Short-Term Rentals in Japan: All About Monthly Mansions

2025-05-23

If you’re going on a long-term business trip or looking for temporary housing, a monthly rental apartment—also known as a “monthly mansion”—can be a convenient option. Unlike standard rental properties that require a yearly contract, monthly mansions offer flexible terms starting from just one month, making it easy to rent for exactly the period you need.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about monthly mansions, including contract durations, initial costs, who typically use them, and their pros and cons. If you’re considering signing a contract for a monthly mansion, please make sure to refer to this article.

At Village House, we offer affordable and high-quality rental properties all across Japan. If you’re looking for a property to rent, be sure to check out our website!

Contract types and duration for monthly mansions

The contract period for a monthly mansion is generally as short as 30 days (1 month) and up to just under one year (364 days). If you stay more than 30 days, you can rent by the day and only pay for the time you need—no waste.

On the other hand, the contract type for a standard rental property is an “ordinary lease contract”, which allows tenants to renew the lease period upon request. However, monthly mansions fall under a “fixed-term lease contract”, meaning the rental period is predetermined from the start and cannot be extended by default.

There is no system for renewing contracts for monthly mansions, but if the next tenant has not been scheduled to move in after your contract ends, you may be able to continue using the apartment by re-signing the contract.

	Contract type	Contract duration
Standard rental property	Ordinary lease contract	Typically 2 years
Monthly mansion	Fixed-term lease contract	Minimum of 1 month, renewable on a per-day basis thereafter
Weekly rental apartment	Regulated under the Hotel Business Act	Minimum of 1 week, renewable on a per-day basis thereafter

▶︎No security deposit, key money, or agency fees
Monthly mansions do not require a security deposit, key money, or agency fees, which are typically required for standard rental properties. While rent and utility fees may be set a little higher in comparison, the total cost over a few months often turns out to be more economical than a standard lease.

However, unlike standard rental properties where cleaning and repair costs upon move-out are usually deducted from the security deposit, monthly mansions require these fees to be paid upfront, since they do not require a security deposit.

Of course, normal wear and tear is expected, but in the event that the room is left severely dirty or if furniture or appliances are damaged, you may be charged additional repair costs. Just like with any rental property, it’s important to take care of the space and use it responsibly.

Main users of monthly mansions

Around 60% of monthly mansion users are corporate clients, using the units primarily for business purposes such as business trips, training, or temporary assignments. These monthly mansions are also popular among tourists from overseas.

They are also commonly used as temporary housing in situations such as when someone has already secured a new job or school but hasn’t found a permanent home yet, or when the move-out date from their current residence is approaching but the new home isn’t ready yet.

Although less common, some people use monthly mansions as a way to pursue a lifestyle of living in different cities, moving from one location to another every few months to experience living in different neighborhoods.

As a place to stay for business trips, training, or solo work assignment

As temporary housing during home renovations

As a place to stay when focusing on university entrance exams or job hunting

As nearby lodging while accompanying a hospitalized family member

As a trial for living alone

Advantages of monthly mansions

Fully furnished and ready to move in

Monthly mansions come equipped with all the essential furniture and appliances you need for daily life, such as a bed, sofa, table, curtains, lighting, TV, refrigerator, microwave, and washing machine.

One of their main appeals is that you can start living there right away, and you can reduce the hassle and expense of buying new furniture or home appliances. The types of furniture and appliances installed vary depending on the property, so be sure to check the official website or property guide in advance.

Even if there are furniture or appliances that are not included, it may be possible to rent them by paying an optional fee, so it is a good idea to check in advance.

No need to set up utilities

When moving into a standard rental property, you usually need to arrange contracts for water, electricity, and gas. However, with monthly mansions, all essential utilities are already installed, so there’s no need to go through the hassle of setting them up yourself.

In recent years, more and more properties also come with internet included, making it easy to work remotely or stream videos without any problems. Most monthly mansions also offer “flat-rate plans” that include utility costs, allowing you to know your total monthly expenses upfront—a major benefit for budgeting and peace of mind.

Initial costs are kept to a minimum

Standard rental properties incur many costs when moving in, such as security deposit, key money, agency fees, and fire insurance fees. On the other hand, monthly mansions do not require these costs in most cases.

Typically, the only costs you’ll need to cover are rent, management fees, utility fees, and a cleaning fee upon move-out. However, since the initial costs can vary depending on the property and management company, it’s a good idea to double-check the breakdown before signing a contract.

No need for a guarantor or guarantee company

In an ordinary lease contract, you are required to provide a guarantor or use a guarantee company in case of missed rent payments. However, such procedures are generally not required for monthly mansions.

Instead, it’s common to pay one month’s rent upfront at the time of signing the contract. Since it is assumed that you will move out at the end of the contract, there is no need for an additional guarantor or guarantor company. For those who need a place to live quickly or find it difficult to secure a guarantor, this hassle-free process makes monthly mansions an especially appealing option.

Disadvantages of monthly mansions

Higher rent compared to standard rental properties

While prices vary depending on the area and facilities, monthly mansions typically cost about 1.5 to 2 times more than standard rental properties. However, it is important to consider that the rent for a monthly mansion comes with furniture, appliances, as well as flat-rate utilities.

Rent must be paid upfront in one lump sum

While monthly mansions typically don’t require a security deposit or key money, the full rent is required to be paid in advance. This means you’ll need to prepare a lump sum payment at the time of signing the contract.

You can’t view the room in advance

Monthly mansions often have tenants staying right up until the last minute, so scheduling a viewing beforehand is usually not possible. As a result, unlike standard rental properties, you may not be able to view the room in person beforehand, which means there’s a chance it might not fully match your expectations.

That being said, if the unit happens to be vacant, viewings may be available. Thus, it’s always a good idea to inquire if you find a property that interests you.

At Village House, there are no security deposit, key money, handling fees, or renewal fees（※）. If you’re looking to save on initial costs, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

※ Depending on the contract details and screening results, a security deposit may be required.

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