If you are planning on renting an apartment in Japan, there is a lot of information you will need to know to be prepared. In this article, I will explain the most important points as succinctly as possible, while linking each point to a more detailed article for those interested. The following will be covered:
- When should I start looking for an apartment?
- How does the application process work?
- Can I apply from overseas?
- How much are the initial costs?
- Is there a busy season?
- What if I find a property I like on my own?
We recommend that you read through this article in its entirety at minimum in order to make the apartment hunting process go as smoothly as possible. Without further ado, let’s get started!
When should I start looking for an apartment?
In the vast majority of cases, we recommend beginning to look at specific properties about one month ahead of time. That is because you cannot actually put an apartment on hold until you submit a formal application, and if your application is approved, you are generally required to start your lease fairly quickly.
Searching further ahead of time is possible, but you may not be able to view the room and it is possible photos may not be available. For more details on the search timeline, please see our full article here.
How does the application process work?
The application process is relatively simple. The most important thing is that we will need a decent amount of information in order to fill out the application form and put the apartment on hold. Generally we will need to know about your current living situation, your current workplace or school, and the full details for at least one emergency contact. ID documents such as your passport and residence card are also required.
After everything is submitted, your application will be screened, which on average takes about a week, though it varies. For more details on the process, please click here for our full article.
Can I apply from overseas?
Yes! Although the options will be more limited, since we are restricted to properties which specifically accept overseas applications. The timeline for looking for an apartment from overseas is surprisingly similar to a domestic search, with one month ahead of time being ideal. Overseas applications have a lot of moving parts though and can experience more hiccups than usual.
We would also highly recommend making sure your bank account is capable of making large international transfers, as in most cases property management companies in Japan do not accept them, nor credit cards. Instead, you will need an agency (like Dovetail) who can receive the money and pay on your behalf. For all the information you need on overseas applications, please check out our full article here.
How much are the initial costs?
On average you can expect between 4 to 6 month’s worth of costs upfront, including the partial rent for the month you move in and the full rent for the following month. Most properties will require you pay either a deposit or cleaning fee, an agency fee, an insurance fee, and an initial guarantor company fee.
Additional fees such as key money, lock exchange fees, disinfection fees, etc will depend on the specific property in question. Depending on the time of year and how long a property has been vacant, it may be possible to negotiate some fees or receive a discount, such as a month of free rent. For more details along with a sample cost quote, please take a look at our article covering fees here.
Is there a busy season?
The busy season for apartment hunting in Japan runs from January through April, with February and March being the peak. This is because the fiscal year traditionally starts in April, meaning new workers and students are scrambling to find new places to live. Finding an apartment in the busy season can be quite brutal, so you will need to be both quick on the draw with your decision making and flexible in the face of obstacles.
Under normal circumstances it is almost always recommended you view a property (assuming you are in Japan already) prior to applying, but during the busy season, properties are often taken before a viewing can be done. Thus, during the busy season if you find a property you like and are willing to take the risk to apply prior to viewing, that is likely to be your best bet. If you would like to learn more about the busy season, here is our article all about it!
What if I find a property I like on my own?
If you happen to already be in touch with an agent who has shared with you a property you like, or have found properties you like on another website, please share them with us! The vast majority of properties in Japan are available on a database called REINS, which is accessible by all real estate agents.
In order to save time going back and forth with multiple agents, we would be happy to use the database to check on any properties you have found and assist you with viewing, applying and moving in. To learn more about REINS and why it is best to stick with a single agent, please take a look at our article here.
In conclusion…
We hope this article gave you an idea of what to expect when looking for an apartment in Japan! Each topic has a longer article describing things in more detail linked in its relevant section if you want to learn more. And if you have any additional questions please reach out to us at Dovetail anytime here, or if you are already in contact with one of our agents, please let them know and they would be happy to help!