Finding Housing in Japan 101
For a lot of international residents, finding housing in a foreign country sounds like a complete nightmare. Let’s break down some things you need, along with sites to find the perfect residence for you!
Saving and Budgeting
When finding a place in Japan, each landlord usually has it’s own set of fees, along with the fees you’ll pay for using a housing agency (and guarantor company, which you might need). Here are some fees you should expect to pay:
Key Money
礼金 | れいきん | reikin
This is money that will not be returned to you. It is a gift for the landlord. This can cost several months of rent. Of course, there are places that do not require key money. We’ll get into that later.
Rent
家賃 | やちん | yachin
It is up to the landlord to determine how much rent you will be paying up front. Be sure to search within your budget, as you’ll have other fees to pay.
Security Deposit
敷金| しききん |shikikin
There are some apartments/houses that do not require a security deposit. However, a security deposit is usually equivalent to 1-4 months rent. Again, it depends on the landlord and realtor.
Utility Bills
光熱費 | こうねつひ| kounetsu-hi
Sometimes, water, electricity, gas, or WiFi can be included in the rent, depending on your leasing contract. Nevertheless, these utilities are required. There will be further instructions on setting up these utilities upon moving in.
Fire Insurance
火災保険 | かさいほけん | kasai-hoken
Fire Insurance is required and will be included in the move-in fees.
What You’ll Need
Residence Card
Japanese Phone Number
Japanese Bank Account
Guarantor
Emergency Contact
Passport
What you need may vary from agency to agency.
Finding a Place
You can find several real estate agencies in major cities. While living in Kyoto, I used House Network as they had English support for my second and third rental. For other foreign-friendly companies in Kyoto, you can check out a complete list here. I also suggest using Suumo (nationwide site) to search for potential properties to check out.
If you would like to live with others, there are also share houses available.
You should always go with an agent to check out a property in depth. Take photos of your own and always look at multiple properties before deciding on one.
Housing Discrimination
Like many places throughout the world, housing discrimination is an issue in Japan. You may hear from the real estate agent that the landlord will not rent to foreign residents if you find a property listed on your own and inquire. It’s important to work closely with the real estate agent company to tell them your budget, expectations, and amenities. The real estate agent will find properties that accept foreign residents, but you also must advocate for yourself. Many landlords are xenophobic to residents who do not have a strong command of the Japanese language, as they believe they will have difficulties in case of an emergency, or believe that foreigners are prone to fleeing without paying.
FAQs
Do I need to be in Japan to search for housing?
Ideally, yes. If you have a residence card, you may apply for a residence. If you are simply looking for a place to move to without a visa or plan, then you cannot actually rent a property in Japan.
I just got a visa. How do I find a place before I move?
If granted a work or student visa, usually the inviting company or university will provide housing and/or housing information upon approval.
