How to Avoid Common Rental Scams in Japan
Renting in Japan can be exciting, but it’s also a space where scammers target newcomers, especially foreigners unfamiliar with local practices. One of the country’s most notorious cases involved Sekisui House, which lost over ¥5.5 billion in a land fraud scheme. While that was a corporate-level scam, it shows how convincing fraud can be, even in a country known for safety. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot the signs and avoid rental scams in Japan to protect yourself.
Why Rental Scams Happen in Japan
Japan’s rental market is unique, with strict rules, multiple upfront fees, and a reliance on guarantors. For foreigners, this complexity can be overwhelming. Scammers exploit language barriers, urgency for short-term housing, and unfamiliarity with local norms. Many victims are students or expats searching online before arrival, making them easy targets for fake listings and fraudulent agents. Understanding these vulnerabilities is the first step toward protecting yourself.
Signs of a Rental Scam
Stay alert for these common warning signs when searching for apartments in Japan:
1. Unrealistic Listings
If you see a luxury apartment in Shibuya advertised for just ¥70,000, it’s almost certainly a scam. Fraudsters often copy photos from reputable sites like SUUMO or HOME’S and post them on fake platforms to lure unsuspecting renters.
2. Urgent Payment Requests
Scammers create pressure by saying things like “Another tenant is ready to pay now, send the deposit today.” Legitimate agents will never demand money before you’ve viewed the property and signed a proper contract.
3. Limited Communication Channels
If the “landlord” insists on communicating only via email or chat and avoids phone calls or in-person meetings, that’s a red flag. Real agents provide a physical office address, a phone number, and a valid real estate license number.
4. Unusual Payment Methods
Requests for payment through Western Union, PayPal Friends, or cryptocurrency are almost always fraudulent. In Japan, legitimate landlords use domestic bank accounts registered under the company’s official name.
5. No Proof of Licensing
Every real estate agent in Japan must hold a national or prefectural license. Always verify their license on the Ministry of Land website or check for the license board displayed in their office.
How to Avoid Apartment Scams
Protecting yourself from rental fraud in Japan starts with a few essential steps:
1. Verify Agent Credentials
Always check the agent’s license number and agency name on official registries. Licensed agents in Japan must display their real estate license number.
2. Confirm Property Ownership
Use the Legal Affairs Bureau registry to ensure the property exists and the owner matches the contract. This simple check can prevent costly mistakes.
3. Avoid Paying Before Viewing
Never send deposits before seeing the apartment in person. Scammers often pressure victims to pay upfront, but legitimate agents will allow a viewing first.
4. Demand Written Contracts
Ensure all fees are itemized and optional services are clearly marked. A proper contract in Japanese (and ideally English) is your best protection.
5. Use Secure Payment Methods
Stick to bank transfers to official company accounts. Avoid cash, international transfers, or cryptocurrency, these are common scam tactics.
6. Get Local Help
If you’re unsure, ask a Japanese friend or use a reputable rental support service to review terms before signing.
Quick Checklist Before You Pay
✔ Is the rent price realistic?
✔ Did you verify the agent’s license?
✔ Have you seen the property in person?
✔ Is the payment method secure and traceable?
✔ Do you have a written contract in Japanese (and ideally English)?
Final Thoughts
Japan is generally safe, but rental scams are a growing issue, especially for foreigners searching online. By staying alert to these warning signs and following the verification steps, you can secure housing without falling victim to fraud.
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