How foreigners can find rental housing in Japan

When looking for rental housing in Japan, it is important to not only find the property but also check the contract terms and living environment.

This page not only provides general information, but also organizes the order and points to check when actually preparing. For people coming to Japan from overseas, it is important to proceed with plenty of time, as each procedure can take time due to differences in language and systems.

First decide your budget and commuting time.

You can narrow down your options by determining the maximum rent, distance to the station, and time to work/school.

Conditions vary depending on the person and company. The most efficient way to proceed is to organize your purpose, timing, budget, and necessary language support, and then check only the parts you don't understand with a specialist.

Check initial cost

Deposit, key money, brokerage fee, guarantee company, insurance, etc. may be required.

If you compare only based on price, you may find out later that there are additional costs and differences in terms and conditions. It's a good idea to separate what is one-time costs and what is monthly/yearly costs and have them confirmed in writing.

Check the meaning of foreigners allowed

This does not necessarily mean that you are a foreign national, but there may be additional conditions such as warranty conditions and Japanese contact information.

Conditions vary depending on the person and company. The most efficient way to proceed is to organize your purpose, timing, budget, and necessary language support, and then check only the parts you don't understand with a specialist.

Check out the lifestyle with a preview

Check noise, sunlight, storage, garbage storage, supermarkets, hospitals, night streets, etc.

There are many things that cannot be seen on maps or photos, so if possible, check on-site. As the time of day and day of the week change, the crowds and atmosphere of the city change, so it will be easier to make a decision if you consider the time you will be using the place.

Understand the contract before signing

Check renewal, cancellation, restoration to original condition, prohibited items, etc.

If you compare only based on price, you may find out later that there are additional costs and differences in terms and conditions. It's a good idea to separate what is one-time costs and what is monthly/yearly costs and have them confirmed in writing.

Create a comparison list before deciding on a property

As the number of candidate properties increases, it becomes difficult to compare based on impressions alone. If you compare prices, area, distance from stations, year of construction, management fees, surrounding facilities, contract terms, etc., you will see the difference. Rank the items you value based on your goals, such as ease of living for your home, income and expenditures and manageability for investments, etc.

Also check operation after contract

We continue to provide support even after the contract is signed, including renewal and move-out for rentals, and management, repairs, and taxation for purchases. If you live overseas, it is best to decide who will be contacted locally. Please check the official explanation from your real estate agent or qualified professional for important information.

What I would like you to tell me when consulting with JCBO

If you would like to discuss individually how foreigners can find rental housing in Japan, please let us know your current situation, desired time, location, budget, what you have already decided, and what you have not decided yet. JCBO organizes the consultation contents and guides you through what can be resolved with general information and what needs to be dealt with by corporate services or qualified experts.