(1) Get the key
After signing the house lease contract, you will get the key, which needs to be returned to the owner when the contract is terminated, so be careful not to lose it. At the same time, it is best to confirm the housing situation with the real estate agency and fill in a confirmation list. Draw a simple floor plan of the house, mark the damaged and dirty places and take photos with dates. Indoor equipment and appliances, etc., should be confirmed in advance, which is very useful to prevent disputes when checking out in the future.
(2) Application for electric light, gas and tap water
In Japan, postcards of the application for electric light, gas and tap water will be placed in the vacant rooms waiting for rent. When you apply for electricity after you get the key, you can use the postcard hung on the current breaker, fill in your name, address and date of use on the postcard, and then put it in the mailbox. If you use gas, you must contact the gas company in advance and ask them to turn on the main gas switch on the day you check in. When you turn on the main gas switch, you must be present in person. If you want to use tap water, you should contact the departments in charge of tap water, such as towns and villages in the city, go through the formalities of using it, and post it on the equipped postcards.
(3) Greet your neighbors, and keep good relations with them
In Japan, when you move into a new house, you usually greet your neighbors up and down, introduce yourself briefly, and hope that they will take care of you in the future, or you can give them some appropriate small gifts. After getting to know each other, many things will be more convenient. Of course, you don't have to say hello. For example, if your neighbor is a single woman, you don't have to say hello.
(4) Self-governing Council of Town Council
In Japan, there are residents' organizations called "Town Council" and "Self-governing Council" in all regions. The town council and the self-government council are responsible for transmitting the review boards (from house to house, in turn, the notices from the administrative organs and health centers), organizing crime prevention and earthquake prevention training, and holding various celebrations and other exchange activities among residents.