Moving into rental apartments in Meguro is exciting, but the first week brings a set of small rules that nobody explains well. Garbage sorting, building manners and ward paperwork matter more in Japan than many newcomers expect. Getting them right from day one makes life with your neighbors much easier.
Meguro City collects garbage by type on fixed days, and the days depend on your address. The main groups are burnable waste, non-burnable waste and recyclables such as bottles, cans, PET bottles and paper. Put garbage out on the morning of collection day, usually by 8 a.m., and never the night before unless your building allows it. Your building may post the schedule near the collection point. If not, ask the management company.
Furniture, bicycles and other large items count as oversized waste (粗大ごみ). You must book collection with the ward in advance and buy a fee sticker at a convenience store. Leaving a sofa or shelf by the road without a booking can cause problems with your landlord.
Within 14 days of moving in, register your new address at the Meguro City Office or a branch office. Bring your residence card. This is also where you join National Health Insurance if your employer does not cover you. Our Meguro City life guide lists ward services, hospitals and other support for new residents.
Most rental apartments in Meguro come with a page of building rules (使用細則). It covers pets, musical instruments, smoking and guests staying long term. Read it once, even if it is only in Japanese. Ask your agent to explain anything that is unclear, because breaking these rules can affect your deposit.
If you are still choosing a place, ask about garbage collection and building rules during the viewing. You can search rental apartments in Meguro by station and layout, or compare with all apartments for rent on A-Realty.
A-Realty helps foreign tenants understand building rules in English before they sign, so moving in feels smooth from the first day.