Renting in Japan as a Foreigner: Finding Guarantor Companies
- Rental screening in Japan can feel tough for foreigners, but choosing the right guarantor company and property may make it easier to pass.
- Explains the main reasons foreigners get rejected in screening, and guarantor companies that accommodate foreign residents.
- Introduces tips to improve your approval chances and how to find foreigner-friendly rentals.
Japan's rental screening can be tough for foreigners, but choosing the right guarantor company and property improves your chances significantly.
① Why Foreigners Get Rejected
- Short remaining residence period
- Perceived language barrier
- Insufficient income documentation
② Tips to Improve Approval Chances
- Apply shortly after renewing your residence status
- Prepare 3 months of pay slips and withholding tax certificate
- Show bank balance equal to 6 months rent
③ Finding Foreigner-Friendly Rentals
- Filter SUUMO/HOME'S for "foreigners welcome"
- UR Housing (no guarantor required)
- Foreigner-specialist real estate agencies
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* Prices, terms and availability change; check each official site. Availability may depend on your residence status/screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an apartment without a guarantor (rentai hoshounin)?Yes, you can. Nowadays it's common to use a guarantor company (hoshou gaisha) instead of a personal guarantor (the initial fee is roughly 50-100% of one month's rent). With UR housing, neither a guarantor nor a guarantor company is required.
How much does a guarantor company cost?The initial fee is roughly 50-100% of one month's rent, and the renewal fee afterward is about 10,000 yen per year or 1-2% of rent per month, depending on the company.
What should I do if I fail the screening?Options include trying a different guarantor company (screening criteria vary by company), choosing a more affordable property (rent should ideally be within 1/3 of your income), or consulting a real estate agency experienced in supporting foreign tenants.
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