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Renting a Dwelling

1. Private Rental Houses and Apartments

The following sums of money will be required to begin the rental process:

(1) Rei-kin: A fee showing commitment and gratitude, and Shiki-kin; a deposit. Each of these amounts will be between one and two month's rent. Rei-kin is non-refundable but Shiki-kin will be refunded at the end of the rental contract period.

(2) Commission: A commission must be paid to the Real Estate agency which locates the rental property on behalf of the tenant. The commission is approximately one month's rent.

(3) First month rent in advance: You must pay 1 month's rent in advance by the end of the preceding month.
Therefore, a total of four to six month's rent will be required in advance, in order to secure the rental property. Rental property contracts typically last for two years. Upon renewal of a rental contract, a renewal fee must be paid. If the contract is cancelled prior to the end of the term, one month advance notice must be given to the landlord. As well, in an apartment or condominium, a management fee may be required, and pets may not be allowed.

2. Municipal Dwellings - Housing under Prefectoral Management - Apartments owned by the Japanese Housing Corporation

People without any place to live can apply for residency in the government housing types noted above. If there are more suitable applicants than available dwelling units, then units will be alloted by lottery. To be eligible, people must meet certain conditions. Please note that for each of the three housing types, tenants will be admitted based on specific personal income standards.

• Municipal Dwellings: People with governmental permission to reside in Japan or people married to Japanese spouses. People who have resided in Japan for longer than 6 months. People with families living together. Regardless of the above, if the applicant's income exceeds the income standard, they will not be allowed to reside in these units. For more information, contact the Eizen (Maintenance Department) of City Office, Tel: 20-1552.
• Housing under Prefectural Management: People of Japanese nationality or Permanent Residents of Japan. People with Japanese spouses. Regardless of the above, if the applicant's income exceeds the income standard, they will not be allowed to reside in these units. For more information contact the Prefectural Housing Management Department, Tel: 043-222-9182.
• Apartments owned by the Japanese Housing Corporation: People who have completed Foreign Registration. Single people are eligible. Applicants must have steady employment. Regardless of the above, if the applicant's income is less than the income standard, they will not be allowed to reside in these units. For more information contact the administrative offices of the Japanese Housing Corporation, Tel: 26-6204.