unique?
A:  Share Style is uniquely focused on fostering language exchange between foreign residents and Japanese residents.  All of our tenants are eager to learn and improve their language abilities.  Our houses offer native language English speakers to teach conversational English twice a week at a discounted rate.  We also seek to help foster a positive Japanese learning environment for foreign residents interested in improving their Japanese.

Q:  What languages may we use to contact you?
A:  We have staff available that can speak both fluent Japanese and English.

Moving

Q:  Is it possible to reserve a room if I do not live in Japan yet?
A:  Absolutely, please check our rental system page for details on how to reserve a room before you move in.  After confirming the availability of your desired room, a deposit may be made to reserve the room.  Rent is not due until arrival in Japan and beginning the move-in process.

Q:  What is the minimum length of stay?
A:  Contract period varies slightly depending on the house, but generally the minimum length of stay is 3 months.  We want to foster a longer-lasting community between house tenants.

Q:  What documents do I need to bring to the office when I sign the contract?
A:  Please bring your deposit (if unpaid) and first month`s rent, as well as your passport.

Q:  How does advance reservation work?
A:  You may reserve the room in advance before you plan to move in, but please be aware that the rental fee will be charged one week from the date the reservation is made. (For example, if you reserve a room on March 1st but don`t move in until March 20th, you will still be required to pay rent from March 8th, even though you have not yet moved in.)

Q:  When I want to move out, what should I do?
A:  Please contact us at least 1 month before the desired move out date, so we can arrange for a final room inspection before you leave.

Payment

Q:  Are there extra fees like key money or a commission?
A:  No, you only have to pay the initial deposit (which can be partially refunded at the time of move out), rent, and utility fee.

Q:  How much is the utility fee?
A:  Generally 12,000 yen per month.  This includes all use of gas, water, electricity, and internet.

Q:  When is rent due every month?
A:  Rent is generally due by the 25th of every month, but please refer to your individual contract.  Late fees will be incurred if payment is transferred after the designated date.

Q:  Are utilities included in the rent?
A:  There is an additional flat utility fee that covers electricity, gas, water, and internet.  Each tenant does not need to pay for their own utilities.

Life

Q:  Is there a curfew?
A:  No, but please be considerate of noise when coming home late at night.

Q:  Can I have an overnight guest?
A:  It is possible for you to have a same-gender guest stay overnight if you let our office know in advance by 7:00 PM.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to have a guest of the opposite gender stay overnight.

Q:  Is there a house leader responsible for each house?
A:  Yes, every house has a tenant who serves as house leader.  They are in charge of cleaning and maintenance, though everyone should clean up after themselves when using the common areas.

Q:  Can I smoke inside the house?
A:  Sorry, no.  Please smoke in the designated smoking area outside.

Q:  When can I use the facilities like the shower or washing machine?
A:  There are times posted for acceptable use of these facilities.  Please be considerate of others early in the morning or late at night.

Q:  Is there a quiet hour system?
A:  Yes, please refer to your individual house rules, but generally quiet hours are between midnight and 7 AM during the weekday..  You may continue to use the common areas during the time, but please be considerate of your housemates.

AEC (ARDEN ENGLISH COMUNITY)

Q:  What is “AEC”?
A:  “AEC” stands for Arden English Community, our language exchange program.  We have native English language speaking residents work with our Japanese tenants twice a week to practice fun conversational English.  In exchange, our English-speaking tenants are provided with discount rent.

Q:  Can I become an AEC teacher?
A:  Absolutely!  We are always looking for more AEC teachers for our houses, please inquire if you are interested in teaching AEC lessons.

Q:  Are there similar activities offered if I want to learn Japanese?
A:  While every house has native Japanese speakers that are happy to help you learn Japanese, we are starting a similar program in some houses for Japanese learning.  Please inquire to see about the availability of such lessons.

Facilities

Q:  Are rooms furnished?
A:  Yes, every room comes equipped with bed, desk, chair, air conditioner, and storage units like shelving.

Q:  Are there laundry (washing/drying) machines available?
A:  There are washers provided in all houses.  Some have additional coin-operated dryers, please inquire with each house for details.

Q:  Are there individual locks on every room?
A:  Yes, every individual room has its own private room and lock for your security.

Q:  Is there internet available?
A:  Yes, free high speed internet is included in all houses.  The type of connection (wired or wireless) depends on the house, please inquire for details.

Q:  Is there a common use PC?
A:  Some houses do have a common PC in the living room, please inquire to see if the house you are interested in does.

Q:  Is there television available?
A:  Yes, every house has a television in the living room, though tenants are welcome to bring their own for their rooms.

Q:  Are there parking facilities available?  
A:  Some houses do have parking areas for bikes or cars provided, please inquire about each individual house for details.

Q:  Some piece of equipment is not working! (e.g. Television, Air Conditioner, Lights, Refrigerator).
A:  Please contact us to arrange for maintenance.

Others

Q:  Are there houses available for just women?
A:  Yes, we have several women-only houses available.

Q:  Can I send my luggage in advance?
A:  You may, but please make sure that it arrives after you move in, we cannot collect the luggage for you. &

Q:  Is there an age limit?
A:  We generally accept ages from 18 to 40, but please inquire with our offices regardless if you are interested in a house.