Rental housing in Japan comes in four main types, each suited to different stay lengths, budgets, and service needs. Every listing on BEST-ESTATE.JP — across all four categories — is from a landlord who welcomes foreign tenants.
The most common type of apartment or condominium in Japan.
Furniture and appliances are not included, so you'll need to buy them yourself.
Contracts typically run for 2 years.
Properties that come with the essentials — bed, desk, refrigerator, washing machine — already in place.
You can start your new life in Japan with just a suitcase.
Each tenant has a private bedroom, while the living room, kitchen, and bathroom are shared with other residents.
Popular with younger people and students who want to meet new people from around the world.
Upscale rentals that come with hotel-style services.
Many include housekeeping, concierge, and gym access, and they're often used by corporate expats.
※Conditions may vary by property and contract.
When signing a rental contract in Japan as a foreigner, two things matter most: budgeting for initial costs equal to 4–6 months' rent and preparing the right paperwork — especially your Residence Card.
Below is a breakdown of what to expect, so your contract can go through smoothly.
For an apartment with monthly rent of ¥80,000, total initial costs typically come to about ¥158,000–458,000.
The breakdown is as follows.
※Security deposit and key money may rise to 2 months' rent for high-end properties or pet-friendly units. The figures above assume monthly rent of ¥80,000. Agent fees may vary by agency and contract terms.
※The above applies to foreign residents already employed in Japan.
To avoid disputes at move-out, it's important to understand who is responsible for what under Japan's restoration rules.
As of the April 2020 Civil Code revision, tenants are not legally required to repair normal wear and tear or age-related deterioration.
Responsibility is determined based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's “Guidelines on Restoration Disputes.”
If you're unsure who bears a particular cost, refer to those guidelines.
BEST-ESTATE.JP provides documentation in all seven languages (Japanese, English, Chinese Simplified and Traditional, Korean, Vietnamese, and Portuguese), so you can complete your rental contract with confidence even with limited Japanese.
For foreign residents without family in Japan, finding a joint guarantor is often the biggest hurdle.
There are three main solutions.
In a rental agreement, the joint guarantor is the person who takes on the same legal obligations as the tenant (under Japan's Civil Code) if the tenant fails to pay rent or fulfill other contractual duties such as repairs.
A joint guarantor is different from a regular guarantor: the landlord or management company can demand payment directly from the joint guarantor without first contacting the tenant.
This is the most common option today.
A rent guarantor company takes on the role of joint guarantor in exchange for a fee.
Even Japanese tenants are now required by most properties to use one.
Many guarantor companies have experience screening foreign applicants, making this a practical choice.
UR rental properties are public housing managed by the Urban Renaissance Agency, an independent administrative agency.
The biggest advantages are that no key money, agent fees, renewal fees, or joint guarantor are required.
Foreign residents can sign contracts on the same terms as Japanese tenants.
Although limited in number, some properties don't require a joint guarantor or guarantor company, depending on the landlord's policy.
Real estate agencies specializing in foreign tenants often have access to listings like these.
BEST-ESTATE.JP lets you search all three options on a single site.
If you need help, submit the Apartment Search Request Form and a GTN staff member will assist you.
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