Step 1: Understand the Basics of the Japanese Rental Market
In Japan, the rental market operates quite differently from other countries. Long-term rentals are the most common option, and most properties come unfurnished. (For this reason, people often buy cheap furniture when they leave their parents' house and then gradually replace it with higher-quality furniture.) Typically, lease agreements are for two years, and renewals are common but might come with additional fees.
Step 2: Finding a Property
Please let us know your situation and request for the property through our website "Property Request Form". We will find and propose candidate properties to meet your request.
Step 3: Documentation submission
While we search for a property, we will ask you to submit the following documents:
- Resident Card: Also known as the “Zairyu Card,” this proves your legal status in Japan.
- Passport
- Certificate of employment (Income Proof): The proof of employment(including Certificate of authorized employment, xtra-status activity permit) and bank account balance or a work contract, to demonstrate that you can afford the rent.
- Others : Other documents may be requested depending on the situation.
Step ４: Executing the contract & Upfront Costs
After finding good property, we will explain the contents of the contract and discuss with clients to finalize the contract.
To sign the contract, you have to prepare the following items:
- Bank account in Japan
- Mobile number with a contract from a Japanese phone carrier
- Emergency Contact
Renting a property in Japan involves several upfront costs, which can be surprising for foreigners. These may include:
- Deposit (Shikikin): Part of Deposit is refundable, depending on the condition of the apartment at the end of the lease. Basically 10% of Deposit is not refundable. In addition, in cases where the client terminates the contract before the first 12 months period, the security deposit will not be refunded as early termination fee.
- Key Money (Reikin): A non-refundable “thank you” payment to the landlord, often equivalent to one to two months' rent.
- Agency Fee: Typically, one month's rent paid to the real estate agent as a commission, however, we, Luxlease Japan will not claim this fee !!
- Guarantor Company Fee: If you use a guarantor company, this fee can range from 50% to 100% of the monthly rent.
- Maintenance Fees: In addition to the rent, you may also need to pay monthly maintenance fees, known as “kanri-hi,” which cover communal building services.
Before signing the contract, make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions, including these restrictions and additional fees.
Step 5: Moving In
Once the paperwork is signed, you can arrange your move-in date. It’s important to note that most apartments come unfurnished, so if you would like to rent furniture, please let us know. Of course we can propose the furnished property, but we can introduce furniture rental company as well.
Utilities: We can arrange services like water, gas, electricity and Wifi onbehalf of you.