What to Look Out For When Renting an Apartment in Japan
Shinkansen bullet trains, beautiful cherry blossoms, and an aesthetic Kawaii culture – that’s how most people describe Japan. Besides its external beauty and rapid technological development, Japan also ranks as one of the world’s cleanest and safest countries with incredibly low crime rates, high-quality healthcare, and a rich, diverse culture. These attributes make Japan an attractive destination for foreigners to move and start a brand new life here. If you rank among the people looking to move to Japan, you should know everything you can about renting an apartment in Japan.
Things to Know Before Renting an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner
The Apartment Type and Size
Most foreigners renting an apartment in Japan typically choose to live in one of the bigger cities – Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto, etc., as the job opportunities here are higher. However, it should be noted that flats are typically smaller in Japan, and the flat layout is also different, as is the apartment classification. Here’s how most apartments are generally classified:
- A single room with a bathroom and kitchenette is classified as a 1R.
- A single room with a separate kitchen area is classified as a 1K.
- If a single room also has space for a dedicated kitchen-cum-dining area, it is classified as a 1DK.
- A single room comprising a living, dining and kitchen area is classified as a 1LDK.
- A flat comprising a living, dining, and kitchen area, plus two rooms, is classified as a 2LDK.
The ‘Personal’ Factor
When determining what to look out for when renting an apartment in Japan, you must consider your personal preferences, as well as your budget. Here are some factors worth noting:
- Acceptance for foreign tenants: When renting an apartment in Japan as a foreigner, you should know that many agencies and landlords don’t accept foreign tenants unless they can provide a local guarantor, who should be a Japanese citizen or a guarantor agency.
- Amenities around: You must determine your preferred location based on its proximity to your school/workplace, public transportation facilities, access to health-care facilities, supermarkets, and other civic amenities.
- Apartment layout and size: The size of the apartment and layout also impact the average apartment rent in Japan, as does the proximity to civic amenities. Be prepared to pay significantly more rent for bigger apartments in central locations.
- Building type and age: The type of apartment you choose (flat, villa, mansion) and its age affect rental costs. New buildings typically offer better amenities, but their rental costs tend to be higher.
- Personal requirements: Rental costs increase if you opt for semi or fully-furnished homes. Also, pet owners should know that not all rental properties are pet-friendly and there are rules concerning pet ownership.
Costs Associated With Renting an Apartment in Japan
While you obviously need to pay a monthly rent, there are several additional costs pertaining to renting an apartment in Japan, which may blindside you if you are not well prepared.
- ‘Shikikin’ or security deposit is an inevitable cost, which typically amounts to 1-2 months of your rental cost.
- ‘Reikin’ is the cost of the key money, which is a non-refundable “gift” landlords expect in Japan, also amounting to up to 2 months of rent.
- Besides your landlord, your real estate agent also charges a fee, which typically equals one month’s worth of rental costs.
- As mentioned earlier, foreigners need to provide a Japanese guarantor, who also levies a fee amounting to 15 days or 1 month’s rent.
- Landlords in Japan won’t rent to you unless you get mandatory liability and fire insurance, which costs approximately ¥15,000-¥25,000 for a period of two years.
Elements of a Japanese Rental Contract
Like the rules concerning renting in Japan are different, so are the elements of a Japanese rental contract. Consider these vital points:
The typical rental period is not 11 months or 1 year – it is 2 years, with options to renew the contract in bursts of 2 years.
Your rental contract mentions the conditions governing clauses like when rent will be increased, the percentage of increase, etc.
You have to pay a rental renewal fee, which usually equals 1 month of rent, every two years.
You typically need to provide your landlord a 1-2 months' notice should you choose to cancel your rental agreement or if you don’t wish to renew it.
Renting in Japan Made Easy – Introducing Weave Living
With so many rules and restrictions pertaining to renting, the question can you rent an apartment in Japan as a foreigner almost seems puzzling! But there is a way to cut through the clutter and find affordable homes online in Japan, especially in Tokyo, without much hassle.
Weave Living brings to you an online, convenient and effortless way to find a plush rental home in Japan. You can access fully-furnished, sophisticated urban rental homes with modern aesthetics and flexible leasing facilities. Simply select your preferred home from a list of options across the city, book it online, and move in.
Final note: Moving to a new city, much less a new country, is both exciting and overwhelming. But if you familiarise yourself with the rules concerning renting, things can move smoothly. In a country like Japan, where rental rules are quite different compared to most other countries, it is best to acquaint yourself with what to expect, be it in terms of apartment types, costs, and rental laws.
Let Weave Living assist you in making your transition to Japan smooth. Visit our website to choose the best rental apartments in Japan.