Securing a parking space is the priority when purchasing a car. Having a car storage place is actually an essential requirement in the terms of the deal. However, finding a rental parking space will take time in central Tokyo due to the low availability of rental parking lots. Even if you find a parking space near your home, it may not be available depending on the car size you will have. Securing a parking space as soon as possible is crucial, but you must be careful to find a rental parking space with consideration outlined here.
Rental contracts for parking
To rent a parking space for car storage, you will have a parking contract known as Tsukigime (月極). These contracts typically last for one or two years, and the rental fee is paid on a monthly basis, similar to renting a house. The rental contract is concluded through the management company (estate agent) or by negotiating directly with the car park’s owner. You will find a rental parking space in the steps as follows.
(1) Request a rental contract
(2) Go through the sign-up process
(3) Pay the initial fee and complete the contract
(1) Request a rental contract
If you find a parking space, immediately contact the management company/the owner to apply for a lease. They will then ask you to provide the following information. Also, in some cases, they will request a try-out with a test car to ensure your car can fit the parking space.
– The vehicle size in detail
– A copy of your driver’s license
– Telephone number for emergency contact
– Bankbook (Bank statement) or credit card
– Vehicle inspection certificate (In the case of renting a space for a used car)
Note:
– Expats will be requested to show their passports or identification cards.
– In the case you are renting a parking space apart from your residence, the management company/the owner may ask you to be able to speak Japanese as a contract requirement to ensure effective communication in case any issues arise. It is advisable to ask about the language requirement at the time of application or when checking availability. If you rent a parking space provided at your rental residence, there is no need to consider this requirement.
(2) Go through the sign-up process
A screening is carried out based on the documents and information you submitted. If there are no problems, you can move on to the sign-up process. Compared to a contract for renting a house, the parking rental contract will be simpler, which can be done online or by sending required documents by post.
(3) Pay the initial fee and complete the contract
Confirm the rental terms and sign the contract. Then, pay the initial fee to complete the contract. The initial fee varies depending on the management company/the owner. Generally, the initial fee includes the first month’s rent and a service fee. You can check the rate when you contact the management company.
How to find a monthly parking space
Using parking search websites and apps can help you find a Tsukigime monthly parking space. However, it is important to carefully check the conditions in detail, including the size, weight, and type of car. Otherwise, you will be in trouble to find that your vehicle doesn’t fit in the actual space when you park. If you are concerned about searching online in Japanese, it is suggested that you ask a real estate agent for help. The agent will find a parking spot based on the details of the vehicle you intend to buy. If you rent a parking space provided at your apartment, ask the manager about parking space availability as soon as possible. Remember, give the manager detailed information on your vehicle.
Types of monthly parking lots and points in the search
You can choose a rental space for your vehicle from three different types of parking lots:
(1) Flat parking lot
(2) Multistory parking lot
(3) Mechanical parking lot
Be sure to check the types of parking lots before renting, as there will be restrictions on the vehicles to park depending on the facility type. Even if there is no problem with the car size, it can be unfit in the space due to the parking facility’s structure and system. One extra piece of information: compulsory automobile liability insurance does not cover such damage that happens at parking lots.
Flat parking lot
A flat parking lot is a parking area where you drive your car to enter and exit from the roadway to the parking slot, which is similar to a coin-operated parking lot often seen in town.
Things to be careful when renting a flat parking space
Flat parking lots have no specific restrictions as long as the car height is lower than the parking entrance and the car can enter and exit. Once you find a good parking space, contact the management company and ask about the availability. If you are storing a luxury car, it is better to check whether the parking space can protect it from rain and wind.
Multistory parking lot
A parking lot consists of multiple stories. We often see this type of parking lot at a shopping mall where we run the car to go up and down a ramp to reach a parking slot. This parking system is easy to get the car in and out, although the driver needs to walk the way from the slot to the exit.
Things to be careful when renting a multistory parking lot
There is no specific concern about car size as long as the car is lower than the entrance height. It is the same as the flat parking lot.
Mechanical parking lot
A mechanical parking lot is also a multistory parking lot, but it is a facility operated in an automated system. Once you park your vehicle in a parking space, the machine automatically moves the vehicle from right to left and upward to downward to place it in a storage location. Monthly parking lots in downtown areas in Tokyo are mostly operated in this system. Keep in mind that the use of mechanical parking lots tends to cause trouble due to their structure. The mechanical parking lots differ in the operating system, having different size restrictions. Some mechanical parking facilities are unavailable for specific types of vehicles that you need to check when searching.
Things to be careful about mechanical parking lots
– When asking a management company to rent a mechanical parking space, give information on the length, height, width, weight, and type of your vehicle. Parking fees may vary depending on the size of your vehicle, so be sure to check the rate as well.
– When renting a space at a mechanical parking lot, it is always necessary to test the vehicle to ensure it can be parked. Even if your car meets the size requirements, the tires may be wide enough to extend the body width, making it impossible to park in the parking pallet.
– Lowdown vehicles, such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis, will not be able to park in a parking pallet at some of the mechanical parking lots due to insufficient space underneath.
– When parking a vehicle in the pallet, the driver needs to fold down the door mirrors.
Securing car storage is an essential requirement to purchase a car. Why?
In Japan, vehicle registration requires a Parking Space Certificate (Shako-shoumei), which is issued by securing a storage place. Car dealers cannot deliver any car without a parking certificate, so you cannot purchase vehicles. The parking space certificate is not issued for a temporary storage place. For example, you will not be able to receive a parking certificate if you have a tentative parking space at a friend’s house while looking for a rental parking space. In addition, in principle, a parking space should be secured within 2km of the owner’s location.
Secure a parking space before the delivery
A car delivery usually takes two or three weeks of the lead time. Meanwhile, those living in a shared residence or house without a garage must secure a rental parking space. The quicker action is the better, at least two weeks to one month before the delivery, with the keep in mind that it will take longer to find it.