【Full Guide】How to Rent an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner
- This article explains the process for foreigners renting an apartment in Japan, from choosing a real estate agency through to signing the contract.
- It covers preparation beforehand, how to find foreigner-friendly properties, the process from viewing to contract signing, and a guide to initial costs.
Renting in Japan as a foreigner has unique challenges. This guide covers everything from finding an agent to signing the contract.
① Documents to Prepare
- Residence Card (required)
- Passport
- Juminhyo (resident registration certificate)
- Proof of income (3 months of pay slips)
- Personal seal (hanko)
② Finding Foreigner-Friendly Properties
- SUUMO / HOME'S: Filter for "foreigners welcome"
- Foreigner-specialist agencies: Language support + application help
③ The Rental Process
- Contact agency and schedule viewing
- View the property
- Submit application form
- Guarantor screening (1-3 business days)
- Sign contract and pay initial fees
- Receive keys and move in
④ Initial Costs
Expect to pay 4-6 months of rent upfront:
- Security deposit: 1-2 months
- Key money: 1-2 months (often zero now)
- First month's rent
- Agency fee: 1 month + tax
If your screening is rejected, see our guide on rental guarantor companies for foreigners.
Once your lease is set, don't forget to arrange electricity, gas and water set-up. To cut your utility bills, see our guide to switching electricity & gas providers. If you lose your job and find it difficult to pay rent, Housing Security Benefit (Rent Support) may be available.
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Share houses with low hurdles for guarantors and deposits; furnished, so upfront costs stay low.
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* Prices, terms and availability change; check each official site. Availability may depend on your residence status/screening.
Some people renting now think about buying a home later. Whether you can get a mortgage without permanent residency, and what lenders look at, is explained on our sister site Zainichi Money Navi: Home loans in Japan for foreigners (even without PR).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent an apartment in Japan?Yes, you can. If you have a residence card, you can rent a place. However, since there is a screening by a guarantor company, it's important to choose a real estate agency or property that is proactive about accepting foreign tenants.
What documents are required for a foreigner to rent an apartment?You will need your residence card, passport, certificate of residence (juminhyo), proof of income (such as 3 months of pay slips), and a personal seal (hanko).
What should I do if I fail the screening for renting an apartment as a foreigner?Options include using a guarantor company for foreigners (such as Casa or Zenhoren), consulting a real estate agency that specializes in foreign tenants, or considering UR housing (no guarantor required).
About how much are the initial costs for renting in Japan?The guideline is 4-6 months' worth of rent. It's common to need a deposit (shikikin) of 1-2 months, key money (reikin) of 0-2 months, 1 month of rent paid in advance, and 1 month's rent as an agency fee.
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