How the process works (typical flow)

1. Decide area & budget. Check commute time, nearest stations, and total move-in costs (not just monthly rent).
2. Search listings. Use major portals and local agencies. Shortlist 3–6 units that match your budget and requirements.
3. View the rooms. Bring your ID. Take photos and check noise, Wi-Fi availability, sunlight, and water pressure.
4. Apply. Submit application with documents (see below). A guarantor company review is common.
5. Contract. Review the lease (fixed-term or ordinary). Pay initial fees and sign.
6. Move in. Arrange utilities, renters insurance (common), and the move-in inspection report.

Common fees at move-in (examples)

Tip: Some public options (e.g., UR/JKK in certain areas) may reduce or waive key money/agency fees. Availability and rules vary.

Documents you usually need

• Passport and Residence Card (Zairyū Card).
• Proof of income (pay slips, employment contract, or offer letter).
• Emergency contact in Japan (sometimes required).
• Bank info for rent auto-debit, or credit card if allowed.
• Student status if applicable (admission letter or ID).

If you’re new to Japan or self-employed, a guarantor company is often required. Prepare extra ID and income explanation.

Search smart: shortlist, then view

• Set a “total move-in” cap. Many first-timers underestimate initial fees—plan for ~3–5 months of rent equivalent.
• Commute & lifestyle. Time to work/school, grocery stores, hospital, and gym. Check last train times.
• Building rules. Pets, instruments, smoking, share/office use—some leases forbid these.
• Noise & insulation. Wooden vs reinforced concrete, window type, floor level.
• Internet & utilities. Is fiber available? Ask about provider and speed.

Application & contract tips

1. Apply fast for your #1 pick. Good units go quickly—applications are first-come, first-reviewed.
2. Be consistent. Your application details should match your documents exactly (names, employer, salary).
3. Read the lease. Look for lease type (ordinary vs fixed-term), renewal fee, penalty for early termination, and subletting rules.
4. Move-out costs. Understand cleaning/repair standards and how your deposit will be calculated.
5. Payment schedule. Confirm when rent is due and how to pay (auto-debit, bank transfer, etc.).

Move-in checklist

• Submit move-in inspection form with photos within the deadline.
• Start electricity, gas, water (some gas providers require an in-person appointment).
• Activate internet (installation can take 1–2 weeks; mobile Wi-Fi as a bridge).
• Register address at city hall and update your residence card.
• Arrange trash & recycling rules and pickup days.

Mini glossary (you will see these words)

• Shikikin (deposit): Refundable security deposit.
• Reikin (key money): Non-refundable gratuity (not always charged).
• Chūkai tesūryō: Agency/mediation fee.
• Kyoeki-hi: Monthly common-area/maintenance fee.
• Hoshōgaisha: Guarantor company screening your application.

Quick message template (send to Japanese agencies)

Copy & paste, then edit the fields in [brackets]. The message itself is in Japanese (most agencies prefer JP), while all placeholders are in English.

Email / Web form (Japanese message, EN placeholders)

件名：［[Listing name/code]］の内見と初期費用について

お世話になっております。[Your Name] と申します。
[Listing URL or code] に興味があり、内見を希望しております。
入居希望日は [YYYY-MM-DD]、月額予算は [¥___] です。
在留カード・パスポート・収入証明の提出が可能です。
初期費用の総額と、内見可能な日時をご教示いただけますでしょうか。
何卒よろしくお願いいたします。

[Your Name]
Phone: [Phone number]
Email: [Email address]
  

Short version for chat apps (LINE / Messenger)

[Your Name] と申します。[Listing URL or code] の内見を希望です。
入居希望：[YYYY-MM-DD]／予算：[¥___]。
初期費用の総額と内見可能日時をご教示ください。よろしくお願いいたします。