Hey, I'm moving to Kobe for school and I came across this Sharehouse company called Machiake [ machiake.jp ]. I did a video call with a staff member and we discussed all the details and price, and now I apparently need to pay a 20,000 JPY "reservation deposit" to hold my room, which will also go towards my security deposit, and only after that will there be any sort of contract. Just curious if anyone has had interactions with this company, if they are reputable, and if this is a normal practice.
Below is the flow chart I found on their website. If it matters, the house I was looking at is the Comichi house.
"１．Contact
２．Visit
３．Deposit payment
４．Determination of move-in date
５．Signing of contract, payment of monthly rent
６．Moving
The above is the basic flow. We respond flexibly according to your situation."
One more question; The payment link they've sent me is through Square, and is an amount in JPY. It seems like I can just put in my debit card details and send it, but does anyone know if there would be international transaction fees on something like that? Would be be better to wait until I have my Schwab card or would you recommend to just send it right away to make sure I get the room?
by HomeProfessional3296