Japan is more than just a place to enjoy an endless amount of delicious food, festivals, and culture. It is also a great place to live, make a new life, and experience everything the country has to offer. But there is a catch. It’s not easy for foreigners to rent an apartment in Japan. In fact, Japan is among one of the most difficult countries to rent an apartment in due to its strict tenancy laws. But despite this difficulty, we’ve compiled a few things you can do as a foreigner when renting an apartment in Japan. This guide will walk you through the process and help ensure you get the best deal possible. Let’s get started.
Employer Letter or Certificate of Eligibility
This is another important document you will need when applying for an apartment in Japan. This letter or certificate verifies your employment status and gives the landlord more confidence that you will be able to pay rent on time. Make sure to get it from your employer and have it ready before submitting any applications. While this isn’t necessary in all cases, it can help make the process of renting an apartment smoother.
Get the Documents Ready
Just like moving to any other country, you will need a few important documents to apply for an apartment in Japan. Those include proof of your residence, employment verification, passport, visa, and financial statements. Make sure you have everything prepared before applying for the lease, as this will make the process much simpler and faster. On top of that, you also need to have a lot of cash in your account. The exact number you can expect to pay upfront is around 400,000 yen.
Get a Guarantor
While it’s true that most Japanese landlords don’t rent out apartments to foreigners, some may be willing to do so if you have a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who will take responsibility for the rent and other payments that come due in case of any defaults by the tenant. The guarantor must usually be a Japanese citizen, as foreign citizens are not allowed to act as guarantors in Japan. You can even pay for a service to act as your guarantor, though this usually isn’t necessary unless you are applying for an expensive high-end apartment.
Find the Right Apartment for You
Once you have all of the documents and requirements in place, it’s time to start searching for apartments. The best way to do this is to use online classifieds and real estate websites, such as GaijinPot and Suumo. These sites allow you to search for apartments in different parts of the country, so make sure to look around before making a decision. You can also ask your friends or colleagues if they know of any available rental units.
Now there you have it. Those are some of the top things to do when renting an apartment in Japan as a foreigner. Moving to Japan might be the biggest decision you will ever make, but with some preparation and research, it can also be one of the most rewarding. Who knows, you will finally find peace and solace in your new home.