Renting Private Housing

One way of finding available housing is to go directly to a real estate agent. Real estate agents are commonly found near train stations. You should bring your passport or foreign resident identification card with you, and you may also want to bring along someone who is able to speak Japanese to help you.

There are also many real estate magazines with current listings of available housing. You can also check out newspapers like the Daily Yomuiri or Japan Times for listings.

Shikikin - a deposit usually two month's rent paid in advance
Chukairyo (also called Tesuryo) - the real estate agent's commission, usually about 1 month's rent
Yachin - monthly rent, paid to your landlord
Reikin - money for changing the locks
Koushinryou - renovation fee

Formal Contract (Keiyaku) is a formal application to the agent to rent the property. When you sign a housing contract, you will be expected to pay expenses totally about three or four-months rent, in cash, to either the real estate agent or the landlord.

Room size - room size is determined by the number of tatami, rice straw mats, that can fit in one room. The larger the room, the more expensive it will be.

How big is one tatami mat?
One tatami mat is approximately 1.8m x 0.9m.

Floor plan and usage of rooms in Japanese apartments - in Japan, each room in a house can be used in many different ways. Tatami mat rooms usually contain a large closet in which futon, cushions, and linens can be placed. The room can double as a bedroom at night and living room in the day.

There are several terms used describe different styles of rooms. "Wanrumu", LDK, DK, K are all types of apartments. L stands for living room, D stands for dining room, K stands for kitchen. The more rooms there are, the more expensive the apartment will be. Apartments with good natural lighting or windows facing the south will also be more expensive.

Facilities - Some apartments do not come with a shower or bath. Those without one will have a public bathing facilities nearby. Those with showers or baths will cost more.

Location - Location in cities or close to public transportation, as opposed to those in the suburbs or countryside are more expensive.

Yes, you will most likely need to find to ask a Japanese person to be a guarantor (hosho-nin) . You may also have your company sponsor help you in becoming a guarantor.

	J&F Networks- Reality agent website for foreigners.
	Open Space - Reality agent website for foreigners.
	Sakura House - Reality agent website for foreigners.
	Greggman.com - Site about a personal experience of renting an apartment in Tokyo.
	Japan Home Search - The first online, searchable, multi-listing site in Japan. All in English!
	Metropolis - Formerly the Tokyo Classifieds, it is Japan's No.1 English Magazine.
	Yamate Homes - Homes for sale and rent. 10 years of experience with foreign companies.