Japan may have a few differences when compared to your home country. One of those differences is undoubtedly applying for a rental property.

For those interested here is a video on the subject!

For those who prefer the blog format, here is a quick breakdown of the move-in process in Japan. For those who are interested please refer to our short video breakdown of the whole process.

Once finding a property you are thrilled to call your new home away from home, you will have to navigate the application process. Here is the whole process, broken down into several steps.

Step 1: Apply

Simple enough. fill out the application, bring identification for copies and choose your desired move-in date.

Step 2: Approval

The guarantor company and landlord will process the application. This process typically takes 1 – 5 days. Make sure to give yourself enough time for the processing period.  Once approved, the contract will be sent to you by mail.

Step 3: Contract readings

Upon receiving the contract by mail, you can jump on zoom and have the contract legally read and explained to you by a licensed professional. Interpreters are available to assist with the contract reading if necessary.  

Step 4: Signing

After having the contract explained to you by a licensed professional, fill out, sign, stamp and return the contract.

Step 5: Payments

Once the contract is submitted, all initial payments must be made. Initial payments include the initial costs associated with the contract (rent, security deposit, intermediary fee ect.) as well as fire insurance. The initial fees can be paid by bank transfer or credit card. The fire insurance can be paid at the convenience store.

Step 6: Confirmation

Now that all the fees have been paid up, confirm with your realtor and set up a date to pick up your key.

Step 7: Keys

That is it! Pick up your key and start living in your new Japanese home away from home.

And to top things off, at Ryowa House we have English, Chinese and Vietnamese staff available to help our foreign residents search for a Japanese apartment in their native language!