Renting in Tokyo

The 6 Steps to Finding
and Renting a Tokyo Home

Let’s Get Started!
Just 6 Steps.

To give you a head start, we’ve boiled the process down to 6 Steps so you know what’s required, can anticipate requests you’ll encounter, and come prepared. This will help minimize your time and energy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you with house hunting in Tokyo.

Make an inquiry and search criteria

We’ll need your personal information and housing search criteria

Organize your documents

You’ll need documents to establish your ID, visa eligibility and good standing

View potential housing

We’ll create a short list and organize viewing of your choices

Make an application

When you’ve found a place you like, it’s time to apply to rent

Sign a rental agreement

Before signing the contract, clearly understand what is expected of you

Pick up the key and move in

It’s time to organize moving, furniture and connecting utilities

Step1 Make an inquiry and search criteria

You can get started right now, with our online form, or contact us by email or phone.

E-mail : customer@hikarihome.co.jp
Telephone : 81+3-6893-7755 ( from overseas ) /
03-6893-7756 ( Local Call )

To speed up the search for your new home in Tokyo, sharing your personal information and criteria on what you’re looking for is a great first step.

Step2 Organize your documents

To rent a property you’ll need the following documents to establish your ID and show your good standing. Getting them organized as soon as you can helps speed the process.

ID and contact information: You’ll need a passport with valid visa or certificate of alien registration, contact information in either your home country or Japan (your company or relatives).
Employment contract or tax withholding slip to show your ability to pay the rent.
Reason why you are renting: residence, office, store, etc.
Guarantor information. A guarantor is necessary for non-residents renting in Japan. If you don’t have a guarantor, we can introduce a partner guarantee company.

Step3 View potential housing

With the information you’ve provided, we’ll find available housing that matches your criteria, and talk with you to create a very short list to look at in person. We’ll organize permission and a time for an in-person walk through, after which you can confirm your interest.

Check the floor layout suits you, the actual layout is often slightly different on paper.
Check access to the nearest train station and public transport
Check access to facilities important to your family and lifestyle such as schools, supermarkets, convenience stores, shops, post office, banks, hospitals, parks etc.

Step4 Make an application

When you’ve found a place you like, it’s time to apply to rent it. We’ll consult with the landlord about his terms and conditions, and if he agrees, we can draw up a rental agreement.

If you are applying as an individual you’ll need a guarantor, who will be responsible for paying the rent on your apartment if you default. The guarantor must be a Japanese citizen or company in Japan. You can also use a rent liability guarantee company - we can introduce a partner guarantee company if you need.

Step5 Sign a rental agreement - check the details

Once the landlord has approved your application, he’ll draw up a rental agreement. Before signing the contract, we will carefully explain all the terms to be sure you clearly understand what is expected of you. We highly recommended clarifying the following:

Is this a regular rental agreement or a lease agreement?
How much is the security deposit (Shikikin) and key money (Reikin)? You are required to pay these in full at the contract signing. How much is the non-refundable refurbishing fee (Shikibiki)?
If the contract is a regular rental agreement, how much will it cost to extend the contract if you want to re-sign?
Can you redecorate your housing, and are co-occupants allowed?
• What are the terms and conditions of refurbishing when you move out? You should define and agree the refurbishing costs when vacating to prevent any misunderstanding.

What you need to bring

Identification (Passport with valid visa or certificate of alien registration)
Application for fire insurance

We will also charge an agency fee (Chukai-tesuryo).

Step6 Pick up the key and move in

After signing the contract you’ll be given the keys to the house. You will need to organize moving, furniture and the connection of utilities.

Notify the post office if you change your address within Japan. Your mail will be forwarded to your new address for one year.