Apartments are usually rented through real estate agents rather than landlords. Real estate offices can be recognized by listings of available apartments in their show windows. They also advertise on signs in the neighborhood and in various publications.
Conventional real estate companies
The rental system of many conventional real estate companies is not very foreigner friendly.
Apartments are usually rented for a minimum of two years, which conflicts with the fact that many foreigners stay in Japan for less than two years.
Furthermore, most landlords are naturally reluctant to rent their apartments to foreigners who are not able to communicate in Japanese. Some of them will even categorically refuse their service to non permanent residents out of fear of frictions.
Many agents also require you to provide them with information about your financial background and to have a guarantor co-sign the rental contract as another security measure. Certain conditions apply as who can serve as your guarantor. It must usually be a Japanese national with a stable financial background.
Not at last, entering a rental contract with a conventional real estate company is very expensive. A number of refundable and non refundable fees have to be paid, often totaling three to ten months' rent, depending on the company and apartment:
Reservation fee (tetsukekin)
The tetsukekin is paid when you apply for an apartment, and before the actual rental contract is signed. It serves as a guarantee for you that the apartment is not given to somebody else, and for the agent that you do not change your mind. It is refunded after the actual contract is signed and is usually equivalent to about one month's rent.
Deposit (shikikin)
The deposit is used to cover eventual future damage to the apartment. The deposit minus the cost for repairs is refunded when you move out. The deposit is usually equivalent to several months' rent.
Key money (reikin)
This is a non refundable payment to the landlord in the amount of up to several months' rent.
Service fee (chukai tesuryo)
This is a non refundable payment to the real estate agent in the amount of at most one month's rent.
In most cases, apartments come unfurnished, utilities are not included in the rent, and pets are not allowed. Please read more about Japanese apartments and furniture.
Brand new, fully furnished weekly and monthly studio apartments conveniently located in central areas of Tokyo. For a comfortable, high-quality stay for business or leisure, choose K.K. CleArth Monthly.
Real estate companies for foreigners
Real estate companies, which specifically target Japan's foreign community, exist mainly in Tokyo and other large metropolitan areas. They offer private and shared apartments for conditions that are much more suitable to the needs of foreigners, and often have staff trained in foreign languages.
For example, they offer rental contracts for much shorter time periods and lower and fewer initial fees than conventional companies. In addition, their apartments are often already furnished, and the cost for utilities may be included in the monthly rent.
Many real estate companies for foreigners operate so called gaijin houses ("foreigner houses"), a very inexpensive type of accommodation, while others target individuals and businesses on larger budgets and with higher requirements.
Seas Company Ltd. Looking for a home or apartment in Tokyo? Don't hesitate to contact Seas Company Ltd. for all your real estate needs.
Koei Kanri Real Estate We offer a huge variety of Apartments, monthly apartments, offices, and properties. All price ranges.
Ichii Corportation Over 600 fully-furnished apartments in Tokyo. New, clean, good access and reasonable price range. No start-up fee or troublesome procedures.
Tokyo Apartments.jp We provide from furnished to unfurnished, individual or corporate housing in central Tokyo. From 2 weeks to yearly contracts. Wide selection from budget to luxuary properties.
Shrek Watta House Budget accommodation in Tokyo, short or long OK! furnished private rooms, self-contained...
Tatami Guesthouse Cozy budget guesthouse in Tokyo. Furnished rooms. No guarantor or huge rental deposit required. Short and long stays okay.
Sakura House - Tokyo apartment and guesthouse Search and reserve your home in Tokyo from over 1100 furnished rooms throughout Tokyo. Guesthouse rooms from 48000yen, furnished apartments from 80000yen per month including utilities & Internet access.
Oak House Well-furnished guest house; Air-conditioned, TV, refrigerator, bed and Internet connection. Free PC in the lounge room! Single room/Share room.
TOHTO Guest House Key money, brokerage fee, and guarantors not required! Furnished rooms with A/C, fridge, bedding etc. Free internet!
TokyoApartment.com A searchable database of rooms and apartments for rent and sale.
This living guide by Jarrell D. Sieff covers every topic from immigration and accommodation to health matters and the Japanese etiquette. It includes lots of valuable advice, important vocabulary and useful phone numbers and addresses.
