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Formalities and Procedures When Renting Housing
NOTE: For the underlined parts, please refer to the glossary.
Searching for Housing
A real estate information network, the FREINS website features information on rental housing that accepts foreign residents as well as real estate agencies that can introduce you to such housing and act as your representative. There is a Japanese language version as well as pages in English, Chinese and Korean. We hope that you will utilize this site. /en/
If you cannot find the information you are seeking on the FREINS website, you will need to visit your neighborhood real estate agent and explain what kind of housing you are looking for. The agent can then introduce you to some appropriate housing options. The windows of real estate agencies are literally plastered with notices providing information on various rental-housing options. By looking these over, it is possible to figure out about how much you will need to pay to rent housing with the features you desire.
If you are an exchange student, try asking the applicable department at your university whether or not they have housing information.
Visiting the Real Estate Agency
In order to leave a good impression, look your best when visiting the real estate agency.
If you find it difficult to communicate in Japanese, have somebody who can speak Japanese accompany you to the agency.
Explain What You Are Looking For
Clearly explain exactly what you are looking for when it comes to housing, such as proximity to the nearest station, rent, size, amenities, and so on. It is a good idea to fill out the Checklist of Desirable Features on page 15 beforehand and the show it to the agent when you visit.
Some Questions You’ll Be Asked
The agent will typically ask you questions about the following.
Your name / occupation / cohabitant / income / Japanese language ability / whether you have a co-signer / personal ID / reason you are looking for housing
Checking Out the Housing
When you locate housing that fits your needs, go check it out. This does not cost anything. If you find it does not suit you, feel free to turn it down.
Sometimes the actual unit will differ from how it is depicted in the floor plan, so make sure and verify this on your visit.
When visiting, make it a point to check out not only the housing, but also the surrounding environment as well as how conveniently located the housing is. Ask about the location of the train station and bus stop, as well as supermarkets, convenience stores, the post office, bank, hospital, parks and other facilities.
Applying for Housing
If you find the housing meets your needs, fill out an application. The real estate agent and landlord will review your application. If everything checks out, you will enter into a rental agreement and then you may move in.
Normally you will need to have a co-signer to enter into an agreement. If you do not have a co-signer, it may be possible to rely on the services of a rent liability guarantee company for a guarantee covering rent payment obligations. Ask the real estate agency about this.
An Explanation Regarding Key Points
Before entering into the rental agreement, have the real estate agent provide you with an explanation regarding important contractual points. If there is something you don’t understand, make sure and seek clarification right away.
The Rental Agreement
When renting housing, you will enter into a rental agreement with the landlord. A rental agreement is a clearly written agreement between the person letting the premises and the person leasing the premises. Read over the agreement, seeking clarification as needed. Only sign it after you completely understand the contents. By signing the agreement, you are signifying that you understand its contents and pledging that you will uphold its terms. Please note that if the real estate agency is acting as an intermediary, there will be a Intermediary's Commission.
When you are receiving an explanation on the matter points of the agreement, verify the following before signing the document.
・Whether the agreement is a Standard House Rental Contract or a fixed term rental agreement
・The amount of any deposit or key money when entering into a rental agreement, assuming these charges apply
・In the case of a standard rental agreement, whether there is a fee for renewing the contract and, if so, how much
・About any prohibited activities such as modifying the premises or having house mates
・About the terms of the restoration payments
In order to avoid problems when moving out, it is important to verify the expenses associated with restoration payments.
