Your Guide to Renting an Apartment in Japan: The Basics for Foreigners

AT JAPAN
8月17日
読了時間: 4分

If you're starting your apartment hunt in Japan, you might have many questions. How do you find a place? How much will it cost? What's the rental system like in Japan? This guide will walk you through the basic knowledge you need to get started.

What You'll Learn in This Article

How to Rent in Japan: An overview of the different methods for finding an apartment, including standard rentals, share houses, and monthly mansions.
Initial Costs for standard rentals : A detailed breakdown of the fees you'll need to prepare for, such as key money, security deposits, and agency fees.
The Rental Process Timeline: A step-by-step guide to the typical apartment hunting timeline, from starting your search to getting your keys.

1. How to Find a Place

There are several options for finding a place to live in Japan. Here’s a quick overview of the most common methods.

- Renting a Standard Apartment

Most rental apartments in Japan are on a two-year contract. Unlike in some countries where you can find apartments directly from the owner through online listings, renting in Japan almost always involves a real estate agent.

One key thing to note is that most apartments don’t come with furniture. You'll need to purchase your own furniture and appliances. Additionally, utilities like electricity, gas, and water are separate from the rent, so you'll need to set up individual contracts after you move in.

- Renting a Share House

If you're looking for a cheaper and simpler option, a share house might be perfect for you. Share houses often have lower initial costs and a less complicated application process, as you'll typically deal directly with the management company. Many share houses have no key money or deposit, and they come with basic furniture and appliances, making them a great choice for a short-term stay.

Since utilities are often included in the rent, a share house can be a great way to cut down on overall costs. Some management companies are also more flexible with guarantor requirements than standard rental agencies.

- Signing a Monthly Mansion Contract

If you're in Japan for a short period, a "Monthly Mansion" is another option. These are furnished apartments available for short-term stays, usually with a minimum stay of one month. You'll work directly with the management company, so there’s no real estate agent involved. The biggest benefit is that these apartments are fully furnished, which means you can move in with just your suitcase. However, the monthly rent is often a bit higher than a standard apartment. Many foreigners use them as a temporary home while they search for a long-term rental.

2. Understanding Initial Rental Fees

If you decide to rent a standard apartment in Japan, you’ll encounter some unique fees you might not be familiar with. These initial costs can be a significant expense, often adding up to 4 to 6 months' worth of rent.

Here is a breakdown of the typical fees you can expect:

Fee Type	Japanese Term	Typical Cost	Description
Security Deposit	Shikikin (敷金)	1-2 months' rent	A refundable deposit used to cover cleaning and repairs when you move out. Any remaining amount will be returned to you.（Not always the case)
Key Money	Reikin (礼金)	1-2 months' rent	A non-refundable fee paid to the landlord as a gesture of gratitude. This is a unique Japanese custom.
Agency Fee	Chukai Tesuryo (仲介手数料)	0-1 month's rent + tax	The fee paid to the real estate agency for their service.
Advance Rent	Maeyachin (前家賃)	1 month's rent	Your first month's rent, paid in advance. If you move in mid-month, it will be prorated.
Prorated Rent	Nyukyoduki Hiwari Yachin (入居月日割り家賃)	Prorated amount	The rent for the month you move in, calculated based on the number of days you will live there.
Fire Insurance	Kasai Hoken (火災保険)	¥15,000-¥25,000 Usually management company suggest specific insurance but there is a case you can choose the insuranse company on your own.	Mandatory insurance (usually for a two-year policy) to cover damage from fire, water leaks, etc.
Guarantor Company Fee	Hoshō Itaku-ryō (保証委託料)	0.5-1 month's rent	A fee paid to a company that acts as your guarantor, which is often required for foreign residents.
Lock Exchange Fee	Kagi Kōkan-hi (鍵交換費)	¥10,000-¥20,000	A fee for changing the locks for security purposes.　However, this fee does not apply to new constructions.
Other Fees	Sonota Hiyō (その他費用)	Depending on the property you apply	Fees that may apply depending on the property, such as 24-hour support service or pest control service.

It's a lot to consider! Keep in mind that some properties offer "no key money" or "no agency fee" to help lower your initial costs.　

3. The Rental Timeline: When to Start Your Search

You should start your apartment search about 1-2 months before your desired move-in date.

While it might be tempting to start searching much earlier, like six months in advance, it’s not recommended. If you find a place you love and want to secure it, you’ll typically have to submit an application and be ready to start paying rent within about two weeks. This means you could end up paying for an apartment before you even move in.

By starting your search 1-2 months out, you'll find a good balance between having enough time to find a great place and not having to pay for an empty apartment.

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