Hello! Im going on exchange to Tokyo and I'm searching for a share house close to my school in Ueno. I've found a company who've offered me to reserve a room by paying 'initial cost': a month's rent + contract fee + deposit, and when I arrive in Tokyo I'll be signing a contract when physically moving in. Wondering if this is a normal procedure? I would think that sending the contract first and then paying a fee is the most safe way of reserving a room from abroad. The company is Nichio Apartment (Tokyo Information). I can't find them on google maps and read their google reviews. Let me know if you have any experience with this rental company.
by Impossible-Safety931