Complete Guide to Short-Term Rentals and Monthly Apartments—Smart Usage Tips for Job Transfers, Business Trips, and Moving

What Are Short-Term and Monthly Apartments?

"Monthly apartments" and "weekly apartments" are rental properties that differ from standard rental contracts—you can lease them for as little as one week to a few months. They typically require no security deposit or key money, come furnished with basic furniture and appliances, and are commonly used for temporary stays during job transfers, business trips, moves, and renovations.

Recently, the term "short-term rental" has become more common, and properties that allow move-in and move-out between one and six months are increasingly available. They offer more space than hotels and can be leased for shorter periods than standard apartment leases.

Use Cases—Who Short-Term Rentals Are Right For

Temporary Use for Job Transfers and Single Reassignments

Monthly apartments are commonly used during the months between when a job transfer is announced and when a family relocates, or as temporary housing during a reassignment period.

Demand is particularly high among employees who are frequently transferred, and some companies include monthly apartments in their housing allowance programs. Check your company's policies in advance.

Bridge Housing Between Moves

More people are using monthly apartments to bridge the gap when their move-out date from their old home doesn't align with their move-in date to their new home. They're more economical than hotels, and some offer temporary storage for your belongings.

Relocating for a New Job or Career Change

If you're starting a new job and haven't decided where to live yet, you can use a monthly apartment as a temporary base while searching for a permanent home. Living in an area first lets you make a more informed decision about where you want to be long-term.

Temporary Housing During Renovation or Remodeling

They're also used as temporary housing when you need to vacate your owned or rented home for renovation work. Lease terms can be tailored to match your construction timeline (typically one to three months).

Test-Living and Neighborhood Exploration

An increasing number of people are using monthly apartments to "test-live" in a neighborhood for one or two months before committing. Actually living in an area before making a permanent move helps ensure you make a choice you won't regret.

How Costs Work and Comparison with Standard Rentals

Breakdown of Basic Costs

Monthly apartment costs typically include the following:

• •Monthly rent: Varies by location, floor plan, and amenities
• •Utilities: Water, electricity, and gas are often included in the monthly rent (check if it says "utilities included")
• •Internet: WiFi is typically provided
• •Cleaning fee: An exit cleaning fee may be charged separately
• •Contract processing fee: May be charged at move-in (typically ¥10,000–20,000)

Cost Range (2026 estimate)

Tokyo—1K studio (25–30 m²):

• •1 month: ¥100,000–180,000 (utilities included)
• •3 months: ¥80,000–140,000/month
• •6 months: ¥70,000–120,000/month

Regional cities—1K studio (25–30 m²):

• •1 month: ¥50,000–100,000
• •3 months: ¥40,000–80,000/month
• •6 months: ¥40,000–70,000/month

Monthly rates generally decrease as you commit to a longer lease.

Cost Comparison: Standard vs. Short-Term Rentals

For short stays, monthly apartments are more cost-effective overall because they have no upfront costs (no security deposit, key money, or agency fees). As a general rule, if you're staying three months or less, monthly apartments are often the better deal.

If you expect to stay four to six months or longer, a standard rental agreement usually offers lower monthly costs.

How to Find Properties

Use Specialized Websites

Several specialized search sites focus on short-term rentals:

• •Monthly Mansion Dot Com
• •Weekly/Monthly search services (major real estate companies)
• •Leopalace21 (nationwide network)
• •Short-term plans from major rental companies like Minimini and Able

Use Corporate or Company Contracts

For job transfers or business trips, your company's HR or administrative department may have corporate accounts with monthly apartment providers. Corporate discounts may apply, so check your company's policies first.

Look for Standard Rentals That Allow Short-Term Leases

Some standard rental properties accept fixed-term leases of two to six months. These may offer more variety than monthly apartment specialists. You can filter by "short-term" or "fixed-term lease" on sites like SUUMO or HOME'S.

Key Points to Verify Before Moving In

Check Furnishings and Amenities

Monthly apartments typically include the following, but you should always confirm in advance since it varies by property:

Typical furnishings: Bed, bedding, table, chairs, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, air conditioning, TV, curtains

Items to verify: WiFi specs (suitable for remote work?), whether consumables like shampoo and detergent are provided, availability of parking and bike storage

Utility Limits and Additional Charges

Even when utilities are included, some properties have usage caps—if you exceed them, you'll be charged extra. Winter heating and summer cooling can easily push you over the limit, so confirm the cap before signing.

Cleaning Service Frequency

Some monthly apartments include regular cleaning service (e.g., once a week). If you'll be cleaning yourself, check whether cleaning supplies are provided.

Whether Resident Registration Is Possible

For business trips or short stays, you won't need to register your residency. However, if you're on a single assignment for several months or staying until you find permanent housing, you may need to register. Most monthly apartments allow resident registration, but confirm in advance.

Tips to Prevent Problems

Check the condition at move-in: Document any existing scratches or damage with photos. This protects you from disputes over restoration to original condition at move-out.

Damage or loss of furnishings: You'll be liable for repairs if you damage the provided furniture or appliances. Handle them carefully.

Noise and house rules: Just like a standard rental, you must follow community rules regarding noise and trash disposal. A short-term lease doesn't exempt you from these.

Extending your lease: If you need to stay longer than planned, apply for an extension early. If the next tenant has already been confirmed, extension may not be possible.

Summary

Monthly and short-term rentals are extremely convenient for temporary housing during job transfers, business trips, and moves. With no security deposit or key money required and furnished with appliances, you can live comfortably even for short periods.

While monthly rates are higher than standard rentals, the lack of upfront costs makes them more economical for stays of three months or less. When choosing a property, be sure to verify the amenities, utility caps, and whether resident registration is allowed.

Choose a property that fits your situation, and enjoy a comfortable short-term rental experience.

The Complete Guide to Monthly Apartments and Short-Term Rentals—Costs, How to Choose, and Differences from Standard Rentals

Monthly apartments are convenient for business trips, training, temporary housing, and test-living during relocation. While they offer the advantage of no security deposit or key money, come furnished with appliances, and allow immediate move-in, the monthly costs are higher. This guide thoroughly explains the differences from standard rentals, ideal use cases, and selection tips.