How to sign a lease on apartment in Japan

  1. step1

    Cost for Rental Agreement

    Approximately, a total six month’s rent has to be paid for the rental agreement. The contents are a security deposit of two month’s rent, a key money of two month’s rent to the landlord, one month’s advanced payment of the rent, and an agent fee of one month’s rent. The remainder of the deposit will be returned after various expenses are deducted upon leaving.
  2. step2

    Joint Guarantor

    A Japanese joint guarantor is necessary. The joint guarantor has to stamp a registered seal on the Lease Contract together with a certificate of seal impression issued within three months.

    If you don’t have a joint guarantor, there are private guarantee companies that can act as your guarantor. We can introduce them for you.
  3. step3

    Document Required

    An original copy of certificate of foreign resident registered matters, which is issued on your request, at the municipal office which you register.
  4. step4

    Payment of Rental Fee

    The rent has to be paid in advance. The following month’s rent is generally wired at the bank by the end of the previous month.

    The renter will pay for the wire transfer fee.
※Personal seal, or Inkan: You will need your own personal seal (“inkan” in Japanese) for the contract for your new apartment. You can get one made at an inkan shop for no more than about 2,000yen. You will then need to take it to the local town, ward, or city office to register it.

※Our English speaking staff can provide consultation in the process of your residence search.

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