30% of residential property in the US is under lease, 50% is owned, and 10% is vacant.


HOW TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT RENTING
  1. Drive around and look for a house with a 'for rent' sign.
  2. Browse the newspapers and magazines (it's more common to go directly to the landlord than to go through an agent).
CONTENTS OF THE CONTRACT
In most of the cases, the tenant and the landlord make their own contract. They are both on an equal footing, and the contract is more like a commercial transaction.
  • Deposit・・・1 month rent (or less)
  • Guarantor・・・Not necessary, but your ID will be examined, and your financial background checked.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT
Lease Term
Normally 6 to 12 months
Others
There are regulations regarding sub-leases, internal decorating, and long term absences. Rent is normally paid by check.
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MOVING OUT
  1. The lessee must give notice by mail. at least 30 days in advance.
  2. If the lessee moves out before the lease expires, the lessee may be charged until the very last day of the contract. Although this is technically possible, the lessee is usually only charged until the next tenant moves in.
RULES
Some landlords may not allow things like waterbeds, or campfires in the yard, etc.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Residents of America often choose the neighborhood they live in based on their race, salary, and social status. Americans are often aspiring to move to a 'better neighborhood'.
PETS
Like in Japan, the tenant needs permission from the landlord in order to have a pet. On the other hand, unlike Japan, there are many different types of housing in the US, and many allow pets. You may even be allowed to keep pets at a homestay host family's house, or at a school dormitory. There may be restrictions on the size and number of pets you may keep.
PETS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY
Guide dogs・・・Guide dogs are dogs who are trained to assist the blind, or otherwise disabled people.





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