Next Steps After Choosing a Social Apartment: What to prepare

To everyone preparing to move into Social Apartment — thank you and welcome!

Moving, especially from abroad, can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking as the move-in date approaches. Many of you are likely looking forward to this new chapter, and we’re thrilled that you’ve chosen to begin it at Social Apartment.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the move-in process and what to prepare, so you can settle in smoothly and start enjoying this new chapter—stress-free!

■Step1：Screening process

After applying for your chosen room, the first step is the screening conducted by the guarantor company. Once you have completed all the information required for the application, the screening typically takes about 2 to 7 days.

One key point to keep in mind: aside from receiving your keys, the entire process can be done online. You'll receive the screening results via an automated email, so please check your inbox regularly during this time.

Please note that the guarantor company will call your emergency contact for identity verification. If your emergency contact misses the call, the screening may be delayed or paused—so please be sure to remind them to expect a phone call and to respond promptly if they notice any missed calls or messages from them.

■Step2：Notification of Room Cleaning Completion

If you’ve applied for a currently vacant room, the cleaning has already been completed. However, if you’ve applied for a room that is still undergoing cleaning or currently occupied by another resident, we will proceed with the contract process once the cleaning completion date is confirmed.

Typically, the cleaning date is finalized around two weeks before your contract start date (the day rent begins), though this may vary slightly depending on the situation.

In rare cases, unexpected repairs may be required after the current resident moves out, which could delay the cleaning and make it difficult to meet your preferred contract start date. If that happens, we will notify you as soon as possible. That said, we always do our best to ensure everything is ready in time, so feel free to move ahead with your moving preparations.

Until the cleaning date is confirmed, there’s no action required on your part. Even if you don’t hear from us for a little while, rest assured the process is moving forward smoothly.

■Step3：Receiving your invoice and paying the initial costs

Your invoice will be available on your My Page (an online account page used for all contract procedures) about two weeks before your contract start date—the day your rent officially begins. At that time, your My Page will automatically switch to show the next steps for your contract.

Please note: the exact timing of the invoice depends on the condition of the room you applied for. If another resident is still living in the room, your invoice will be issued only after the cleaning date is confirmed, which happens after they move out.

For residents who do not have a Japanese bank account and are paying by international credit card, you will receive an email with a link to make your payment online.
For those who are already in Japan and chose to pay via bank transfer, the payment details will be provided so you can complete the transfer.

You don’t need to contact us—just check your My Page regularly to see the latest status and know when your payment is due. If anything is unclear, feel free to reach us out!

■Step4：Scheduling Your Key Pickup

The only step that requires you to visit the Global Agents office in person is the key pickup. It’s important that you collect your keys by the contract start date (your official move-in day) at the latest. You can book your key pickup appointment through your My Page, so please make sure to schedule it well in advance.

For those coming from overseas, please note that we do not hand over keys on the same day as your arrival in Japan to avoid any issues caused by potential flight delays. Therefore, you must arrive at least one day before your official move-in date and arrange accommodation for at least one night prior to picking up your keys.

■Step5：Tutorial video

Once you have completed your key pickup reservation, the next step is to watch the contract preparation tutorial video.

Social Apartment offers private rooms with access to shared facilities. To ensure everyone can live comfortably, the video explains important house rules and key points of your contract. Watching this video helps prevent any misunderstandings after you move in, so please make sure to review it carefully.

■Step6：Contract signature (online)

The contract process is completed entirely online through your My Page. Key points and important details are explained clearly in the tutorial video, so please make sure to review them before proceeding.

Once you’ve checked all the notes and instructions, you can move forward with signing your contract online. If you need a copy of the contract for your records, a PDF download will be available.

■Step7：Key pick up at the office (Required)

On the date you reserved in advance, please visit the Global Agents office to pick up your keys.

For properties in the Kanto area, please come to the Shibuya Office.

For properties in the Kansai area, please come to the Osaka Honmachi Office.

Please note that keys will not be handed over at the Social Apartment property itself, so be sure to go to the correct office.

You will also need to complete the key receipt confirmation online, using your smartphone at the office.

Important: We cannot hand over the keys unless Steps 4 to 7 have been fully completed in advance. Please make sure all steps are done before coming to the office.

■Step8：Move-in

Thanks for following along and completing the process so far!

Please note that you cannot enter your room until your contract starts. This includes any cleaning, furniture setup, or moving in your belongings.

We hope you enjoy this new chapter at Social Apartment!

We’ve covered each part of the move-in process in detail, but if you still have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you right up until move-in day.

(Written by: Ayumi / Translated by:Helena)