Finding a Home
Objective: Read a lease, work with agents and avoid rental pitfalls.
Documents and essentials
- Residence Card
- My Number
- Passport
- Proof of income or a guarantor
- Hanko or signature
- Emergency contact information
What actually happens
- 1Set your budget
Rent plus management fee is usually 30% of monthly income. Add 4 to 6 months of rent for the move-in total (deposit, key money, agent, first month).
- 2Search listings
Suumo, Homes and foreigner-friendly agencies list apartments — filter for 'foreigner OK' and 'no key money' if you want an easier start.
- 3Book viewings
Agents drive you to 3 to 5 apartments in an afternoon. Bring measurements if you already own furniture.
- 4Apply and sign
The application is reviewed by the landlord and guarantor company. Once approved you sign the contract, pay initial fees and receive keys on the start date.
Say these when it matters
Guarantor companies (保証会社) replace the traditional Japanese guarantor and charge about 50% of one month's rent up front, then a small annual fee.
Key money (礼金) is a non-refundable gift to the landlord — search for 礼金ゼロ properties to save one month of rent.
One quick question
Roughly how many months of rent should you budget for move-in costs?