#Japan #Tokyo #utility services #At Home #Smart App

At Home Enhances Rental Applications with New Partners

In June 2026, At Home Co., based in Ota City, Tokyo, announced a significant expansion of their online rental application system known as 'Smart Application.' In a move aimed at improving the rental experience for applicants, At Home has partnered with three leading utility service providers:

• - Sumasapo Co., Ltd. (Central Tokyo)
• - Last Mile Co., Ltd. (Toshima, Tokyo)
• - Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (Minato, Tokyo)

Benefits for Applicants

This collaboration enhances the convenience of utility service processes for rental applicants, covering essential services such as electricity, gas, water, and internet connectivity. By streamlining the application process, property companies can increase customer satisfaction significantly. The aim is to provide consumers with a seamless experience while searching for homes and relocating.

With future plans to expand partnerships with more organizations—like rent guarantee companies, short-term insurance providers, and more—At Home aims to create a comfortable environment for consumers while promoting greater business efficiency and digital transformation (DX) within the real estate sector.

New Partnerships with Utility Companies

As of the end of June 2026, the companies collaborating with the 'Smart Application' include:

• - Sumasapo Co., Ltd.
• - Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
• - Last Mile Co., Ltd.

These partnerships highlight At Home's commitment to improving user experiences for customers seeking rental properties. The affiliated service companies as of this date (sorted alphabetically) include:
1. Art Moving Center Co., Ltd. (Osaka) — Moving Services
2. Apple Co., Ltd. (Central Tokyo) — Moving Services
3. IeLabo Communications, Inc. (Shinjuku, Tokyo) — Utility Services
4. Sakai Moving Service Co., Ltd. (Sakai, Osaka) — Moving Services
5. DUAL Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo) — Utility Services
6. Treasure Factory Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda, Tokyo) — Moving Services
7. Nakao Transport Co., Ltd. (Osaka) — Moving Services
8. Next Communications Co., Ltd. (Osaka) — Utility Services
9. Heart Moving Center Co., Ltd. (Katsushika, Tokyo) — Moving Services

Streamlining the Application Process

The 'Smart Application' system simplifies the process by allowing applicants to enter essential information, such as their name, address, workplace, and emergency contact details. This data can seamlessly connect with rent guarantee companies, short-term insurance providers, utility service companies, and moving services. Previously, applicants had to fill out separate forms for each service, causing delays and frustration. Now, the process is considerably faster, making the transition to a new residence smoother.

Challenges Addressed

The application process for rental properties involves various entities, including applicants, rent guarantee companies, insurance providers, property management, and real estate agencies, each facing unique hurdles.
1. Real Estate Agencies: They are required to manually input applicant data into their management systems, which can be tedious.
2. Rental Applicants: During moves, applicants must manage numerous procedures, like applications for guarantees and utilities. With the old system, they had to repeatedly fill out forms, creating unnecessary delays.
3. Service Providers: If application forms are incomplete, they must request amendments, resulting in prolonged application timelines.

To tackle these issues, At Home intends to increase collaborations with more companies and enhance inter-service connectivity. Their goal is to promote a fully digital application process, improving the overall client experience.

About the Smart Application System

The 'Smart Application' service, developed by At Home, allows prospective tenants to submit their rental applications online simply by entering required information into a dedicated form. The system facilitates the connection between various service providers, leading to a drastic reduction in the use of paper documents and improvements in operational efficiencies for real estate agencies. Many agencies have praised the service, noting significant enhancements in the efficiency and convenience of their application processes.

About At Home's Smart Solutions

Leveraging advanced technology, At Home aims to streamline real estate operations, enabling firms to focus on core business aspects such as customer service. The entire workflow—from inquiries and showings to applications, important disclosures, and contracts—is supported comprehensively.

At Home continues to innovate products and services that support the over 63,000 member shops nationwide, actively fostering the digitization and improvement of the real estate industry.