Finding Apartments for Rent in Tokyo – Apartment Hunting Guide
Do you have any plans to move out to a new home and find apartments for rent in Tokyo or other areas? If you do, but are not sure where to start, what to do, or how to make the process smooth and efficient, you come to the right place!
Since most of the teachers at One Coin English have been there, and done that, you can trust us on this, we've crafted a special guide just for you, packed with all the nitty-gritty details to make your relocation a breeze!
Keep reading and hopefully, you'll find this article a useful read!
Where to Find Apartments for Rent Listing?
This is the first question that pops up when you think about moving out. Japan's real estate landscape is often accessed through real estate agencies, known as "fudosan" 不動産. These agencies can assist in locating suitable properties based on your preferences.
If you are new to Japan and just started getting everything set up, you might not know where to look, but don't worry! We've got you! In Japan, usually, you go directly to real estate agents to look for apartments for rent, but you also can look them up online! We have listed the foreigner-friendly options as well as the budget-friendly ones!
Foreigner-Friendly Real Estate Agencies
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Affordable Real Estate Agencies
With these ones, normally you would have to visit the stores to get comprehensive details about the apartments for rent you are looking for. During the moving season, they are often crowded, so I would recommend you book a schedule before coming to the store. You can basically access the ones listed below easily since normally they have a lot of branches all over the cities and all within the range from the big stations. First, you need to find out the nearest branch from your desired location and then book a schedule there on their website!
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Looking for more options? Try Sharehouses!
If you want to make friends, socialize, and don't mind living with other people then sharehouses could be your option! We have a more comprehensive guide on sharehouses in this article: Sharehouses here Want a Sharehouse in Tokyo? Check out our top picks (Discounts!).
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Popular Real Estate Portal For Apartment Hunting
Suumo
When you are looking for apartments for rent in Tokyo, Suumo is a comprehensive listing for sale and rental properties across Japan, offering search filters, detailed property information, and virtual tours.
What is 1K, 1LDK, 1DK, etc.?
Now on to the room types...In Japan, there are terms commonly used for room types and they are quite different compared to other countries. Familiarize yourself with apartment classifications such as "1R," "1K," and "2DK."
How is The Process Like?
Once you've selected a few potential apartments for rent in Tokyo, contact an agent who can arrange a viewing for you. Agents can provide valuable assistance in navigating the language barrier and cultural differences.
What You Will Need (as a foreigner)
- Residence card (Zairyū Card)
- A passport
- A bank account with a Cash Card or Credit Card
- A Japanese name seal (Hanko -判子)
The Process
- Visiting the Agency
- Viewing Apartments: Attend scheduled viewings to inspect the apartments. Pay attention to the condition, layout, and facilities. In Japan, it's customary to remove your shoes when entering a residence, so be prepared for that.
- Application Process - 申し込む (moushikomu): If you find an apartment you like, you'll need to apply. This typically includes personal information, employment details, and sometimes a personal statement. Some landlords may also require a guarantor.
- Getting a call from a guarantor: Japanese rental agreements often require a guarantor who will be responsible for your rent in case you are unable to pay. If you don't have a local guarantor, you may need to use a guarantor company or pay additional fees.
- Key Money and Deposits: Prepare for upfront costs, which can include key money (reikin), a non-refundable gift to the landlord, and a security deposit (shikikin), refundable at the end of the lease if there is no damage.
- Contract Signing: If your application is accepted, you'll sign the lease agreement. Make sure to carefully review the terms and conditions before signing.
- Move-In: On the agreed-upon date, you can move into your new apartment. Keep in mind that some apartments may come unfurnished, so you might need to purchase furniture and appliances.
- Registration: After moving in, you need to register your new address with the local government office, which is required by law.
- Utilities and Services: Set up utility services such as water, gas, electricity, and internet in your name. Some apartments may already have certain utilities included in the rent.
Terms you'll come across at Japanese Real Estate Agents (不動産)
- Reikin (礼金 - Key Money): Reikin, commonly known as key money, is a payment made to the landlord that is non-refundable. Although it is viewed as a goodwill gesture, there may be room for negotiation regarding the amount.
- Shikikin (敷金 - Security Deposit): Shikikin acts as a security deposit that can be refunded, usually equal to one to two months' rent, serving as a safeguard against possible property damages.
- Chukai Tesuryo (中介手数料 - Agency Fee): Chukai Tesuryo, also known as the Agency Fee, is a payment made to the real estate agency. Typically, it amounts to one month's rent plus tax.
- Monthly rent – 家賃 (yachin)
- Contract – 契約 (keiyaku)
- Real estate agency – 不動産屋 (fudousanya)
- Rented/Leased (place) – 賃貸 (chintai)
- Renewal fee – 更新料 (koushinryou)
How Much Is The Initial Cost for Moving?
Now that you know the terms that are used in the Japanese real estate world, let's get deeper and see how much the initial fee for new rent contract costs. It really depends on the landlord's agreement and the real estate agency you are signing the contract with. However just to give the overview of how the total will look like, I'll list down the fees for you!
*** Assuming that the monthly rent fee is 100,000 yen
| Type of Fee | Amount | Note |
| The 1st month's rent | 100,000 | Monthly |
| Management Fee | 0~5,000 | Monthly |
| Reikin (礼金 - Key Money) | 0~100,000 | *Usually, the amount for this fee is 1 time rent fee |
| Shikikin (敷金 - Security Deposit) | 100,000 | *Usually, the amount for this fee is 1 time rent fee |
| Chukai Tesuryo (中介手数料 - Agency Fee) | ~100,000 | *Usually, the amount for this fee is 1 time rent fee |
| Guarantor | ~100,000 | *50% ~ 100% of the rent fee
*You can find an apartment that doesn't require you to have a guarantor, so this cost could be 0 |
| Insurance Company | ±20,000 |
For a more detailed breakdown on the fees of a new apartment in Japan, we recommend checking out this article from E-Housing Real Estate → All the fees and costs you need to know when renting in Japan
What Time is The Best Time to Move? (Avoid The Moving Season!)
For a smoother relocation experience in Japan with minimal traffic and crowds, consider choosing alternative times of the year. Optimal periods include the summertime and early autumn, so around July to September/October. By planning your move during these less hectic times, you can potentially navigate the process more efficiently and with reduced disruptions.
Moving to Japan is a multifaceted process that demands a nuanced understanding of cultural and procedural elements. Finding apartments for rent in Tokyo, or basically any other areas, could be overwhelming, hopefully by integrating these insights into your moving strategy, you can make your relocation journey with confidence, making the transition to your new home in Japan a more informed and seamless experience.
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