🗾
Japan Life Guide
Back to Home
🏠

Renting an Apartment

Guarantors & foreigner-friendly properties

How to find and rent an apartment in Japan as a foreigner, including guarantor requirements.

⏱️Time Required: 1–4 weeks to find and sign
💴Cost: ¥200,000–¥400,000 initial costs (Tokyo)
📍Location: Real estate agency or online portal
🔗Official Website

⚠️Warning

  • •Key money (礼金) is non-refundable — negotiate to waive it if possible.
  • •Some landlords still refuse foreigners outright — use foreigner-specialist agencies.
  • •Renewing a fixed-term lease (定期借家) requires re-signing the full contract.

📋Step-by-Step Guide

1

Search for foreigner-friendly properties

Use SUUMO, Homes.co.jp, or foreigner-specialist agencies. Look for properties marked 外国人可 (foreigners accepted). Sakura House and similar share houses offer hassle-free options.

2

Prepare your documents

Gather your residence card, passport, employment contract or certificate of enrollment, income proof, and contact details of a Japanese guarantor (if required).

3

Find a guarantor or use a guarantor company

Most rentals require a guarantor (保証人). If you don't have a Japanese acquaintance, use a guarantor company (保証会社) — most property management companies work with them.

💡 Tip: Companies like SMBC, Orico, and others offer guarantor services for foreigners.
4

Sign the lease agreement

Review the contract carefully. Key costs: first month's rent + 1 month deposit (敷金) + 1 month key money (礼金) + agency fee (仲介手数料).

5

Set up utilities (electricity, gas, water)

Contact Tokyo Electric (TEPCO), Tokyo Gas, and your local water authority. Most allow phone or online registration. Request English support if available.

6

Update your address at city hall

Within 14 days of moving, update your address at the local city hall and update your residence card.

💡Helpful Tips

  • ✓Share houses (like Sakura House) are great for new arrivals — no guarantor, low deposits.
  • ✓Monthly mansions (マンスリーマンション) offer furnished short-term rentals while you search.
  • ✓Always request a bilingual lease contract if available.
  • ✓Check if air conditioning, washing machine hookups, and internet lines are included.

📄Required Documents

●
Residence card (在留カード)
Required
●
Passport
Required
●
Employment certificate or enrollment certificate
Required
●
Recent pay stubs or income proof
Required
○
Guarantor information

Or guarantor company contract

Optional
○
Bank account details

For rent payment setup

Optional
○
Emergency contact in Japan

Some landlords require this

Optional
📥 Download Checklist PDF

Share This Guide