With more prospective tenants passing on rentals simply because the bath and toilet share the same space, separating a 3-in-1 unit bathroom is a high-demand renovation for reducing vacancy.
This article is written for rental property owners and covers four separation methods with a cost comparison, key points to verify before starting work, and vacancy-reduction strategies you can implement even without renovating.
What Is a Unit Bathroom? The 3 Types
| Type | Components | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1-in-1 Unit Bathroom | Bathtub + wash area only | Vanity and toilet are separate. Suited for families. |
| 2-in-1 Unit Bathroom | Bathtub + wash area + vanity | Toilet only is separate. Moisture does not affect the toilet area. |
| 3-in-1 Unit Bathroom | Bathtub + vanity + toilet | Space-saving. Common in rentals and business hotels. |
4 Reasons the 3-in-1 Unit Bathroom Is Unpopular
- The toilet cannot be used while someone is bathing — inconvenient for shared occupancy
- No dedicated wash area — not ideal for those who want to soak in the tub at leisure
- Moisture accumulates easily — the toilet seat and toilet paper become damp; risk of mold
- Filtered out in searches — excluded from the start by tenants using the "separate bath and toilet" filter
Bath and Toilet Separation | 4 Methods and Cost Comparison
| Method | Estimated Cost | Duration | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① Install a partition | ¥200,000–¥300,000 | Approx. 2 days | Lowest cost and fastest. Can be listed as "separate bath and toilet." | Basic solution. Can make the space feel smaller. |
| ② Relocate the toilet to a separate area | ¥1,000,000–¥1,800,000 | 1–2 weeks | Full separation. Enables a rent increase. | Requires additional space. Plumbing work drives up costs. |
| ③ Replace with separate bath and toilet units | ¥600,000–¥800,000 | 3–5 days | No new space required. Viable even in studio apartments. | Each individual space becomes smaller. |
| ④ Remove bathtub → convert to shower room | ¥550,000–¥900,000 | 3–5 days | Appeals to students and international tenants. | Not suitable for tenants who prefer soaking in a bathtub. |
3 Key Points to Verify Before Separation Work
① Plumbing and layout constraints
Depending on the location of water supply and drainage pipes and the space beneath the floor, there are cases where the toilet cannot be relocated to the desired position. First, request an on-site inspection from a renovation contractor to confirm whether the work is feasible.
② Cost-effectiveness analysis
If a costly renovation does not improve occupancy rates, it will take a long time to recoup the investment. Compare the renovation cost against the rent increase amount multiplied by the payback period before making your investment decision. In some cases, a simple partition installation (¥200,000–¥300,000) while keeping the rent unchanged may be more effective.
③ Defining your target tenant
- Young adults and singles → Tend to prioritize affordable rent and stylish interiors
- Tenants in their 30s and above, families → Strong preference for soaking in a bathtub. Full separation is most effective.
- International tenants and students → A shower alone is sufficient. Converting to a shower room is an effective approach.
5 Points for Choosing a Renovation Contractor
- Do they explain the methods and costs in concrete terms? — Choose a company that provides a clear, itemized estimate.
- Do they have knowledge of vacancy reduction strategies? — Contractors with rental management experience can be expected to make proposals that lead to tenants moving in.
- Do not choose on price alone — Also prioritize quality of workmanship, whether additional charges may arise, and after-service support.
- Do they respond promptly? — Speed of communication is directly linked to reliability and peace of mind throughout the project.
- Obtain quotes from at least 4 companies — Compare price, responsiveness, and scope of work before deciding.
Vacancy Reduction Strategies Without Renovating
① Replace with a toilet with a washlet
A non-electric warm water toilet seat requires no electrical wiring work and can be installed as a DIY project for under ¥30,000. This is an effective way to differentiate your property from competing units with comparable specs.
② Stage it like a model room for photogenic appeal
Incorporate interiors and colors suited to your target tenant, and add indoor plants and stylish lighting. This can be expected to increase the number of viewings from younger tenants who search for properties online.
③ Change the look with DIY
- Adhesive sheets — Simply apply to walls or floors for a completely different atmosphere. Peel-off types make restoration easy.
- Shower curtain upgrade — Swapping it out for a design-forward option alone improves the overall impression.
- Mirror replacement — Changing to a stylish off-the-shelf design instantly creates a more attractive space.
④ Highlight ease of cleaning
The 3-in-1 unit bathroom has a genuine strength: the entire space can be rinsed down with a single showerhead. For tenants who dislike cleaning wet areas, this can actually be marketed as a benefit.
Summary
Separating a 3-in-1 unit bathroom offers a wide range of options, from installing a partition (¥200,000–¥300,000) to relocating the toilet entirely (¥1,000,000–¥1,800,000). The key is to assess your target tenants' needs and the cost-effectiveness of each approach before selecting the best solution. In some cases, vacancy rates can be improved even without major renovations, through measures such as adding a washlet or DIY upgrades.
INA&Associates Co., Ltd. provides end-to-end support for property owners, from renovation proposals for reducing vacancy to full rental management. If you are an owner struggling with a 3-in-1 unit bathroom property, please feel free to reach out to us.
