“I can’t afford $10,000, but I want a soundproof room right now.” “I don’t know if it will last, so I want to try it out for now.”
Soundproof room rental (subscription) services are popular with such people. The most famous is Yamaha’s “Oto-Rent”. It is an attractive service where Avitecs arrives at your home from the $100 range per month, but if you rent without thinking about anything, it might end up being "it was cheaper to buy".
In this article, we will explain the mechanism and realistic costs of soundproof room rental, and the judgment line of “should I buy or rent?”.
Mechanism and Cost of Soundproof Room Rental (In the case of Yamaha Oto-Rent)#
Basically, you can install a “new” or “used” soundproof room at home with a monthly payment.
1. Market Price of Monthly fee#
- 0.8 Tatami Type: $120 to $140 per month
- 1.2 Tatami Type: $150 to $170 per month
- 1.5 Tatami Type: $170 to $200 per month
- 2.0 Tatami Type: $220 to $250 per month
It seems like “a soundproof room for a little over $100 a month!”, but that’s not all.
2. “Initial Costs” that are Charged Heavily at the Beginning#
This is a trap. At the start of the rental, the following costs must be paid in full.
- Registration Fee: around $20
- First Monthly fee: 1 month’s worth of rental fee
- Transportation and Assembly Cost: This is expensive! (about $400 to $1,000)
- Air Conditioner Construction Fee: If necessary (about $300 to $500)
In other words, cash of “about $1,000 to $1,500” is required at the moment of renting. It doesn’t end with only an “administrative fee of $30” like a smartphone contract.
“Rental” vs “Purchase” Which is a Better Deal?#
The biggest feature of rental is that there is a system where “you can apply the paid rental fee and buy it as it is” (in the case of Oto-Rent).
However, if you rent for too long, the total purchase amount will be higher than the fixed price due to interest and fees.
The Break-Even Point is “15 to 24 Months”#
It’s just an estimate, but you won’t lose if you think by the following criteria.
- Use within 1 year (12 months): [Rental is a deal]
- “I want to use it only for 1 year of the exam” or “I might move soon due to job transfer”.
- The total amount is cheaper than buying, and there is no trouble of disposal.
- Plan to use for 2 years or more: [Purchase by loan is a deal]
- If you keep paying for 2 years or more, the total payment amount often exceeds the list price.
- If you use it for a long time, buying with a shopping loan (such as 60 payments) from the beginning may make the monthly payment amount cheaper.
People for whom Rental is Suitable / Not Suitable#
Recommended for#
- People who want to test if “life with a soundproof room” works: Ideal for trying out for a few months if you can withstand the pressure and really practice.
- People who are temporary bachelors for a limited time: When it is decided to surely let go within 2 years.
- Students (Examinees): For a limited time until the music college entrance exam, etc.
Not Recommended for#
- People who rent it “for the time being” and seem to use it for about 3 years for some reason: You will lose the most.
- People who are difficult to prepare initial costs ($1,000 -): If you pass the loan screening, buying by loan may cost zero for initial costs.
Summary#
Soundproof room rental is the strongest service for “trials” and “limited time”. However, it has a nature of being expensive in the long run.
Please choose whether to “own (purchase)” or “use (rental)” according to your own life plan.
→ Related: Soundproof Room Price Market | See Average Price for 0.5 to 4.5 Tatami → Back to Soundproof Room Price Map (Top)