Osaka Apartments with No Key Money for Foreigners | Best-Estate

Recommended Types of Rental Properties for Foreigners

There are many different types of rental properties available in Osaka. Choose the one that best matches your lifestyle, budget, and length of stay. In particular, “furnished rentals” are an especially attractive option for foreigners.

Standard Rental Apartments

These are the most common apartments and condominiums in Japan. They usually do not include furniture or appliances, so tenants need to prepare everything themselves. Contracts are typically for two years.

Advantages:

A huge number of properties are available, with many choices of locations and floor plans.

Cost-effective for long-term living.

Disadvantages:

High initial costs, including deposits and key money.

A guarantor is usually required, or you must use a guarantor company.

Buying furniture and appliances requires additional cost and effort.

Furnished Rental Apartments

These properties come equipped with essential furniture and appliances such as a bed, desk, refrigerator, and washing machine. The biggest advantage is the convenience of being able to start a new life with just a suitcase.

Advantages:

No need to purchase furniture or appliances.

Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet are often included.

Short-term contracts (from one month) are available, making it easier to handle sudden returns to your home country.

Disadvantages:

Monthly rent is generally higher than standard rentals.

Limited freedom to customize the interior.

Share Houses

In this type of housing, residents have private bedrooms while sharing common areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. They are especially popular among young people and students seeking international交流 and community.

Advantages:

Very low initial costs (often no deposit or key money).

Usually furnished, with utilities and Wi-Fi included in the rent.

Easy to build friendships and a community.

Disadvantages:

Less privacy.

Requires adapting to communal living and shared-space rules.

Serviced Apartments

These are high-end rental properties that offer hotel-like services. Many include cleaning services, concierge support, and fitness gyms, and are often used by corporate expatriates.

Advantages:

High-quality furniture and services.

Combines hotel-level comfort with the privacy of a home.

Flexible contract terms.

Disadvantages:

Very expensive rent.

Documents and Initial Costs Required for a Rental Contract

To ensure a smooth rental process, prepare the necessary documents and understand the breakdown of initial costs in advance.

Required Documents

• Residence Card: An identification card issued to foreigners staying in Japan mid- to long-term.
• Passport: Required for identity verification.
• Proof of Income: For employees, this may include a tax withholding slip or salary statement. For newly hired employees, an employment contract or job offer letter may be required.
• Japanese Bank Account: Needed for rent payments and transferring initial fees.
• Japanese Phone Number: Required as an emergency contact number.
• Student ID: Necessary for students.
• Inkan/Hanko (Personal Seal): Used for signing contracts. In some cases, a handwritten signature is accepted, but having one is convenient.

Three Solutions If You Do Not Have a Guarantor

For foreigners without relatives in Japan, finding a guarantor can be one of the biggest challenges. However, there are several solutions.

1. Use a Guarantor Company

This is currently the most common solution. A guarantor company acts as your guarantor in exchange for a service fee. Nowadays, many rental properties require tenants to use a guarantor company, even Japanese residents. Many guarantor companies are experienced in screening foreign applicants, making this the most practical option.

2. UR Rental Housing (UR Urban Renaissance Agency)

UR Housing is public rental housing managed by the Urban Renaissance Agency. The biggest advantages are that no key money, agency fee, renewal fee, or guarantor is required.

However, applicants must meet certain income requirements (for example, single tenants may need a monthly income at least four times the rent). Properties are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and vacancies in popular areas may be limited.

3. Search for Properties That Do Not Require a Guarantor

Although relatively rare, some landlords do not require either a guarantor or a guarantor company. Real estate agencies specializing in foreign residents may have access to these listings. However, the number of available properties tends to be limited.

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