Already living in Japan
Share your current housing situation and preferred move date. Tell us which essentials are already in place, so we can focus on the next home and what its application needs.
RENTING IN JAPAN
Your path to a home in Japan
From your first message to the day you collect the keys. See what to prepare, what to check, and how we can help you take the next step.
Browse rentals nowYou can start with a question, even if you have not chosen a property.
From enquiry to move-in
A practical guide; the order and timing depend on your situation and the home.
YOUR SITUATION
Already in Japan, or arriving soon?
Tell us what home means to you
Start with your monthly housing budget, move-in date, household and preferred area. Tell us how many bedrooms and how much usable floor space you need, plus where you work or study. If you have seen a home you like, include its property ID. Tell us which requirements are essential and which you can change. If you are unsure, send your budget and move date using the checklist alongside this guide.
Put the essentials in place
Tell us whether you are already living in Japan or planning to arrive, and what address, phone number and bank arrangements you have. We identify the requirements for your proposed application and any gaps to resolve. If you are coming from abroad, discuss your arrival date and whether a temporary stay is needed before a long-term home is ready. Address, phone and banking requirements depend on the property and provider; confirm the available options before booking services or travel around a move-in date.
View homes and compare daily life
Compare bedrooms, usable floor area and storage, rather than relying only on a Japanese layout code. Think about furniture, working from home, nearby shops and the whole journey from your door to work or school. Ask us about availability and viewing arrangements for your shortlist. Check the monthly total including management and other recurring charges, the itemised move-in estimate, pets and other conditions before choosing a home. For Funabori, check our guide to local shops, parks and routes to work.
Apply and confirm the requirements
Once you choose a home, we confirm the requested documents and how to submit them. Depending on the application, these may include identification, residence status, employment or school details, income information and an emergency contact. Send documents only after receiving instructions through an agreed channel. The landlord or management company, and any rent guarantee provider, review the application. Requirements and review times vary. An application does not guarantee acceptance; confirm the outcome and possible start date before making moving arrangements.
Understand the lease and costs
Before signing, read the important matters explanation and proposed lease. Check the lease type and term, renewal or re-contracting conditions, notice for leaving, cancellation terms, permitted occupants, pets and your responsibilities when moving out. Ask about anything you do not understand. Confirm the itemised initial costs, payment recipient and due dates, ongoing charges, any guarantee fees, and required insurance. Agree the contract start date and key collection arrangements. Our guide to renting in Japan explains the main cost and contract terms.
Collect the keys and settle in
Confirm where and when to collect the keys, and arrange electricity, gas, water and internet as needed. Ask whether any service requires an appointment so that your first night and working day are planned. At handover, check the home with the relevant contact, record existing marks or damage, and keep the records. Find out the building rules, waste collection arrangements, and whom to contact for repairs. Keep your lease, payment records and emergency contact information together.
ADDRESS · PHONE · BANK
Start with a place to stay
A rental application may need a Japanese address, phone number and bank account. If you have none of these yet, we can help arrange an Airbnb stay and check which documents you need to apply.
Read about getting ready to rent
AddressAirbnb · address check
Bank accountIdentity check · account application
Phone numberSIM · phone number application
Rental homeReceive the keys after the rental contract
Address registration, phone contracts and bank accounts have different requirements. We check these before arranging your stay.
Questions about renting or buying
See all questions →How should I compare a 1LDK with a one-bedroom home?
A 1LDK has one room separate from the living, dining and kitchen area. Check whether that room works as a bedroom by looking at its dimensions, windows and storage on the floor plan and at a viewing. Compare floor area as well as the layout label.
In what order should I arrange an address, phone and bank account?
Documents and the order of arrangements depend on the provider and contract. If this is your first rental in Japan, tell us your arrival and move dates, how you can currently be contacted and what you have already arranged. See our guide from enquiry to moving in.
What should I send to start a conversation?
On LINE, tell us whether you want to rent or buy, your budget, preferred move date and number of bedrooms. Include a property ID if a listing interests you. You can start with a question if your plans are still taking shape.
Official information
Check current requirements with the relevant provider.
MLIT · Apartment Search Guidebook and rental checklists ↗