Your Guide: Apartment Rental in Japan
Feeling lost about where to start with renting an apartment in Japan? This guide will support your house hunting journey!
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1）Introduction: Is Finding an Apartment in Japan Difficult for Foreigners?
Starting your life in Japan involves a very important step: finding a place to live. However, renting an apartment in Japan can be challenging, as there are many rules that differ from your home country.
But please don't worry. This article is a guide for foreigners looking for their first apartment in Japan, so you can find a good apartment with peace of mind. We will introduce the rules for renting an apartment in Japan, how to find a good property, and what to be careful about when signing a rental agreement.
【What you will learn in this article】
🌟How to rent an apartment in Japan without a guarantor.
🌟How to reduce the initial costs needed for apartment rental.
🌟Important points to be aware of when signing a rental contract.
2）Must-Know Basics: Understanding Japan's Apartment Rental System
The rules for renting an apartment in Japan might be very different from those in your country. To make your apartment hunting smooth, let's learn the basic rules.
2.1 What are 敷金(Shikikin)・礼金(Reikin)・仲介手数料(Chukai Tesuryo)?
When you rent an apartment in Japan, you'll often hear the words Shikikin, Reikin, and Chukai Tesuryo. Knowing what these mean is important for planning your finances.
・敷金(Shikikin) - Security Deposit
This is the money you give to the landlord (the person who owns the property) when you sign the rental contract. It's used for cleaning costs when you move out or as money if you can't pay your rent. You will often get the remaining money back when you leave the apartment.
・礼金(Reikin) - Key Money
This is a thank-you payment you make to the landlord when you sign the contract. You will not get this money back.
・仲介手数料(Chukai Tesuryo) - Agent Fee
This is a fee you pay to the real estate company. You pay it for them introducing the property to you and helping with the contract procedures. Usually, it's about 0.5 to 1 month's rent + consumption tax.
2.2 Understanding Apartment Types: 1K, 1LDK, and More!
Apartments in Japan are divided into types based on the number of rooms and their layout. Knowing these types will help you find an apartment that fits your lifestyle.
・1K
This type has one room and a separate kitchen. It's perfect for one person living alone. The rent is often lower.
・1DK
This type has one room and a dining area with a kitchen. It's perfect for one or two people.
・1LDK
This type has one room and a living room with a dining area and a kitchen. It's perfect for families.
2.3 Is a guarantor really necessary?
When signing a rental contract for an apartment in Japan, you will often be asked for a "連帯保証人(Rentai Hoshonin)". A guarantor is someone who takes responsibility if you can't pay your rent or if you damage the property.
The landlord believes that having a guarantor provides them with more security regarding their property.
However, for foreigners, it can be difficult to ask Japanese friends or colleagues at work to be your guarantor, right?
At YOLO HOME, we have many apartments available for rent without a guarantor, and we support foreigners in their apartment hunting.
Apartments Without a Guarantor
3）Essential Tips for Foreigners: Smart Apartment Hunting in Japan
Here are three particularly helpful points for foreigners looking for an apartment in Japan. By knowing these, you'll be able to find an apartment more affordably and with more peace of mind.
Point 1: Finding Apartments with Lower Initial Costs
When signing a contract for an apartment in Japan, you'll have to pay a lot of money upfront for things like Shikikin (security deposit), Reikin (key money), and the agent fee, as well as for furniture and appliances. This can be a significant burden, especially for foreigners who have just started their life in Japan.
At YOLO HOME, we have many apartments where you can reduce these initial costs.
Apartments with No Security Deposit / Key Money
【Benefits of Reducing Initial Costs】
🌟You can use the remaining money for other necessary expenses (tuition, food, living costs).
🌟You can choose an apartment closer to your ideal without worrying about going over budget.
🌟You can start your new life in Japan with less financial strain.
By using YOLO HOME, you can find your ideal apartment without worrying about the initial costs.
Point 2: Finding Apartments That Don't Require a Guarantor
For foreigners who don't have family or friends in Japan, finding a guarantor can be very difficult. At YOLO HOME, many apartments do not require a guarantor.
Apartments Without a Guarantor
【Benefits of Renting Without a Guarantor】
🌟Even if you have just arrived in Japan, you can rent an apartment smoothly without spending time looking for a guarantor.
🌟You won't have to give up on an apartment because you can't find a guarantor.
🌟You can proceed with the contract procedures without worrying about a guarantor.
By using YOLO HOME, you can solve the "guarantor problem," which is a major concern for many foreigners looking for an apartment in Japan, and have a smooth apartment hunting experience.
Point 3: Use a Service with Reliable Multilingual Support
At YOLO HOME, we offer multilingual support so that foreigners who are not confident in their Japanese can proceed with apartment hunting and the contract process with peace of mind.
【Supported Languages on the Website】
・English
・Chinese
・Korean
・Vietnamese
・Portuguese
【Multilingual Support Details】
・Inquiries
・Screening
・Communication with real estate agencies
・Apartment viewings
・Contract procedures
・Moving in
At YOLO HOME, our multilingual staff will support you in your language.
4）Before You Sign: A Checklist to Avoid Rental Troubles
The rental contract for your apartment is an important part of your life in Japan. Before you sign, be sure to carefully check the following to avoid future troubles.
4.1 Key Points to Check About the Apartment Property
✅Surrounding Environment
・Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Drugstores: Check if it's easy to buy daily necessities. Having these nearby is convenient.
・Station, Bus Stop: Confirm if the access to public transportation you'll use for commuting or school is good. Consider the distance to the Station.
・Hospital: It's good to check if there's a hospital nearby for peace of mind in case of emergencies.
・Parks, Public Facilities: See if there are any facilities you can use on your days off.
・Safety: Check the safety of the neighborhood, including at night. Online reviews can also be helpful.
✅Transportation Access
・Distance from the Nearest Station: Actually walk to the Station to see how long it takes.
・Train Transfers: Check the number of transfers and the travel time. It's also a good idea to check how crowded the trains are during rush hour.
✅Noise Issues
・Check the traffic volume on nearby roads and if there are any construction sites nearby.
・The soundproofing varies depending on the building's construction (reinforced concrete, wood, etc.). Check this during the viewing.
✅Facilities
・Air Conditioner, Lighting: Confirm if these are already installed.
・Furniture: While some apartments are furnished, others require you to bring your own furniture.
・Separate Bath and Toilet: Check if the bath and toilet are in separate rooms.
・Auto-Lock System, Security Cameras: If you're concerned about security, check for these features.
✅Safety Measures
・Check not only for auto-lock systems and security cameras but also the overall safety of the neighborhood.
・For women, ensuring their safety at night is particularly important.
Safe and Secure! Apartments for Women
4.2 Key Points to Check in the Lease Agreement
Make sure to thoroughly understand the contents of the rental agreement before you sign it. If there's anything you don't understand, ask the real estate company and make sure you're satisfied before signing the contract for your apartment in Japan.
✅Lease Term
・Confirm the start and end dates of the rental agreement.
・Check the renewal process and any associated fees after the initial term ends.
✅Rent and Management Fee
・Confirm the monthly rent and the amount of the management fee.
・Check what services are included in the management fee.
✅Renewal Fee
・This is a fee you pay when you renew your rental contract.
・The amount varies depending on the area.
✅Fees When Moving Out (Cancellation)
・Confirm the notice period required when you decide to move out
・Check about cleaning fees and any costs for restoring the property to its original condition when you leave the apartment.
・Also, confirm the amount that will be deducted from your Shikikin (security deposit).
✅Prohibited Matters
・Check if there are any prohibited matters, such as whether you can have pets, play musical instruments, or smoke in the apartment.
・Doing prohibited things can lead to the termination of your rental contract.
Please use these checkpoints as a guide when choosing your apartment and reviewing the rental agreement in Japan.
5）Q&A: Common Questions About Apartment Hunting in Japan
Finding your first apartment in Japan can bring up many anxieties and questions. Here, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers when using YOLO HOME.
5.1 What Documents are Required for the Lease?
When signing a rental agreement through YOLO HOME, you will need the following documents:
📝Identification Documents
Choose One
①Passport
②Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
📝Other Documents
Choose One
①Health Insurance Card (Hokensho)
②Employment Certificate (Shuro Shomeisho)
③Job Offer Letter (Saiyo Tsuchi)
④Student ID Card (Gakuseisho)
⑤Acceptance Letter (Gokaku Tsushisho)
📝Contact information
・Your family in your home country
・Your friend in Japan
5.2 Do I Have to Sign the Lease Immediately?
No, there's no need to sign the rental agreement right away.
Your apartment is an important place that will support your life in Japan. Please take your time to thoroughly check the property conditions and the contract details until you are completely satisfied.
However, if you find an apartment you really like, we recommend applying as soon as possible. Popular apartments can get taken very quickly.
5.3 Is There a Fee Just for Viewing Apartments?
No, viewings and tours of the apartments are completely free. Please feel at ease.
There are no membership registration fees, inquiry fees for apartments, or viewing application fees when using YOLO HOME.
5.4 Do I Need to Pay Money When Signing the Lease?
No, you don't need to pay cash when you sign the rental agreement.
We will inform you about the payment methods for the initial costs during the contract procedures.
6）Conclusion: Find Your Ideal Apartment in Japan with YOLO HOME!
YOLO HOME is a multilingual real estate information website for foreigners operated by YOLO JAPAN, supporting those who feel anxious about finding an apartment in Japan.
【Features of YOLO HOME】
🌟Even if you find it difficult to provide a guarantor in Japan, you can choose your apartment with peace of mind.
🌟We have many apartments with no security deposit, no key money, and even furniture and appliances included, reducing your financial burden.
🌟Our multilingual staff provides support even if you are not confident in your Japanese.
🌟You can quickly find an apartment that matches your lifestyle and desired conditions.
Register with YOLO HOME now and start your ideal life in Japan!
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