Here at Mobal, we love a sharehouse. So much so that we don’t just recommend them to our customers, our staff have stayed in them too!
Today, we’re hearing from Yacine from France, who stayed at Borderless House, and Ben from our HQ in the UK, who stayed at Oakhouse. They share their first-hand experiences with us, from the application process to day-to-day life in their respective sharehouses.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, sharehouses are an ideal option when you first move to Japan. Sharehouses have become a popular choice for those moving to and living in Japan, thanks to their a blend of affordability, community, and convenience. It beats an expensive hotel or private rental! Depending on your budget, several excellent options are available, including Tokyo Beta, Oakhouse, and Borderless, each catering to different needs and lifestyles.
1. Application Process
Q: How long did the application process take?
Yacine: A week in advance is more comfortable, but the quickest possible is four business days, which is what both of us did. Fortunately, the staff are fast and receptive and try their best to accommodate you.
Ben: Yes, I agree. Both services are prompt in their responses and very accommodating.
Q: How was the customer service?
Yacine: The responses were quick, and offer phone support if you are in Japan—no problems on this aspect for both of us.
Ben: Exactly, the customer service is very efficient.
Q: What about the fees?
Yacine: You only pay the first month’s rent, deposit, and maintenance fees. There’s no hefty key money or hidden fees. Plus, it’s all furnished.
Ben: For Oakhouse, some houses might not offer a fully furnished room. So be mindful of that.
Q: Was there any screening process?
Yacine: There’s a short pre-application screening for both of them, which is more formal. They just ensure you understand what kind of accommodation it is and go over your room choice.
Q: Did you apply from inside or outside Japan?
Yacine: I applied when I was already in Tokyo. One benefit was that I could call the company for clarification. Other than that and room viewing, there’s not much difference from applying abroad.
Ben: I applied from the UK, and the process went smoothly.
Q: How about room viewing?
Yacine: You can do it for both, but it will add one or two days to the process, so it’s not ideal if you want to move in quickly. Also, booking a room viewing doesn’t mean the room is on hold for you. If someone else books it without viewing it, they get it first.
Q: How easy was the overall process?
Ben: It’s very easy and straightforward. You can filter houses/rooms on their website based on your preferences. If you like one, just book it, and the staff will contact you by email.
Yacine: For Borderless, you can also send them an email telling them what you’re looking for, and they’ll give you suggestions and recommendations.
2. Moving In
Q: Did they meet you at the place?
Ben: Oakhouse offered to meet me at the house and help me move in, but my arrival time was outside their working hours. So, instead, they sent me a document with all the explanations for the move-in.
Yacine: I had to go to their office to sign the contract and get the keys, then move in on my own.
Q: Did you do due diligence like contract inventory, pictures, bedding, etc.?
Ben: Yes, shortly after I moved in, a staff member came, and we did the inventory together. You can rent bedding from them.
Yacine: Same for the bedding. As for the inventory and setting up the room, they did it before I moved in.
Q: Was the room clean and ready when you arrived?
Ben: Professional cleaning staff come twice a week to clean and take out the trash.
Yacine: It’s on the tenants to keep the spaces clean. We only have a professional cleaner come twice a month.
3. Day-to-Day Life
Q: What amenities are provided?
Both: Laundry, dryers, TV, a big shared living room, and a kitchen with all the kitchenware/utensils furnished. Gender-separated bathrooms and several showers. Every room and shared area is equipped with AC.
Q: How quickly do they resolve issues?
Both: Borderless and Oakhouse are very responsive. Whether the AC is leaking or there is mold, they usually fix it within 24 hours.
Q: How is life with housemates?
Yacine: It depends on your housemates, but most people in shared houses are friendly and know how to look after themselves. Everyone is clean and friendly. We usually have dinner and chat together in the living room. It’s very easy to organize group activities and find someone to hang out with.
Ben: I agree. It’s a communal environment, and you get to meet people from different backgrounds.
Q: Do they organize events?
Ben: Oakhouse organizes many events every month for its tenants, ranging from language exchanges and board games to hikes and picnics in parks.
Yacine: Borderless also organizes a couple of events every month.
Oakhouse, established in 1992, is Japan’s most popular sharehouse company, with properties in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. It’s great for everyone from young professionals and expats, to students, digital nomads, and travellers. And the best part? Mobal customers get ¥10,000 off! Find out more about starting your Japan adventure with Oakhouse here.
