Ask about how resident taxes are handled if you move to your own place. If you plan to stay in Japan for more than a year and a company refuses to pay your residence taxes as a condition for letting you move out of their chosen apartment, you will be getting a huge tax bill.
I worked for Westgate for the 3 month contract when I first moved to Japan. I paid around 80,000yen a month for the apartment, which was expensive for what I got, but it was like a 5 minute walk to the university I worked at. If you’re coming from abroad to work for Westgate, I’d recommend just going with the Westgate apartment because they sort out everything for you. It might be more expensive than if you find something yourself, but it can be a real headache trying to find a suitable place to live in Japan as a foreigner, especially from abroad. When you’re all set up in Japan, I think then is the time to move to your own apartment (but I think Westgate will not allow you to move before the first contract ends).
To make your decision, you should know that the company will be overcharging you for your rent in order to make a profit off you. It’s a common scam they like to use on people who are new to the country and don’t know what things actually cost.
And depending where you live, there should be a good number of real estate agents who are willing to deal with new arrivals. Very often there are arrangements that can be made with a company that you can pay to be your guarantor. Most real estate agents use them these days, even for Japanese nationals.
While it does cost a lot up front to move into an apartment, you’ll save money in the long run since your overall monthly rent will be cheaper. And, since your apartment won’t be tied to your employment, you will have the freedom to quit your job without being kicked out of your home.
The main issues is whether you have enough cash to pay upfront. If you do, it’s well worth it.
I don’t know Westgate but I vote for finding your own apartment. That way the company doesn’t have a hold on you in terms of where to live in case you want to quit or they don’t renew contracts with you.
Westgate told me I had to live in their apartment as part of contract. I was a domestic hire with my home. Thus I turned down the position.
Westgate will try and screw you as others have said. Don’t do business with them.
6 comments
Ask about how resident taxes are handled if you move to your own place. If you plan to stay in Japan for more than a year and a company refuses to pay your residence taxes as a condition for letting you move out of their chosen apartment, you will be getting a huge tax bill.
I worked for Westgate for the 3 month contract when I first moved to Japan. I paid around 80,000yen a month for the apartment, which was expensive for what I got, but it was like a 5 minute walk to the university I worked at. If you’re coming from abroad to work for Westgate, I’d recommend just going with the Westgate apartment because they sort out everything for you. It might be more expensive than if you find something yourself, but it can be a real headache trying to find a suitable place to live in Japan as a foreigner, especially from abroad. When you’re all set up in Japan, I think then is the time to move to your own apartment (but I think Westgate will not allow you to move before the first contract ends).
To make your decision, you should know that the company will be overcharging you for your rent in order to make a profit off you. It’s a common scam they like to use on people who are new to the country and don’t know what things actually cost.
And depending where you live, there should be a good number of real estate agents who are willing to deal with new arrivals. Very often there are arrangements that can be made with a company that you can pay to be your guarantor. Most real estate agents use them these days, even for Japanese nationals.
While it does cost a lot up front to move into an apartment, you’ll save money in the long run since your overall monthly rent will be cheaper. And, since your apartment won’t be tied to your employment, you will have the freedom to quit your job without being kicked out of your home.
The main issues is whether you have enough cash to pay upfront. If you do, it’s well worth it.
I don’t know Westgate but I vote for finding your own apartment. That way the company doesn’t have a hold on you in terms of where to live in case you want to quit or they don’t renew contracts with you.
Westgate told me I had to live in their apartment as part of contract. I was a domestic hire with my home. Thus I turned down the position.
Westgate will try and screw you as others have said. Don’t do business with them.