Move-In Procedures

You will be given the key to your apartment after the rental agreement is signed. This key must be returned to Rent Life at the end of the contract period, so be careful not to lose it.
After receiving the key, check the condition of the apartment and make a checklist of any damages. Drawing a sample floor layout and marking the damaged or dirty areas and attaching dated photographs are useful in avoiding trouble in the future. Also be sure to check that all furnishings and equipment operate properly.
You must not make copies of keys without permission. You must obtain permission from the Rent Life first.

Rent Life will set up your utilities for you prior to your move-in date. Although water and electricity require no effort on your part, you will need to be at the apartment for the gas company. After you receive your keys, please be sure to arrive at the apartment and wait for the gas inspection staff to arrive at the apartment. You will need to allow them access to the apartment so that they can check for gas leaks and confirm that the hot water heater is functioning properly. After the safety inspection is complete, you will be asked to sign the inspection results report.
The gas company staff can meet you at your apartment during the following blocks of time:
09:00 to 12:00
13:00 to 15:00
15:00 to 17:00
17:00 to 19:00 (except Sundays and national holidays)

In Japan, there is usually a residents' organization called either the "neighborhood association" (chonaikai) or "residents' association" (jichikai).
The chonaikai or jichikai passes around circulars (a message clipbord with information from the city hall, healthcare center, and other organizations that is circulated in order among the association members), conducts anti-crime activities and disaster preparedness drills, and holds festivals and other events where neighbors can get together.