Tokyo Apartments - Tokyo Housing, Apartment search in Tokyo

Here at Tokyo Housing we understand the difficulties and the cost involved in finding an apartment in Tokyo. It is our policy to listen to your requirements and to do our best to find the apartment that you want.

We welcome all nationalities at Tokyo Housing, and we like to say that our mission is you. Our customers come from all over the world and from all walks of life. The staff here have many years’ experience in the Real Estate industry and we strive to provide the highest quality service to assist all those in need of housing in Tokyo, from university students and exchange and language students to families and couples. For anyone who has struggled to find foreigner-friendly housing, Tokyo Housing can help make the process quick and painless.

The search for an apartment in Tokyo can be a difficult process, especially when one is not familiar with the language or the real estate culture in Japan. At Tokyo Housing, your preferences and concerns are our top priority. Our Real Estate staff offers consultation in Japanese and English to help make this procedure smoother for you.

We offer guidance and support on a wide range of issues relating to renting apartments in Japan. We can advise you on legal matters, contractual matters, provide information on Real Estate Agent practices and assist in negotiations with your landlord. Our support is free of charge as we hope contribute to making a fair and just society in Japan.

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Where is the Tokyo Housing office?

Tokyo Housing is a one minute walk from Takadanobaba Station on the JR Yamanote Line, two stops from both Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. Please see our Contact page for further details.

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Do the staff speak English?

Yes, we have English-speaking staff here at Tokyo Housing. Please see our Contact page to make an appointment, or just call in to see us.

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What is key money (reikin)?

Key money (reikin) is a non-refundable, once-off payment to the landlord payable upon the signing of the lease. It usually costs the equivalent of 1-2 months’ rent. While it is possible to find apartments for which key money is not required, it remains a stalwart feature of the apartment culture in Japan.

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What is a deposit (shikikin)?

Deposit money (shikikin) is a fee charged by apartment owners that is kept for the duration of the tenant’s stay. A deposit is paid one time, up-front and is usually the amount of 1-2 months’ rent. A portion is returned upon termination of the contract, after a cleaning charge is deducted.

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Will I get my deposit back when I leave my apartment?

A portion of the deposit is returned upon termination of the contract, after a cleaning charge is deducted as long as there is no damage to the property aside from usual wear and tear caused by daily usage.

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What is a guarantor company?

In order to rent an apartment, a guarantor company is required. The guarantor company is responsible to pay any damages should the tenant become unable to do so. The company will then recuperate these costs from the tenant.

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Why do I need an emergency contact?

In order to rent an apartment, you will also need to provide the number of an emergency contact. This should be someone the tenant knows, who is either a Japanese citizen, or someone who has lived in Japan for a long time and can speak Japanese. The landlord will contact the emergency contact only in the case of an emergency.

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What is the difference between a mansion and an apartment?

A mansion is an apartment complex built from concrete while an apartment (apato) is an apartment complex built from wood.

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Are apartments furnished?

Apartments are not usually furnished. However, it is possible to rent furnished apartments. These apartments are usually short-term, one month contracts (known as monthlies) and tend to be more expensive. For most apartments you will have to provide your own furniture, including bed/futon, washing machine, fridge, television etc.

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What is an inspection (shinsa)?

This is a process by which the owner screens the prospective tenant. An application is filled out at Tokyo Housing with help from our staff including information such as bank information, income, occupation and recent job history.

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What does “jo” mean?

This is a standard measurement for the area of an apartment, based on the dimensions of one tatami mat. One jo (ichi-jo) measures 180cm x 90cm (1.65m²). A standard Japanese room size is 6 jo or 10m².

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What happens if I leave my apartment before the end of the contract term?

You may leave your apartment whenever you like as long as you give enough notice as per the terms of your contract. This notice period is usually one month.

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What should I do if I have trouble with my apartment?

If you have any trouble with your apartment please contact us here at Tokyo Housing and we will do our best to have your problem fixed.

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Who can I contact if I have trouble with my landlord?

If you rent an apartment in Tokyo and encounter trouble with your contract, your landlord, your real estate agent or when you feel that something is not right or that you have been cheated, please call us here at Tokyo Housing on 03-5292-2340. We are proud to be able to offer our professional services free of charge for renters in difficult positions, even if you did not rent through us. We are proud to be your Emergency Real Estate Agent.

We offer guidance and support on a wide range of issues relating to renting apartments in Japan. We can advise you on legal matters, contractual matters, provide information on Real Estate Agent practices, and assist in negotiations with your landlord. Our support is free of charge as we hope contribute to making a fair and just society in Japan.

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	Come to Japan.

	Visit us at Tokyo Housing. No appointment is required though please feel free to make a reservation. Refer to our Contact page for details on how to reach us and how to find us.

	We will help you select the most convenient train station based on your current situation. Feel free to ask us about the train and subway systems, rush hour, commuter passes, and any other transportation questions you might have.

	After selecting a station, we will consult with you about your preferences concerning the monthly rent, and then move on to more details such as floor, bathroom style, layout, and any other concerns that you wish for us to consider.

	Through consulting about the various options that fit your criteria, our staff will escort you to the various apartments that you have selected. This will enable you to see the apartments first hand, making the decision easier.

	Once you have made your final choice, the staff arrange all the necessary paperwork to begin the rental and contract stages with the apartment owner. Basic information that you will most likely be asked to provide include the following: Copy of your residence card (zairyo kaado) Identification (student ID, work ID) Health Insurance Card An emergency contact and their contact details Copy of your passport visa page Bank Information from your bank book (tsuucho) Personal seal (hanko) Shodakusho - letter of consent from your guarantor. It must be stamped. Inkan shomei sho - seal certificate from your guarantor.

	Shinsa gaisha... this is an inspection company that will review your guarantor. Wait for inspection results. Decide on your moving date. Decide when you can sign the contract.

	Come to Tokyo Housing to sign your contract. Sometimes you may have to sign at the property owner's agent. During this time, you will be asked to bring the money to cover the expenses for your first month's rent in addition to other charges such as key money (reikin) or deposit (shikikin). Altenatively, you may be asked to make a bank transfer before the signing.

	Come back to Tokyo Housing and have a cup of tea with us anytime!