Rental housing in Japan is different from your home country!
Rental housing in Japan can be difficult for foreigners to understand and access, due to systems such as security deposits, key money, agency fees, and guarantor requirements.
Rent also varies depending on distance from the station, convenience of transportation, room size, whether new or used, and other factors related to comfort and convenience. If you are a foreign traveler or resident and are unsure of the rental process, please consult World Potential, where multilingual support is available.
Contracts can be made by individuals as well as corporations. The standard rental term is a 2-year contract.
Depending on the property, costs such as deposit, key money, and agency fees will apply.
Rental Contract
We carefully explain complicated rental contracts with attentive support.
A rental plan where you sign a lease agreement to rent a room. Contract details vary depending on the property, so please consult us.
When Moving Out
A basic cleaning fee will be charged separately upon moving out, so if you are concerned, please consult us in advance.
In addition, if damage to the property or equipment is caused by the tenant’s intent or negligence, repair costs may be charged at the time of moving out.
For Those Considering Living in Japan
Before using our rental brokerage service, please review the process of the service.
When You Find a Property
Once you decide on a property, ① fill out the application form, which will then be used by the landlord to conduct a screening. The application form requires not only your personal information but also an emergency contact in Japan and contact information for your family (in your home country), so please confirm in advance.
【Required Documents】 Residence Card, Passport
Tenant Screening
Tenant screening is based on the application form submitted by the prospective tenant, and the landlord decides whether to approve the tenancy. Screening results are usually available within a week. However, approval may be denied depending on factors such as income or job stability.
Explanation of Important Matters and Payment of Contract Fees
A licensed real estate agent will explain important matters about the property and the lease contract. After confirming the content, please sign and seal the contract.
Make sure to carefully check that there are no discrepancies or unclear points.
You will also be required to pay various fees such as “key money + deposit + agency fee + advance rent + fire insurance premium”. Please transfer the funds to the designated account by the specified date.
【Fees to be Paid】 Key Money, Deposit, Agency Fee, Advance Rent, Fire Insurance Premium
The costs required at the time of contract vary depending on the region and property, but as a guideline in the Kanto area, it is said to be about 4–6 months of rent. Breakdown: Key Money = 0–2 months’ rent, Deposit = 0–2 months’ rent, Agency Fee = 0–1.05 months’ rent, Advance Rent = approx. 1 month’s rent + maintenance fee, Fire Insurance Premium = ¥10,000–20,000.
Guarantor Fee: If no guarantor is available, a rent guarantee company may be required. (Please note that card payments may not be accepted for rental contract payments.)
Move-In
On the day of moving in, it is recommended to arrange electricity, gas, water, and internet. Please contact the utility companies at least a week before moving in.
Also, submit a change of address form to the post office so that mail will be delivered to your new address.
This can also be done online.
It is also recommended to update your address with your bank account.
When Moving Out
A basic cleaning fee will be charged separately upon moving out, so if you are concerned, please consult us in advance.
In addition, if damage to the property or equipment is caused by the tenant’s intent or negligence, repair costs may be required at the time of moving out.