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C San's Profile
Came to Japan in April, 2004 South Korean Graduate Student Housing: Apartment Commute: 15 minutes by bicycle to school |
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TB -- So, where did you live when you first came to Japan?
C San -- I lived in a dorm for Korean people, which was set up for me through my language school. I lived there for half a year, then moved into an apartment.
TB -- Could you speak Japanese at that time?
C San -- I wasn't really able to speak, actually. That's why I moved into the dorm at first…because I didn't know anything about the circumstances or conditions, and wasn't able to search for apartments in Korean.
TB -- Who did you ask to be your guarantor (co-signer) when you moved into your apartment?
C San -- I asked a teacher at my language school.
TB -- Did you encounter any problems at all with the moving?
C San -- Well, not knowing was really hard because I couldn't really understand what the real estate agent was saying. When I had to ask him to repeat what he was saying again and again, I think it made him anxious. Also, there were some landlords who turned me away because I am not Japanese.
TB -- Really, that's very disappointing to hear. So, how are things going for you lately?
C San -- Well, now I can speak Japanese, and I'm enrolled at the University of Tokyo.
TB -- And how did you go about finding your apartment?
C San -- I looked on the internet.
TB -- Were you able to find a place with no problems?
C San -- Yeah, no problems at all.
TB -- What kind of apartment is it?
C San -- It's a terrace house.
TB -- Oh wow! So it must be nice and big, huh? How much is your rent, if I may ask?
C San -- It's 53,000 yen a month plus 3,000 yen for maintenance fees.
TB -- Did you have to pay key money or a deposit when you moved in?
C San -- This place actually didn't require either.
TB -- How about a guarantor (co-signer)?
C San -- Well, I asked one of my teachers, but when I renew my contract, I will use my University's system*. {*This is a system put in place to help non-Japanese students find housing smoothly by using their university as a guarantor.}
TB -- Oh, yeah lots of people use that system don't they. Apart from what you already mentioned have you experienced any other troubles?
C San -- Well, in Korea when you leave an apartment, you get the full amount of your guarantee money back. In Japan, you don't get any of it back which is difficult. Also, buying furniture was really annoying.
TB -- Oh, that's the first time I've heard about that system in Korea. It's written in Japanese law, if something happens to the apartment-like the renter puts a hole through the wall, or burns the kitchen down-the cost for repairs is taken from the deposit money. It is the renter's burden, not the landlords. I think that real estate agents should explain this clearly so people don't get angry if it happens! Thank you so much for your time today.
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