How To Rent An Apartment In Japan

Japan is one of the most urbanized societies in the world, but even locals in the know can find it a challenge to rent an apartment in the country. A unique system of perplexing rules and a load of specific fees can make it difficult to smoothly secure the keys to your dream apartment. Here is a comprehensive guide to renting an apartment in Japan.

Types of apartment

Apartments vary in size from 2 DK to 4 LDK with the abbreviations L, D, K standing for Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen, and the number representing how many bedrooms or other rooms the apartment contains. The size of rooms is usually denoted in tatami, so a six-jo room is a room with six tatami mats (one tatami mat is approximately 1.8m x 0.9m = 1.62m²).

Access to transport

Real estate agents

Most apartments in Japan are usually rented through a real estate agent who typically have offices located near train stations. Apartment listings are usually shown in the shop window as well as advertised in various publications and websites. Some nationwide agencies include Able and eheya.net.

The contract

Apartment contracts are usually for a minimum of two years in Japan. It is easy to break an apartment contract as long as two month’s notice is given in advance. Apartments typically come unfurnished with utilities not included in the rent.

The guarantor

Most landlords in Japan are reluctant to rent their apartments to foreigners due to such things as language barriers and financial concerns, so many real estate agents require you to have a guarantor. The guarantor basically acts as a security measure, co-signing the rental contract along with the tenant and agreeing to pay for unpaid rent or damage to the apartment if the tenant fails to pay. The guarantor must be a Japanese national with stable employment and a good financial history.

Proof of identity

To rent an apartment in Japan you will need to provide two official forms of identification. In most cases this is your passport and residence card which shows your visa status.

Rent

Rent is paid on a monthly basis and varies depending on the location and size of the apartment.

Other Fees

Expect to pay quite a hefty amount in upfront costs which includes a lot of little fees and services only to be found in Japan. These fees and services include:

Deposit (one to three month’s rent to cover future damage to the apartment)

Key Money or Gift Money (typically one to three month’s rent which is non-refundable)

Real Estate Agency Commission Fee (typically one month’s rent)

Property Insurance (required to rent an apartment in Japan)

Annual Maintenance Fee

Key Exchange Fee

Gaijin Houses

Gaijin Houses, or Guest Houses, are companies that provide furnished accommodation to foreigners in Japan. They can be really useful and convenient as they eliminate the need to find a guarantor as well as having no requiement for key money. Many Gaijin Houses have shared facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms, and have a social atmosphere similar to a college dormitory.

Where to find listings online

The best place to find listings online is at websites such as Suumo, HOME’S and CHINTAI.

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