Rental Apartment & Houses in Tokyo

Finding rental properties in new places, cities, and countries is always not easy, makes people naturally get cautious and second thoughts about applying. However, taking quick　actions is crucial because excellent properties will immediately be taken by others. In Japan, a cancellation fee is not charged at the stage of the application, so it is suggested you apply as soon as possible when you find an ideal property.

Apply immediately to get priority

If you search rental properties on a realtor’s web site and find an ideal one, contact the realtor right away without spending more time for information by further net surfing. The local-based realtor, who can offer advice and suggestions in line with your request, will help with the application procedure, which is locally practiced in Japan. In any case, a prior inquiry is essential as some properties may not be available for foreign residents due to the language problem of its owner.

In Japan, a deposit is not required for rental applications

In the case of finding a rental property through a real-estate agency in Japan, you are not required to put down a deposit when making a rental application. Local governments, such as Tokyo, instruct the agencies for not to request a deposit (預り金 Azukari-kin) or an application fee (申込金 Moushikomi-kin). In the USA, for example, agencies in some of the states may require a 5% to 10% deposit which will not be refunded if canceled. People who are familiar with such a deposit system tend to be late in applying even when they find an ideal property.

A cancellation fee is not charged at the stage of the application

In case you need to cancel your application for some reason, you can cancel without a fee as long as you have just applied. Cancellation fees are charged when canceled after having signed up a formal rental contract.

Applications are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis

In the process of finding rental properties, the applicant is supposed to get through a screening (入居審査 Nyuukyo-shinsa) by the owner after submitting an application form. The applicant may be approved as a tenant, depending on the result of screening, and sign up a rental contract. As applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, applying earlier is the better.

In countries other than Japan, there seem to be cases that the applicant who intends to pay more rent than others can get priority to be the first in screening. In Japan, the applicant who has applied first is always entitled in principle. The priority is barely changed even if the second applicant intends to pay more than the full amount of the rent paid by the first applicant.

In the case that the rental property is not yet available for viewing (while someone is still living there), the lender may accept the application in advance so that screening can be conducted before the applicant has a viewing to make the final decision. If you like to have a viewing before coming to Japan, you may request to do it on a video chat such as FaceTime.

Get prepared to submit the application form

In the application process, applicants are requested to submit an application form (賃貸申込書Chintai Moushikomisho). The required information to fill in the form may vary depending on the properties to rent, and usually includes information on place of work (school) as well as contractor name, contact address, and phone number. The applicants are also required to file necessary documents when submitting the form, should be checked and prepared beforehand with “first-come, first-served” in mind.

Necessary documents for rental housing application

Required for individual applicants

– Resident card or a copy of passport (copies for all the family members moving in)
– Proof of income
– Certification of employment
– Cosigner information*
*If applying without a cosigner, a contract with a guarantee company is required
– Information on Japanese contact person for emergency; Mobile phone number, date of birth, address and name
– Applicant’s mobile phone number

Required for corporate applicants

– Resident card or a copy of passport (copies for all the family members moving in)
– Proof of income
– Certification of employment
– Corporate registration, Explanation of the company (depends on the company scale)
– Japanese contact person for emergency; Mobile phone number, date of birth, address and name
– Applicant’s mobile phone number

 

For searching your rental property.