Living Guide Q&A TOP

Consultation contents

How to look for a housing?

Answer

These are useful information for finding housing. Housing includes “public housing,” “rental housing,” and “owned house.”

☆ Koei Jutaku (Public Housing)

Public housing is available for those who meet certain conditions, such as those with low incomes. Applications are accepted on a scheduled basis, and housing is determined by drawing lots. In Shiga Prefecture, there are prefectural housings and in some municipal, there are municipal-owned housings too. Since there are status of residence and income requirements, please confirm.
Ken-ei Jutaku (Prefectural Housing)
There are prefectural housing in various areas of Shiga, and opportunities to apply for housing are in April, July, October and January, four times a year.
    Shiga Prefectural Housing Management Center
    TEL: 077-510-1500（Main number）
    TEL: 077-510-1501（For foreigners）
Shiei/Choei Jutaku (Municipal Housing)
Please contact the municipal office.

☆ Chintai Jutaku (Rental Housing)

In Japan, people typically search for properties at real estate agencies and sign a contract in writing. Depending on the property, at the time of the contract, key money (Reikin) and security deposit (Shikikin) are required. (Key money is a custom of paying a gratuity to the landlord and will not be returned. Security deposit is used to restore the property to its original condition when the tenant leaves, and may be partially refunded.) A joint guarantor may also be required, or a rent guarantee company may be used. In addition, a commission fee (Chukai-tesuryo) is paid to the real estate agent. The contract will usually include fire insurance (Kasai-hoken). In most cases, you will need to pay a management fee (Kanrihi), and also a renewal fee (Koshinryo) every two years.
Useful Websites

Shiga Prefectures housing support/ housing safety net

Information on private rental housing, etc. that accepts elderly households, households with disabilities, foreign households, and households raising children in Shiga Prefecture.

Kasai-hoken (Fire Insurance)

Houses, whether rented or owned, must be covered by fire insurance. In the case of rental apartments and condominiums, it is common for the “landlord” and “tenant” to purchase fire insurance when moving in or at the time of renewal. Since the building is the landlord’s asset, the landlord purchases fire insurance for the building and pays the premiums, while the tenant purchases and pays the premiums for insurance for household goods such as furniture and appliances in the room. If the house is privately owned, fire insurance is purchased to cover both the building and household goods.

☆Owned House

In Japan, there are no restrictions based on nationality or status of residence when purchasing real estate. However, only those with permanent resident or special permanent resident status are eligible to borrow a housing loan. If you meet the criteria for age, income, and years of employment, and pass the screening process, you will be eligible for a housing loan. In addition, if you meet the requirements and other conditions, you can claim for a tax deduction for housing loan on your final tax return. After purchasing a home, if there is a change in your financial situation, consult with the bank about refinancing or modifying the repayment terms of your housing loan.
Furthermore, those who own a house as of January 1st pay property tax calculated based on the property to the municipal office in which they reside.

Akiya Bank (vacant house databases)

This is a system in which information registered by people who wish to rent or sell vacant houses is introduced to people who wish to make use of such houses. Ask the housing division of the municipal office where you wish to live if they have Akiya Bank.

Consultation services when you need advice (Free consultation)

Consultation service for problems during tenancy, contract cancellation, and vacating the property
・Shiga Prefectural Consumer Affairs Center (Hikone)/ TEL 0749-23-0999
・Consumer Affairs Center in each municipal in the prefecture (Shohi seikatsu center)
Consultation services for various housing matters such as home acquisitions, defects, problems with entrepreneur, etc.
・Sumairu Dial/ TEL 03-3556-5147

What should I do once I decide to move？

Notification
Submit a notification of moving out to your municipal office. Within 14 days after moving, you must notify the municipal office of your new address and change the address of your residence card and individual number card. If you have children, you need to arrange for their transfer to a new nursery school, kindergarten, or school. You will also need to contact your workplace and bank, and change the address on your driver’s license. By submitting a relocation form to the post office, mail delivered to your former address will be forwarded to your new address.
Relationship with Neighbors
In Japan, it is customary for people who have moved to a new house to greet their neighbors. Get to know your neighbors and ask them to share with you the local rules such as garbage collection dates and locations, evacuation sites in case of disasters, etc.
Jichikai (Neighborhood Association)
Each area has its own neighborhood association run by its residents. The neighborhood association engages in a variety of activities, such as crime prevention, disaster prevention, and beautification activities to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood, as well as “Kodomo-kai” (children's association) where local children enjoy sports, festivals, and other activities. For the operation of these activities, members pay neighborhood association fees and are assigned roles and responsibilities. In addition, “Kairanban” a circular with detailed information about the area is passed around. Membership is voluntary, but in some cases, such as when the neighborhood association manages the garbage collection point, membership may be required. In the event of a disaster, neighbors will need to help each other, so try to maintain good relations with your neighbors.

※Please be sure to check whether there is a neighborhood association or not, as the activities and fees vary depending on the area.

Consultation contents

Livelihood support for those affected by COVID-19

Answer

Housing Security Benefit "Jyukyokakuho kyufukin"（rent directly paid to landlord）

Eligibility

Within 2 years of leaving a job・business shutdown, or decrease in income due to suspension of work, with similar conditions to those that have left a job

Payment duration

3 months in principle （maximum of 9 months）

Payment

Amount equivalent to the rent is paid directly to the landlord from the municipality

Application

City hall for those living in a city, social welfare council for those living in a town

Details

Information about the Housing Security Benefit 　　

★Shiga prefecture is accepting temporary occupants in prefectural housing.

Eligibility

Those dismissed from the workplace due to the effects of COVID-19 and had no other option but to leave their home.

Duration

Maximum of 1 year

Application

Housing Division, Department of public works and transportation 　（℡　０７７－５２８－４２３４）
If you have any concerns regarding your livelihood, please consult the welfare division or social welfare office in your city or town!

Consultation contents

Rental Housing

Answer

To find a rental house or apartment, consult with a real estate agent. The following expenses are required to rent a house.
Deposit (Shiki-kin)
This money is left with the landlord as a security deposit for your rental payments and returned when you move out. If you do not pay the rent or if you damage the property, this money will be appropriated to cover the amount of rent owed or the cost of repairs; any remainder will be returned to you.
Key Money (Rei-kin)
This money is paid to the landlord and is not refundable.
Intermediary Fee
This is the commission paid to the real estate agent, usually equal to one-month’s rent.

Consultation contents

I am looking for a place to live.

Answer

In addition to prefectural and municipal housing, private housing is also available. Inquire at the municipal office for municipal housing.
For consultations on private rental housing
Shiga Prefecture Public Works and Transportation Housing Division 　℡077-528-4235