How to Rent an Apartment

Japan’s system for renting apartments is outdated and frustrating, especially for foreigners. In fact, 90% of the apartments won’t even rent to foreigners, but don’t despair! You have found the ultimate roadmap to Japan’s insane rental system, and we’ll help you get your dream apartment in Japan. There are many foreigner-friendly housing options, if you want a less stressful experience, but they are always more expensive. If you want to live in the cheapest / craziest apartments in Japan, you’ll need to follow the steps on this page.

Living in an Apartment

Congratulations, you rented an apartment in Japan. Did you know that most Japanese apartments don’t come with a stove or refrigerator? This video will show you how to set up your apartment. We’ll also explain how to get your electricity, gas, and water turned on, and how to pay the utility bills. Last, but not least, we’ll explain Japan’s ridiculous procedures for sorting trash & recycling.

  • Buy your stove, refrigerator, and furniture at a thrift shop, or used appliance shop. Ask if they offer delivery. Also, some buildings have “city gas” and others have propane, so make sure the stove you buy is compatible with your building.

  • Electricity and water can be turned on automatically. The phone numbers will be on your rental documents. Ask the school to call them for you.

  • The gas company also needs to be called, but you must make an appointment. The gas company will send a guy to turn on the gas, and you need to be home

  • You will get the utility bills in the mail. Bring them to any convenience store, and pay them. Super easy.

  • The trash collection system is ridiculous, but you must obey the rules, or they won’t collect it. Watch the video for details.

Move Out of the Apartment

When you’re ready to move out, you need to let your real estate company / agent know at least 30 days ahead of time. Get someone who speaks Japanese and go to the rea estate office. Let them know you want to move out and schedule an apartment inspection date. You will have to be available for the inspection, so make sure it is a time when you’ll be there. Because you’ll be leaving before the 2 year lease end date, expect to pay a penalty fee. The fee is normally a month’s rent, and a cleaning fee. You’ll also pay more, if there are any damages. The inspector will come and check out the apartment. If you can’t speak Japanese, maybe have someone with you just incase. They will explain some things to you about your fees, and then your final payment will be done with a portable credit card.

You need to cancel your utilities separately. You also need to cancel your fire insurance. Ask someone at the school to call the Gas, Electric, and water company, and cancel the services. The utilities companies will need a Japanese address to send your final bill, so have a friend’s address ready. Leave some money with your friend, so they can pay the bills for you. You can set up mail forwarding on the post office website. We have a video on how to do that. The fire insurance company should refund some money into your Japanese bank account.

Foreigner Friendly Apartment Agencies