Target: Foreign residents who want to rent a room in Japan
Purpose of this column: To understand the overall process, required documents, schedule, and costs from application to key handover
Overview
• Estimated Period: 2–4 weeks(varies depending on busy season and property)
• Parties Involved:Tenant / Landlord / Management Company / Guarantor Company / Brokerage (us ) /
• Initial Costs (main items):Deposit, Key Money, Agency Fee, Guarantor Fee, Insurance, Advance Rent/Service Charges
Step 0 — Preparation (Budget & Conditions)
・In addition to rent, consider utilities, water, fire insurance, etc. (budget 15–30% of rent as a cushion).
・Organize must-have conditions: preferred area, commuting time, parking availability, layout, pets allowed or not.
・Prepare required documents early (see Step 3).
Step 1 — Inquiry
・Share desired move-in date, budget, area, layout, residence status/employer, household size, pet ownership, etc.
・We shortlist properties that match your conditions (including corporate contract availability and pet regulations).
Step 2 — Viewing (On-Site / Remote)
・Checkpoints: Building rules, noise, sunlight, water pressure, garbage area, internet connection, mailbox, parking for cars/bicycles.
・Example Questions: Total initial costs, renewal fee, cancellation notice period, restoration rules.
Tip: Take photos/videos for record.
Step 3 — Application
Submit application formand required documents.Choose guarantor or guarantor company (common)).
For corporate contracts, add company registry and representative’s ID.
Required Documents Checklist
・Passport + Residence Card (both sides)
・Proof of income / Bank balance statement or transaction record (last 3–6 months)
・Employment certificate / Offer letter OR Student ID
・Emergency contact in Japan (if available)
・Corporate contract: Company registry / Representative ID (not required for personal contracts)
Step 4 — Screening (2–7 business days)
Checks include: ID verification, income stability, employment status, rental history, payment record.
If not approved: Alternatives such as different guarantor/guarantor company, rent adjustment, or other property proposals.
Step 5 — Contract
・Important matters explained bilingually. Confirm fees and regulations.
・Pay initial costs, subscribe to insurance, sign/stamp contract.
・Confirm key handover date.
Step 6 — Moving & Utilities Support
・Key handover & room check
・Arrange electricity, water, gas, internet (note: gas requires attendance for activation).
• ・For moves across prefectures,carry out moving-out/moving-in proceduresat municipal office(see Column②: Moving Across Prefectures Guide).）
Step 7 — After Move-In Support
・For utility issues if Japanese is difficult, our bilingual staff can support via three-way calls.
・60 days before contract renewal, we will contact you with a comparison table to support renewal or relocation negotiations.
Before moving out, we providea Restoration Checklist (PDF)free of chargeo avoid unnecessary costs.
Breakdown of Initial Costs (First Month Estimate)
| English | Japanese | Guideline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 敷金 | 0–2 months’ rent (refundable) | |
| Key Money | 礼金 | 0–2 months’ rent (non-refundable, depends on property) | |
| Agency Fee | 仲介手数料 | 1 month’s rent + tax | |
| Guarantor Fee | 保証会社利用料 | About 30–100% of monthly rent (first year) | |
| Insurance | 火災/賃貸保険 | Around ¥10,000 per year (depends on property) | |
| Initial Rent/Charges | 前家賃・管理費等 | Prorated according to move-in date | |
※We will provide a written breakdown of costs before application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Call to Action (CTA)
Book a free consultation (LINE / WhatsApp / Email)
Receive property suggestions and document checklist within 1 business day
