[Update: I’m open to looking for new roommates now! Please check the info at the bottom of the post.]
Hey all, I could really use some advice on what to do here.
Last September, I decided to move in with two friends to a place in Tokyo. Since I was already in Japan at the time, everything was set up under my name—rent, bills, etc. I didn’t mind since they were close friends from my home country, and the rent was split three ways at around 48,000 yen per person (total rent 140,000 yen). I was super happy with the arrangement since it was a big step up from my previous dorm life.
Then, problems started coming up. Earlier this year, one of my roommates moved out to live with her boyfriend. I had noticed she wasn’t coming home much, so it wasn’t a total surprise, but now I had to pay 70,000 yen in rent, which was stretching my student budget but still manageable.
Now the real issue: last month, my other roommate went home for summer break, and two days before he was supposed to come back, he dropped the bomb that he’s quitting university and moving back to his home country for good. I get that he’s well off and doesn’t have to worry about money or his future like I do, but I’m here relying on my parents who are doing everything to support me. After talking to him, he agreed to pay rent until the end of this year, but I'll still have to remind him and hope he follows through.
That leaves me in a rough spot. The rent is 140,000 yen, and now I’d be paying all of it alone. I’m still in language school and won’t start university until April, so I’m debating what to do. Moving would be a huge hassle, especially since I have a lot of furniture left behind by my roommates, but paying 140,000 yen alone (not including utilities) is a lot for me. My parents aren’t thrilled with how expensive Tokyo is either.
Should I try to move into a cheaper place ASAP? Or just tough it out and keep paying this rent until April when I move into university housing or something?
Would really appreciate any advice.
I know one of them is a redditor, not sure if he checks this sub but if you're reading this hey I guess lol.
Edit: I know some of you might be interested in sharing the rent, and I’m open to the idea. However, there are a few things to note: there is no refrigerator or washing machine (but there’s a laundromat and convenience store just a minute's walk away). Also, there’s only one air conditioner, and it's in the living room. I’ll be moving out by April 2025 when I start university.
On the upside, the apartment is already furnished, so you can get settled in right away, and of course you'll have your own room. It's conveniently located near four lines: the Tokyo Sakura Tram, Yamanote Line, Chiyoda Line, and Toneri Liner. One important thing—I’d prefer to share with another girl, as I’m not comfortable sharing a space with a male I don’t know. Thanks for understanding!
by zaelinci