Renting Home in Japan as a Foreigner

Japan Life Guide   by Sio

Although I work at a real estate firm, my first home search was just like any foreigner’s - I was rejected by landlords. Renting in Japan isn’t as simple as money solves all.

Why landlords worried of foreigners:

1️⃣ Limited Japanese, poor communication

2️⃣ Cultural gap, may disturb neighbors

3️⃣ Thin credit history, late/missed rent risk

4️⃣ Sudden departure, early termination

5️⃣ No Japanese guarantor, just too much hassle

The most practical route is a foreigner-run agency: they know our pain points, communicate well with landlords, hold more foreigner‑friendly listings, help with guarantor applications and contract translation. Japanese agencies often need 2–3 days to set a viewing, foreigner‑run ones can manage same‑day with more flexibility.

🔎GaijinPot Apartments / Realestate.co.jp

Foreigner‑friendly listings with English; fewer options and usually pricier.

🔎 FB / IG / Tiktok etc

Search in your language to find agents who speak it.

🔎SUUMO / Homes / CHINTAI / at home

Popular sites, huge inventory, but process is in Japanese only.

Rental process:

1️⃣ Apply (with guarantor application)

2️⃣ Screening (3–7 days)

3️⃣ Sign contract (Japanese briefing, agent interprets)

4️⃣ Pay: first month rent, key money, deposit, agent fee, guarantor fee, insurance, lock change (total 4–6 mths’ rent)

5️⃣ Key handover (record room condition before moving in)

Even if a listing says “foreigner OK,” it only means the landlord is open to considering you. You’ll still face full screening, and can be rejected without explanation if you don’t meet their standards!

Sio

Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina. Seeing people and cultures from many sides.

Follow @anotherlifeclub and restart Another Life with me.