What should I watch out for with agencies/contracts when renting in Kyoto?

はじめまして。京都で長期滞在のための部屋を探している学生です。

Hi everyone,

I’m currently looking for a private apartment in Kyoto for a long-term stay, and I’d really appreciate advice from people who have actually rented here before.

I’m especially hoping to hear about mistakes to avoid with agencies, agents, or contracts.

For example:

• what should I always ask the agent before applying or signing
• were there any fees or conditions that were not clearly explained at first
• was the real total move-in cost higher than expected
• did you have problems with key money, deposits, guarantor fees, agency fees, renewal fees, cleaning fees, management fees, cancellation penalties, or move-out charges
• was anything in the final contract different from what you were first told
• what kinds of places in Kyoto would you avoid, such as older wooden buildings, thin walls, or noisy areas

If you rented in Kyoto and learned something the hard way, I’d really appreciate hearing what mistakes you made, what you wish you had asked earlier, and what you would avoid next time.

アドバイスや体験談があれば、ぜひ教えていただけると嬉しいです。よろしくお願いします。