HousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
Apartment viewing checklist in Japan for foreign residents
A viewing is the best time to catch problems that may become expensive later. Learn what to check before deciding in Japan.
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Housing
Rental contracts, guarantor companies, initial costs, moving, and utilities.
Start with the decision points
Rental housing in Japan often includes unfamiliar upfront fees, guarantor company checks, renewal rules, and move-out costs. Compare the total cost and contract conditions before focusing on monthly rent alone.
Understand rental contractsCompare initial costsCheck guarantor rulesPrepare for move-out fees
Recommended reading order
Use this category as a decision path: understand the basics, prepare documents and costs, compare options, then confirm the final checklist.
Start here
HousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
Guarantor company fees in Japan: what tenants should check
Guarantor company fees are common and can appear at move-in and renewal. Learn what to check before deciding in Japan.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
How to find a foreigner-friendly apartment in Japan
Some listings look available but reject applicants who do not meet language, guarantor, or document conditions. Learn what to check before deciding in Japan.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
Initial costs when renting an apartment in Japan
A practical guide to deposits, key money, agency fees, guarantor fees, insurance, and first-month rent for foreign residents.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
Move-out costs in Japanese rental apartments: what foreign residents should check
Learn how move-out costs, cleaning fees, restoration rules, deposits, and notice periods can affect rental contracts in Japan.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
Renewal fees in Japanese rental contracts: how to check before signing
Renewal fees can make a seemingly affordable apartment more expensive over two years. Learn what to check before deciding in Japan.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
Rental application documents in Japan: what foreign residents should prepare
Rental screening can fail when documents, phone number, income proof, or emergency contact are not ready. Learn what to check before deciding in Japan.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
How rental contracts work in Japan for foreign residents
Understand guarantor companies, deposits, key money, renewal fees, and cancellation notice before signing a Japanese apartment contract.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
Share house vs apartment in Japan: costs, privacy, and contract risk
Share houses can reduce initial costs but may trade off privacy and stability. Learn what to check before deciding in Japan.
Read moreHousingUpdated: 2026-06-11
How to set up electricity, gas, water, and internet after renting in Japan
Move-in can become stressful if utilities are not scheduled before the first day. Learn what to check before deciding in Japan.
Read moreService checks
Compare support, costs, and conditions before applying
These service notes are not rankings. Use them to confirm language support, documents, fees, and cancellation rules on the official site.
| Service | Languages | Suitable for | Check before applying | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakura MobileChecked: 2026-06-11 | English, Chinese | People who want support in English or Chinese | Check the latest fees, campaign rules, device costs, and delivery fees on the official site. | Confirm conditions |
| GTN Rent GuarantorChecked: 2026-06-11 | English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali | Residents who cannot use a Japanese personal guarantor | Confirm guarantee fees, renewal fees, and covered contract scope before signing. | Confirm conditions |