Renting in Japan
Move-in costs
Move-in costs are the total of the deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), the first month's rent, the agency fee, the guarantor company's fee, fire insurance, a lock change and similar items. Totals of around 4 to 6 months' rent are often quoted, but the total varies a lot with whether there is a deposit or key money. Our listings show each item and its amount. We don't charge an application fee (moshikomi-kin).
Guarantors
Some properties require you to use a guarantor company, which charges a fee. Whether you also need a personal guarantor depends on the property. Check the listing, or ask us about the home you're interested in.
Documents
To apply you will usually need ID (for foreign residents, your residence card, or zairyu card), a certificate of residence (juminhyo) if you already have an address in Japan, and proof of income, such as a withholding tax slip, recent pay stubs or a job offer letter. Some properties or guarantor companies ask for more.
Renewal
Most leases run for two years and are then renewed. Whether there is a renewal fee or a renewal administration fee, and how much, depends on the property and is written in the lease.
Garbage
Each city sets its own rules for sorting garbage and its own collection days. In Saitama City you can look up your area's collection days on the city website. In buildings we manage, our resident portal shows your collection days and a photo of the building's collection point.
Moving out
Your lease says how much notice you must give before moving out; one month is common. When you leave, normal wear and tear and ageing are, as a rule, not charged to you (Civil Code Article 621, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) guidelines on restoring rentals). Any special terms, such as a cleaning fee, are written in the lease. In homes we manage, you or someone on your behalf can attend the move-out inspection, and you receive the photos compared against the move-in record, with the chance to comment on any findings. How restoration costs are split follows the MLIT guidelines.
Welcome, international residents
We work in English and Japanese, from your first message through the viewing and the contract explanation. Each owner sets their own conditions, including whether you need a guarantor company or a personal guarantor, so ask us about a specific home before you apply and we'll explain it in English.
Renting in Japan
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