Landing on the right home for you in Japan can be fairly simple. Foreigners shouldn’t have problems or any restriction in choosing a place to stay. One of the initial requirements you are to look for before signing a lease contract is a local guarantor. A guarantor will be the one who will guarantee your landlord of your capacity to pay your lease, and also takes your responsibilities in paying the rent should you fail to settle it. If you’re an expat who doesn’t know anyone in Japan, you may opt to sign with a guarantor company. The following are guarantor companies who render their services in English:

• GTN - Global Trust Networks
• Nihon Safety
• Japan Housing Trust

Your guarantor charges you a fee for their services which may depend on the rental rates of your chosen apartment. They usually charge the equivalent of 50% to 100% of your rental rate.

For rents updated in real-time, please refer to this page.

Source: numbeo.com

There are several websites available in Japan for you to look into when searching for homes. You may want to check out the following links where you can actually find yourself a home:

• Home’s
• Suumo
• CB Chintai
• Wagaya - Japan
• Japan Home Search
• Real Estate Japan
• Plaza Homes

Once you’ve found the home you desire, you may now be able to discuss rental matters to a realtor. Almost 100% of rental transactions in Japan are done through a realtor, and those who post ads in the above-mentioned home portals are either a realtor or a realty company who can help you out in your lease transaction. Just be prepared to provide the following documents when you are about to sign your lease contract:

• Visa or Residences Card
• Japanese phone number
• Proof of income or sufficient savings
• Emergency contact
• Japanese Stamp (This will serve as your official signature in Japan, but this is optional)