Finding an apartment in Japan can be difficult, especially if you’re a foreigner. Even if you have the money, there are many unique rules and customs.
Here’s a simple guide to help you rent an apartment in Japan—and avoid common problems.
1. Why Renting in Japan Is Hard for Foreigners
Many landlords in Japan refuse foreign tenants. Here’s why:
- Language barrier (landlords fear communication problems)
- Different cultural habits (noise, garbage rules, etc.)
- Short stays or visa issues
- Fear of unpaid rent or sudden move-outs
💡 Tip: This isn’t personal. It’s often just fear of trouble.
2. How to Find an Apartment
✅ Common Ways:
- Real Estate Agencies (most common way in Japan)
- Online Portals (some offer English support)
- Share Houses (flexible & foreigner-friendly)
Popular Websites:
3. Common Rental Terms (Unique to Japan)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shikikin (敷金) | Security deposit (usually 1–2 months of rent) |
| Reikin (礼金) | “Key money” (non-refundable, a gift to landlord; usually 1 month) |
| Guarantor (保証人) | Someone who promises to pay if you can’t. Must be a Japanese resident. |
| Agency Fee (仲介手数料) | Fee paid to the real estate agency (usually 1 month of rent) |
| Maintenance Fee (管理費) | Monthly building fee (for common areas, cleaning, etc.) |
💡 Tip: You may need to pay 3 to 6 months’ worth of rent upfront to move in!
4. Solutions for Foreigners
✅ Use Foreigner-Friendly Real Estate Agents
Some agencies specialize in helping foreigners. They can explain contracts in English and often have no-key money apartments.
✅ Use a Guarantor Company
If you don’t have a Japanese guarantor, you can pay for a guarantor company service (about 50–100% of 1 month’s rent per year).
✅ Consider Share Houses or Dormitories
- No deposit or key money
- Easy contracts (often in English)
- Great for short-term stays
5. Costs You Should Expect
| Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| First month’s rent | $500–$1,500 (varies by city) |
| Deposit (Shikikin) | 1–2 months’ rent |
| Key Money (Reikin) | 0–2 months’ rent |
| Agency Fee | About 1 month’s rent |
| Guarantor Company Fee | 0.5–1 month’s rent (annual) |
| Moving Costs | $300–$1,000 (depending on location) |
💡 Example: To move into a $700/month apartment, you may need $2,000–$4,000 upfront.
6. Tips for Success
- Be patient: It may take time to find a landlord who accepts foreigners.
- Prepare documents: Passport, visa, residence card, income proof, and sometimes Japanese emergency contact.
- Learn the basics of Japanese rental terms to show you are serious.
- Be flexible: Consider older apartments or areas outside city centers for easier approval.
7. Alternatives to Standard Apartments
| Option | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Share House | Easy to rent, furnished, social atmosphere | Less privacy, shared spaces |
| Dormitory | Affordable, simple contracts | Limited freedom, curfews possible |
| Weekly/Monthly Apartments | Fully furnished, short contracts | Expensive for long-term stays |
✅ Final Thoughts:
Renting in Japan as a foreigner is challenging—but not impossible.
If you:
- Work with the right agent,
- Prepare enough money,
- Show respect for Japanese rules,
You can find a comfortable home in Japan.