Find an apartment
When you want to rent an apartment, condominium, etc., visit a real estate agency in the town you want to live.
The agents will help you to find suitable rental properties based on your preferences such as rental cost or property size.
You can also search for some properties on the internet before contacting a real estate agency.
There are websites that list recommended rental properties for foreigners.
Go see the referred apartment in-person.
Once you have decided to rent that apartment, submit a move-in application (a document to inform that you want to live in that apartment).
The agent will let you know whether you can rent it after running evaluations such as workplace and income of you and your "guarantor", etc.
[Guarantor]
A guarantor is often required for renting an apartment.
The guarantor will pay the rent for you if you are unable to do so.
Ask the real estate agent whether you can use a guarantor company if you do not have a guarantor.
Leasing contract
You will sign the leasing contract with the "landlord (Ohya)" who will rent you the apartment if your application is approved.
Ask the real estate agency about required documents for the leasing contract.
On the day you sing the contract, the real estate agent will explain important points of the contract.
It is recommended to be accompanied by someone who understands Japanese well.
You will sign and stamp your seal (hanko) on the contract document after confirming the contents of it.
[Money required at the time of contract]
You need to have money equivalent to 5 months’ rent at the time of the contract.
- Rent:
You pay rent for the current month and next month.
- Deposit (Shikikin):
Money you deposit to the landlord (ohya) when you rent an apartment.Deposit will be used when the rent is not paid, or the apartment needs to be repaired.It is about one month's rent, and the remaining money will be returned when you move out.
- Key money (Reikin):
Money paid to the landlord (ohya) as a token of appreciation when renting an apartment.It is about one month's rent, and no returnable.
- Brokerage fee:
This is the money you pay to the real estate agency that helps you find an apartment.
- Casualty insurance premiums:
Insurance for fires and water leaks.
The rent may or may not include a “management fee (common service fee)”.
The management fee (common service fee) is money for managing the common spaces used by the people living in the apartment or condominium.
You will pay it monthly If it is not included in the rent.
The term of a leasing contract is usually for two years.
You will need to pay a “renewal fee” to renew the contract.
Things to do after signing the contract
After signing the contract, you will receive an apartment key.
Check the inside of apartment before carrying in your stuff.
If there are damages or stains on the walls or floor, take dated photos and show them to the landlord (ohya) or management company.
