Currently trying to move into an appartment in a relatively small japanese City.
The management company requires an emergency contact that is either a PR or japanese national, speaks fluent japanese and lives within 50km.
Also they want the Name, Phonenumber, E-Mail, Address, Birthday as well as a copy of an ID document.
It’s just an emergency contact ffs. That just seems so extensive to me.
Yes it’s an emergency contact not a guarantor.
I don’t know anyone here. That third requirement does not make any sense. I work for a company overseas. Any ideas what I could do?
10 comments
There are companies who will (for a fee) take on this role for you.
However, since you state it’s a small city, there’s unlikely to be such a company within 50km (since most such companies are in Tokyo).
They’re basically saying they don’t want your business without someone they can go after to get hold of you if you do a disappearing act.
At that point, I’d seriously reconsider renting from them.
Standard stuff to ask except the id copy. Either tell them to get bent or start asking in your company if someone can help.
Try googling 緊急連絡先代行
If it’s really really just emergency contact, somebody at your job could help? It kinda sucks but at the same time if you want the appartment you want the appartment.
Never heard of the ID requirement though
When I moved to my current apartment they were requesting two emergency contacts, although I don’t remember exactly what information they wanted (it’s been a year).
Anyways, I told them I’d bring it later, whenever they asked sbout it. Signed the contract and paid everything. Moved in the apartment and never delivered that information, they never asked again too.
I’m not suggesting you should do this. Well, it’s up to you. My point is that if they really wanna do business with you they’ll find a way.
As someone who manages properties in Japan, it is an absolute nightmare if someone dies in your property or if someone disappears and no one is available who can collect their possessions and settle their affairs.
That is why emergency contacts are so important to applications. It has to be someone living nearby with the Japanese ability, maturity and wherewithal to handle the situation if you are gone.
That’s less than what they wanted from me. 2 people with PR or a National. Either one had to be within am hour of the apartment. I kindly told them where to shove it.
It’s a guarantor.
Even if they are saying it isn’t, that’s why they want all that information.
The “emergency” they intend to contact this person about is finding you or getting the backed up rent paid should you disappear one day.
I hate realtors here.
Can you put your company’s hr as the emergency contact?
But seriously I would reconsider unless you either really want the place or this is a common occurrence.
Your employer is overseas? May I ask which visa type you have and does your employer have a Japan branch?
These are questions your landlord / letting agent may be asking and it may be why they’re being so strict. If even your employer can’t vouch for you, alarm bells may be ringing for them.
Is there a Japanese representative or good Japanese friend you can bring along? If not you may have to tell them that the only option is for you to pay for a guarantor company and if they won’t accept that, make it clear to them that you’ll just have to find your accommodation elsewhere. That usually convinces realtors here to change their minds.