The initial cost of living alone can be more expensive than you imagine. In addition to security deposits, key money, agent fees, and moving costs, you'll also need to spend a lot of money to purchase furniture and appliances. For those who don't have that much money or would like to save as much as possible for their new life, a furnished rental property is highly recommended. These properties come with the basic furniture and appliances necessary for daily life, saving you the trouble of visiting furniture stores or electronics retailers to find the cheapest items.

However, furnished rental properties come with both advantages and disadvantages. In this article, I'll introduce the service details and the pros and cons of furnished rental properties, based on my own experience considering moving into one!

Does it cost more than 300,000 yen to furnish a one-person household?

When it comes to essential furniture and appliances for a one-person household, items like a refrigerator, washing machine, and vacuum cleaner are must-haves. But there are many other things you will need.

The prices of furniture and appliances vary, but buying all these items new would cost at least 200,000 yen. If you're particular about the brand, design, or model, the cost might be even higher.

By the way, the budget I had in mind for starting my one-person household, including the security deposit, key money, and agent fees, was 300,000 yen. If I had proceeded without thinking, my budget would have been blown just on furniture and appliances.

Realizing this beforehand, I started looking for ways to reduce the initial costs, particularly the expenses related to furniture and appliances. That's when I thought of two options: "Using furniture and appliance rental services" or "Moving into a furnished rental property."

Are Furniture and Appliance Rental Services Really Convenient?

Instead of purchasing furniture and appliances for a one-person household, there is also the option of renting them.

There are various reasons why people choose to rent.

I was curious as well, so I looked into it!

There are many products available through furniture and appliance rental services.

Additionally, you can even rent items like lighting and fitness equipment!

There was a wider variety of furniture and appliances available than I had expected. Furthermore, there are many companies offering rental services, so you can compare each option and choose the rental service that best suits your needs.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Furniture and Appliance Rental Services?

Even if you feel like trying furniture and appliance rental services, you’re probably concerned about the advantages and disadvantages. Are there any downsides to using rental services?

Let's start by introducing the advantages.

Since some services offer new models of furniture and appliances, being able to rent them as a trial is an appealing feature. If you're unsure about whether you can make good use of a product, you can rent it first and decide later. This kind of flexibility is unique to rental services.

When you're temporarily assigned to a new location, buying new furniture and appliances can be expensive. While it's easy if you can use a dormitory or a monthly rental apartment, rental services are helpful when such facilities aren’t available. Once your temporary assignment is over, you can simply end the contract and return the rented furniture and appliances, making moving much easier. If your stay is short, renting can be more cost-effective than buying everything. It’s also convenient for people who move frequently, as they can avoid the hassle of packing and unpacking.

A surprising number of people find assembling furniture difficult. But with rental services, the furniture is delivered pre-assembled and even installed for you.

Replacing furniture and appliances is costly, but the effort and expense involved in disposing of old items also cannot be ignored. You have to pay for the collection of bulky waste, and moving it out of your home can be a real hassle. For assembled furniture, you might even need to disassemble it just to get it out the door. However, with rental services, you can avoid this trouble and cost. Once you cancel your rental contract, that’s it. The staff will come to collect the items, and all you need to do is hand them over.


Now, let’s talk about the disadvantages of rental services.

Rental services charge a monthly fee. The longer you rent, the more it costs, and if the rental period is extended, you might regret not buying new items instead, as it could have been cheaper.

Canceling a rental service requires paperwork. You need to fill out and submit cancellation documents to the rental company, after which they will process your request. You’ll need to consult with them regarding cancellation fees and dates, which can take time. You may find the repeated back-and-forth communication with the company tiresome, which could make rental services unsuitable for some people.

Even if the rental fee is low, delivery fees can be high—this is a common downside of rental services. Instead of focusing only on the rental cost, you should make sure to check how much the total will be.

Personally, one of the disadvantages I found was that renting stylish furniture and appliances can be expensive. Items that I really wanted to rent, ones that were especially attractive, often came with high rental fees.

In my case, I spent a lot of time picking out appliances I wanted to rent and comparing prices on each rental service’s website to find the cheapest option. However, despite my efforts, I couldn’t find a plan that matched both my needs and budget. The rental prices were indeed lower than buying new items, but if you plan to live alone for one or two years, purchasing may end up being the cheaper option.

Additionally, with cheaper rental services, most of them don’t let you choose the brand or model of the items.

 Furniture Rental Subscription 

Mr. Kubo, who appeared in season 1 of the popular reality show "The Bachelor," now offers a furniture subscription service called [CLAS]. If you're interested, check it out.

What Furniture and Appliances Are Installed in Furnished Rental Properties?

Since rental services didn’t appeal to me, I next looked into "furnished rental properties." So, what kind of furniture and appliances are provided in such properties?

The specific items vary depending on the company, but every property will have at least the basic essentials.

In addition, stoves and air conditioners are, of course, fully equipped. Some places even offer additional small appliances like hair dryers and electric kettles.

Furnished rental properties come in various tiers, and properties with higher rent often offer more luxurious furnishings. You might find places equipped with large LCD TVs, steam ovens, Blu-ray players, air purifiers, and humidifiers. However, rent for these high-tier properties is significantly higher compared to regular properties.

Can You Save Costs by Using Furnished Rental Properties? Advantages and Disadvantages

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of furnished rental properties? Let’s start with the advantages.

For those who want to move but cannot afford to buy furniture or appliances, a property equipped with enough essential furniture and appliances is recommended. You can also save money when you move again later.

Even for minimalists who don’t want to increase their belongings, furnished rental properties allow for an easy and light move.

If you’re in a hurry and want to move right away, you don’t need to purchase furniture or appliances, so you can move in smoothly and start your new life immediately.

The main advantages are the convenience and ease of moving. Now, let’s take a look at the disadvantages.

Compared to regular properties, furnished rental properties tend to have higher rent. Even for rooms with similar conditions, it’s said that rent for furnished properties can be 20–30% higher. For example, if the rent for a regular property is 70,000 yen, a furnished one might cost around 85,000 to 90,000 yen.

Additionally, the security deposit for these properties tends to be higher than that of regular properties, likely because it includes a deposit for the furniture and appliances.

If you plan to live alone for an extended period, furnished properties may not be the best option. While they are suitable for short-term stays, if you plan to live alone for a long time, buying your own furniture and appliances and renting a regular property would be more cost-effective.

With most furnished rental properties, it’s difficult to choose the design or model of the furniture and appliances. You won’t be able to exchange outdated models or items that don’t match your taste.

It’s also challenging to create a cohesive interior design. Different colors and styles of furniture and appliances will be mixed together, making it unsuitable for people who are particular about their decor.

If an appliance in your room breaks down, or if furniture gets damaged, you’ll need to contact the management staff and report the issue to arrange repairs. While it may be resolved smoothly with quick service, unresponsive service could delay the replacement. Even if they replace the item, it won’t necessarily be new. There’s a chance it will be replaced with another used item.

In furnished rental properties, the furniture and appliances provided are often used by previous tenants. If they weren’t well-maintained, the furniture and appliances may have small damages.

If you have favorite furniture pieces you’d like to use instead of the ones provided, most support centers won’t accommodate requests to remove or store the included furniture and appliances. Even if you don’t need certain items, you won’t be able to remove or store them from the room.

 Are Furnished Rentals the Best Option? 

There were more disadvantages than I expected, which was surprising. The fact that rent becomes expensive if you stay long-term is particularly concerning. It seems like these properties are more suitable for short-term tenants.

Is Leopalace the Best Option for Furnished Rentals? Many Negative Reviews

When it comes to furnished rental properties, the well-known name is “Leopalace 21.” I’ve seen their commercials and ads many times myself, and they give off the impression of being easy to move into and having properties in various locations. In fact, Leopalace properties tend to have cheaper rent compared to other furnished rental properties.

Here’s a list of the furniture and appliances included in Leopalace properties:

Although vacuum cleaners, rice cookers, and electric kettles aren’t included, these items are affordable enough to purchase yourself.

While the cheap rent of Leopalace’s furnished properties is an advantage, there are some concerns about the disadvantages. So, I looked up the opinions of people who currently live in Leopalace properties on social media.

The main selling point of Leopalace is the “furnished” aspect. From my research, I found that some tenants had complaints.

There were reviews that mentioned smooth replacements for broken furniture and appliances, but there were also complaints about slow responses. It seems that the service quality may vary depending on the staff or contractors involved. There were also frequent comments about the low quality of the furniture and appliances.

Other reviews mentioned issues like these.

Of course, there are many people who are satisfied with living in a Leopalace property. I have a friend who lives in a furnished Leopalace property, and I’ve visited their apartment. I didn’t notice anything unusual and actually thought, “The walls are nice and white,” and “It’s quiet here.” It was a bit small, but that’s typical for one-person apartments, right?

So, I decided to see it for myself and went for a property viewing.

I Actually Viewed a Furnished Rental Property!

＞　Viewing ①: Furnished Rental Property in Shibuya Ward / 65,000 Yen　＜

This property was built in 1998, so it’s a bit old, but it’s a furnished rental for 65,000 yen! It’s a designer property located just a 3-minute walk from the station. It even has a space for a washing machine inside and comes equipped with air conditioning. Another bonus is that it has not just a shower but a bathtub as well.

However, I was shocked when I entered the room. It was stylish but extremely cramped. The living space was about 4 tatami mats. There was also a loft, but the ceiling was so low that you could barely lie down. Of course, there was no shoe cabinet or balcony. While I thought I understood the size in my head, seeing it in person left me speechless.

Additionally, while the furniture and appliances were relatively new, there were some products from overseas brands I had never heard of, and overall, they looked cheap and didn’t match the carefully designed interior. I couldn’t find anything that made me want to live there; in fact, there were only points that made me want to deduct from the appeal. As a result, I declined to sign a contract.

 Reflection 

Even if a property built in 1998 is renovated and looks nice, it might still not suit modern lifestyles.

＞　Viewing ②: Leopalace Furnished Property in Nerima Ward / 50,000 Yen Range　＜

I found a room in the 50,000 yen range, and it’s only a 5-minute walk from the station, so I decided to go for a viewing. No deposit or agent fee required, which was a plus! I was excited when I went to the viewing that day.

When I entered the room, sure enough, the refrigerator, microwave, and air conditioner were already installed. The washing machine was located on the balcony. That’s when I realized I wouldn’t be able to do laundry on rainy days, which was a bit disappointing. Also, the appliances overall felt a bit outdated. While the lighting and curtains were clean, they showed some wear and tear.

Other than the furniture and appliances, what bothered me was the small kitchen. There was only one burner and a sink, leaving no space for food prep. I tried to convince myself that I’d have to compromise since the rent was cheap, but then I learned something shocking at the end.

I’d heard that Leopalace charges a fee when you move out, so I asked during the viewing, and it turned out that this property requires a 40,000 yen move-out cleaning fee. Additionally, you have to pay for a key exchange and fire insurance when you move in. I had the impression that Leopalace was affordable, but it seems like the expenses might add up more than expected.

On top of that, Leopalace faced some issues in 2017 with terminating bulk lease agreements, illegal construction issues in 2018, and in 2023, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry conducted on-site inspections over concerns regarding the improper disposal of discarded appliances.

What could most affect tenants is the illegal construction issue, but it should have been resolved by now. However, my viewing didn’t leave a strong enough impression to overturn my negative feelings, so I left without signing a contract.

 Current Status of the Illegal Construction Issue 

As of August 31, 2022, about 70% of the units identified for necessary renovations had been completed. However, the remaining 30% are apparently still in violation. As of May 8, 2023, it seems that some properties with construction defects were terminated from management without any renovation progress. Will the remaining properties be renovated...?

With a Share House, Furniture and Appliances Are Fully Equipped! Save on Initial Costs!

Is there a furnished property with low initial costs that doesn’t have too many drawbacks? Actually, a share house can meet all these conditions.

You’ll have access to almost all the furniture and appliances you need for daily life, and you can use them freely. Many share houses have well-maintained furniture and appliances, and some even have fully equipped kitchens, so you won’t have to settle for outdated appliances or mismatched interiors.

Additionally, the initial cost is just a small "deposit," much cheaper than the security deposit and key money. You also don’t need a guarantor or guarantee company, so you can move in smoothly.

Another perk is that rent is often cheaper than regular apartments. Many share houses are located near stations, making commuting or going to school convenient. Living in high-quality housing at an affordable price is another unique advantage of share houses!

Of course, some people may worry about privacy since you’ll be living with others. But if you choose a share house with private rooms, you’ll be fine. You can even lock the door for added security.

Summary

Finding a furnished rental property was a real challenge, but I’m glad I discovered the option of share houses. I plan to narrow down my search to steel-frame share houses so I won’t have to worry about the noise from other tenants.

Furnished rental properties tend to have slightly higher rent, but they can reduce the burden on tenants. While I wouldn’t recommend them to those looking to save money or those who are particular about cleanliness, they’re perfect for those who want to live alone for a set period. If you want to minimize initial costs, a share house could be your best option.

Make sure to compare the pros and cons of each property carefully and choose the one that suits your needs!



Finally, I’d like to highlight a few share houses with ensuite water facilities that feel like studio apartments.

Couverture Kita-Otsuka THREE

This is a newly built share house with ensuite water facilities. The room has its own toilet, shower, and washbasin, so you can do everything within your own space. However, there is no kitchen in the room, so you’ll need to use the shared kitchen.

The rooftop even has a garden where you can do some urban gardening, and there’s also a workspace, which is great for those who work remotely. The rent starts in the 60,000 yen range, making it quite affordable.

THE DAY IRIYA

A large share house renovated from a hotel, boasting a stylish design. Each room includes a sink, toilet, and shower room, so like the previous property, you can complete your daily routine within your own space. There is also a large co-working space, making it possible to enjoy a hotel-like living experience combined with a workspace.

This share house also features unique services such as linen exchange, rice provision, and coffee from a coffee machine, which are not typically found in regular share houses.

Wellblend Asagaya

The private rooms with fully equipped water facilities such as a shower, toilet, and sink have security with a passcode system. There is also a working space, so you can work efficiently inside the house.

If you are looking for a furnished rental property, it might be worth checking out.