First time living in Japan? Moving into a UR apartment

Signing the contract is only half of it. Here is what to do before and after you get the keys — in the order you'll need it.

1. Before the contract

• Residence card (zairyu card) — you'll need it for the application, the contract, your bank and your phone.
• Resident record (juminhyo) — UR asks for one at contract. If you've just arrived, register your current address (even a temporary one) at the city or ward office first. See eligibility.
• Proof of income or savings — a tax certificate, an employment certificate or a bank balance certificate, depending on your situation.
• No hanko needed — a signature is accepted.

2. Within 14 days of moving in: the city / ward office

Japanese law requires you to report your new address within 14 days. Go to the city or ward office for your new address (the map on each apartment page shows the nearest one) with your residence card. You can usually do these at the same visit:

• Moving-in notification (tennyu-todoke) — your residence card is updated with the new address
• National Health Insurance and pension, if you are not covered through your employer
• My Number card address update
• Pick up the local garbage guide — many cities publish it in English

3. Electricity, gas and water

The UR office gives you the contact details for your complex when you pick up the keys.

4. What the room comes with

• Check the room details and photos: many rooms have no air conditioner and no ceiling lights, so you may need to buy and install them. Renovated rooms often have more.
• Curtains are not included — measure the windows when you view the room.
• Washing machine space (洗濯機置場) and fridge space are shown on the floor plan. Tap Photos & floor plan on any room to see it.

5. Internet and phone

Some UR complexes have internet already installed in the building; otherwise you contract a fiber line yourself (installation can take 2–4 weeks). A mobile Wi-Fi router or a SIM with a large data plan is an easy stopgap.

6. Insurance

Fire and household insurance is not required by UR but is strongly recommended — it covers your belongings and damage you might cause to the apartment below (for example a water leak).

7. Living in a UR complex

• Garbage is sorted (burnable, plastic, cans/bottles, large items) and put out on set days at the complex's collection point.
• Bicycles go in the complex's bicycle parking; some complexes ask you to register them. Car parking is a separate contract.
• Noise: walls are concrete, but keep it quiet late at night. Pets are only allowed in designated buildings.
• The management office in the complex handles repairs and questions about the building.

8. Emergency numbers

Each apartment page shows the nearest hospitals, clinics and pharmacies on the map.