Q&A-us(Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ))

No1:When can I view the house? Is online meeting possible?

Meeting is required before moving in. You can join the meeting either on-site or online.
Please let us know 2~3 dates when you are available between 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, except on Wednesdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

If you would like to have a meeting, please contact us by email at info@machiake.jp or by phone at 050-3743-8206.
In urgent cases, you may be able to watch the room today, so please reach out at first and we will adjust accordingly.

No2:Which rooms / houses currently have vacancies?

You can check available rooms / houses from the following page:
👉 Vacancy Information Here

No3:What are the costs for moving in?

You will need:
① Security Deposit
② Administrative Fee
③ Rent & Common Service Fee (for the current month and the following month)

💳 You can pay by your credit card (4% transaction fee will be included in the costs).

① Security Deposit (=Reservation Fee): ¥20,000 – ¥40,000 (varies by contract)

  • The reservation fee will be applied to your deposit upon moving in.
  • Once paid, the room is reserved for you, and we decline other applicants. Therefore, the reservation fee (deposit) is non-refundable if you cancel.

② Administrative Fee: ¥15,000

③ Rent & Common Service Fee:

  • Pro-rated rent and common service fee for the first month + rent & common service fee for the following month.

No4:What kind of people live here?

We do not limit applicants by nationality or gender, as long as they can take care of themselves.
Communication is primarily in Japanese and English, and rules are based on Japanese culture and customs.

Approximate ratios (as of June 2025):

  • Working professionals : Students = 65% : 35%
  • Japanese : International residents = 50% : 50%
  • Male : Female = 50% : 50%
  • Age range: late teens to late 50s

Many residents have experienced life-changing moments here, such as starting a business, meeting a life partner, or even starting their own share house.

For privacy reasons, specific details about individual houses will only be shared during your interview.

No5:What is the minimum contract period?

This depends on the house:

  • Some houses require at least 1 month, others 2 months, and some 6 months or more.

Please check the vacancy information page for details.
👉 Vacancy Information Here

No6:What are the procedures to move in?

  1. First, please schedule a viewing (in-person or online).
    • Since we manage multiple houses, we may conduct a short interview before the viewing to help determine the best option for you.
  2. If you wish to move in, please inform us and transfer the reservation fee (=security deposit) to secure your room.
  3. Screening will be conducted based on financial stability and ability to follow share house rules & communicate with others.
    • Please note: we cannot disclose specific reasons if your application is declined.
    • If false information or trust issues arise even after paying the reservation fee, we may cancel your application before contract signing. In such cases, the reservation fee will not be refunded.
  4. After screening, you will complete the contract and initial payment, then move in.

No7:From when can I move in?

You may choose a move-in date up to 1 month after the deposit payment date.

If contract and payment are processed quickly, same-day move-in is also possible.

If the planned move-out date of a current resident is after your deposit date, or if multiple vacancies are available, you may choose a date more than 1 month ahead.

No8:What does the common service fee include?

The fee covers:

  • Water, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi
  • Consumables (toilet paper, shared cleaning supplies)
  • Neighborhood association fees

Personal consumables must be prepared individually.

No9:What is included in private rooms?

Each room typically includes:

  • Desk, chair, bed, mattress, air conditioner, lighting, window, curtains

Storage availability varies by room, so please ask during the viewing.

Bedding rental is available: ¥13,000 (one-time fee, including setup & collection)
Includes: futon, futon cover, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, blanket cover (plus winter blanket).

No10:Can I have pets?

Some houses allow cats, but only for female residents.
In all other houses, pets of any size are not permitted.

Other questions


What is a share house?

A share house is a rental property that has common areas shared among residents in addition to private rooms. In our share houses, the water-related facilities are generally shared.
You can spend time with many different people you might not usually meet in everyday life, which leads to lots of new discoveries. Another charm is the warm atmosphere where greetings like “I’m home,” “Welcome back,” “Good morning,” and “Good night” are exchanged daily.

Do I have my own private room?

Yes, all rooms in our share house are private and come with a lock.
In addition to your room, we also provide individual storage spaces around shared areas such as the kitchen.

Since the bath, shower, and toilets are shared, isn’t it inconvenient if someone else is using them?

Each house is equipped with shared facilities that match the number of residents. Also, because everyone has different daily routines, it is rare for usage times to overlap to the point of inconvenience. That said, during busier hours such as evenings or early mornings, residents are encouraged to switch smoothly so others can use the facilities as well. We also ask everyone to clean up after themselves to keep the spaces neat for the next person.

What makes Machiake’s share house different from others?

At Machiake, we believe that “each fulfilling day should turn into a cherished memory that leads to growth and dreams.” Based on this idea, our share houses are built around three key concepts:

  1. Opportunities for discovery and growth – By living together with people from different backgrounds, including international residents, you can discover new dreams and take steps forward in your own journey.
  2. A stylish, comfortable lifestyle – Our spaces are designed to make both teleworking and relaxation enjoyable, with thoughtfully arranged and cozy interiors.
  3. Unique networking opportunities – Since our company operates multiple share houses as well as coworking spaces, you’ll have plenty of chances to connect beyond your own residence.

We aim to support you, even in small ways, so that your life here becomes richer, filled with moments you can look back on with a smile.

How is the share house managed?

Among the residents, one person takes on the role of House Leader to help make the share house a better place. Specifically, this involves tasks such as managing the garbage disposal schedule and keeping track of shared supplies. In addition, our staff is always available to listen and provide support for any other concerns or questions.

What are the main cleaning and garbage disposal rules?

For the shared areas, cleaning is carried out at least twice a month. Residents are asked to clean up after themselves if they make a mess. As for garbage disposal, we use a rotation system where residents take turns.

Do room rent and common service fees change depending on the timing?

Room rent may vary depending on our business operations or the time of year. For example, if there is a gap of several months between your initial viewing and the payment of your reservation fee, the rent at the time of payment will apply, even if it differs from what was quoted during the viewing.
As for the common service fee, it is generally fixed at 14,000 yen regardless of the move-in timing, as it covers management, utilities, and other shared expenses.

Can I invite family, friends, or my partner to my room?

Yes, you may invite family, friends, or your partner to your room. Please be sure to notify the group LINE in advance.
If your guest stays overnight, there is a fee of 1,000 yen per person per night. This fee should be paid together with your rent for the following month (covering the period from the previous rent payment date to the current rent payment date).
Overnight stays are defined as a stay of 3 hours or more between 12:00 midnight and 7:00 a.m.
Examples:

  • 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. ⇒ Overnight stay
  • 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. ⇒ Overnight stay
  • 1:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. ⇒ Not an overnight stay
    Please note that it counts as an overnight stay even if the guest does not sleep in the house.

    When using shared areas, we kindly ask that guests greet other residents and, if possible, bring a small gift as a thoughtful gesture.

When can I make a reservation?


In principle, reservations can be made starting one month before your desired move-in date.

For example:

  • If you transfer the reservation fee on March 15, a currently available room will be held for you until April 14.
  • If a room is scheduled to be vacated on March 28, we will confirm with the current resident and hold that room for you until April 27.

If you wish to reserve more than one month in advance, you can secure a room in one of our houses by paying a deposit. However, unless the room has a confirmed move-out date within one month of your desired move-in, you generally cannot specify which room it will be.
One month before your move-in date, you may then choose from the available rooms or those with confirmed move-outs. At this stage, it is also possible to select a different house from the one you initially planned.
 For example, if you want to move into Sopra on April 1, 2024, you may pay the deposit as early as 2023, which guarantees a room in one of our houses (though not a specific room). On March 1, 2024, you can then choose from the rooms available at that time. If there is already a confirmed move-out in March, you may reserve that room even before March 1.
 We have this system because many of our residents are international and stay for short periods (often due to visa durations), so turnover happens roughly every two months. However, it’s hard to know in advance exactly which room will be available, as some residents extend their stays.
 That said, so far we have never been unable to secure at least one room for a new resident. In the rare event that your preferred house does not have a vacancy, you would be able to live in another house until a room opens up in your desired location.

Can I move in on the same day as the viewing?

Yes, same-day move-in is possible. However, as mentioned earlier, an application screening is required first.

Is it possible for multiple people to live in one room?

We will make a decision based on the comfortable use of shared spaces. Please contact us in advance for consultation.

Are utilities, Wi-Fi, and consumables included in the monthly fee?

Yes. The common service fee covers:

  • Utilities (water, electricity, gas)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Consumables (toilet paper, shared cleaning supplies)
  • Neighborhood association fees

Personal consumables must be prepared individually.

Are there any costs when moving out?

In principle, no additional costs are charged. However, please note:

If personal belongings or trash are left behind, disposal costs will be charged.

You must clean the air conditioner, floors, and remove all garbage.

If cleaning is insufficient, your deposit will not be refunded.

How is rent calculated if moving in or out mid-month?

Rent for partial months is calculated on a per-day basis, assuming 30 days per month.
Amounts under ¥1,000 are rounded up.

Example:

  • If moving in on January 20:
    • Rent for Jan 20–Jan 31 = (Monthly Rent ÷ 30) × 12 days
    • From Feb 1: Full monthly rent applies

Are monthly parking spaces available nearby?

Prices vary depending on the vehicle type and the house you want, so please contact us for details.