• CONSIDER WHAT CONDITION YOU WANT
• VISIT A REAL ESTATE AGENT
• RENTAL CONTRACT
• MONEY NECESSARY FOR FINALIZING A RENTAL CONTRACT
• OTHERS

CONSIDER WHAT CONDITION YOU WANT

• LOCATION
  The distance from central Tokyo and the convenience from the nearest station are the major factors in determining rents. The closer to central Tokyo and to railway stations the higher the rents. The access to public transportation is listed as 10 minutes by foot from X station; by bus from X station; or 5 minutes by foot from Y bus stop. You should consider these factors and rents to determine location.
  
  
• HOUSING SIZE AND LAYOUT
  Floor space for housing is indicated as "exclusive XX square meters" and represents total floor space including both living space as well as closet, toilet, bath and kitchen space. The layout of rooms is listed as 1 Room, 1DK or 2 LDK. The number indicates the number of bedrooms, while "L" indicates living room, "D" indicates dining room and "K" indicates kitchen. The size of a single bedroom is listed as 4.5 or 6 tatami mats(jo) or in the square meter equivalent (one mat is approximately 1.55 square meters).
  
  
• UTILITIES/FIXTURES
  Japanese apartments all have electricity, water, gas and other living amenities. Furnished apartments are not in common in Japan. Appliances and furniture, such as televisions and refrigerators, are not included and must be purchased by the tenant. Some apartments have air-conditioning.
  
  
• RENT AND MANAGEMENT FEE
  Rent is listed as a monthly amount. Additional costs listed are management fees (kanrihi) or common service fees (koekihi) which include costs for lighting, cleaning and other utilities that serve the entire housing complex. Some apartments include individual utility costs into the common service fees.

1. Clearly and accurately state what kind of conditions you would like. Clarify the priority of the conditions.
   
   
2. We will show you the relevant diagrams and documents so you can look at them carefully.
   
   
3. We will take you to the actual location so that you can check the property and surrounding environment for yourself.
   
   
4. Inquire about shopping convenience, the people living next door and other matters concerning living comfort. Ask us questions until you thoroughly understand all relevant points.
   
   
5. When the property which satisfy your needs is found, we recommend you to pay a deposit to reserve the property. However, please keep in mind that when you cancel a contract after paying a deposit, the deposit is confiscated by the landlord as a forfeit.
   

Under Japanese law, real estate agents are obliged to explain and submit documents on important matters prior to concluding a contract in order to ensure a safe transaction and to protect both the tenant and the house owner. The explanatory documents on important matters cover the location, size, amount of rent and conditions of rent for the rented property. It is important that you clarify in writing any matters of concern. If there is anything you do not understand or anything you have reservations about, feel free to ask us. (Please note that the contract is usually written in Japanese. We will provide an English translation of the contract and document on important matters.)

The following standard documents are necessary when concluding a contract:

1. Alien Registration Card
   
   
2. Income Statement
   Tenants may be asked to provide documents verifying their income to confirm whether or not they are capable of paying the rent. It is a good idea to ask your employer to issue documentation verifying your employment, expected income and other relevant information.
   
   
3. Guarantors
   In Japan, it is common practice to arrange a joint surety (guarantor) when finalizing rental contracts. You will need to consider whether to ask a superior at work or a Japanese friend to provide that guarantee, or whether other arrangements (guarantee insurance ) can be made.
   
   
4. Seal Registration Certificate
   (Visit our "Links" page.)
   

MONEY NECESSARY FOR FINALIZING A RENTAL CONTRACT

1. Rent
   As a rule, monthly rent is paid by the last day of the month for the following month. For this reason, both the rent for the month in which the contract is finalized and the rent for the following month must be paid when finalizing a contract.
   
   
2. Management Fee/Common Service Fee
   In addition to rent, it is necessary to make separate payments for the costs of lighting, cleaning, and other common utilities that serve the entire housing complex. This amount varied depending on the housing and should therefore be confirmed.
   
   
3. Refundable Deposit (Shikikin)
   Tenants generally pay a refundable deposit to the house owner as collateral against failure to pay rent or damage caused by the tenant to the building or fixtures. This deposit typically amounts to two or three months' rent.
   
   
4. Key Money (Reikin)
   Key money is a lump sum payment by the tenant to the house owner upon finalizing the rental contract and is not refundable. Foreigners are not used to this Japanese custom and have difficulty accepting it. Key money is roughly equivalent to one or two months' rent in Tokyo and surrounding areas.
   
   
5. Real Estate Agent's Fee
   This fee is paid to the real estate agent. As payment for helping a person arrange a rental contract, real estate agents can claim a maximum commission of one month's rent. As a rule, the house owner and tenant contribute equally to this payment. In most cases, however, the commission is paid in full by the tenant.

   Typically, the total amount of money required to finalize a rental contract is five to seven month's rent. Keep this in mind when searching for an apartment.

• Pets
  If you would like to keep a pet, you must ask your real estate agent if it is possible before signing a formal contract, because many house owners prohibit their tenants from keeping pets.