Japan Housing Assistance for Immigrants – Finding a Home in Japan

Filed in Japan by Editorial Team on April 11, 2025

Relocating to Japan offers an exciting opportunity to live in one of the world’s safest, most advanced, and culturally rich countries.

Why Housing Assistance Matters for Immigrants

Housing is one of the first and most important aspects of building a stable life in Japan. Immigrants often face unique challenges when searching for accommodation:

Language barriers when dealing with landlords and agencies
Lack of guarantors, which are commonly required in rental agreements
Cultural misunderstandings or reluctance to rent to foreigners
Complex rental procedures and documentation requirements

To overcome these hurdles, many local governments and organizations in Japan offer dedicated housing assistance services for immigrants and international residents.

Common Types of Housing in Japan

Before diving into housing assistance, it’s helpful to understand the types of accommodations available:

Apartments (Manshons and Apato)

Manshons: Modern buildings with reinforced concrete, usually more expensive and equipped with amenities
Apato: Cheaper wooden or steel-framed buildings, typically two to three stories

Share Houses

Popular among students and young workers
Common areas like kitchen and bathroom are shared
Easier rental terms and no guarantor often required

Company Housing (Shataku)

Provided by employers for foreign employees
Rent is subsidized or fully covered
Generally temporary housing

UR (Urban Renaissance) Housing

Government-managed apartments
No key money or guarantor required
Foreigners eligible with proper documentation

Public Housing (Shiei Jūtaku and Ken’ei Jūtaku)

Low-cost housing for low-income residents
Managed by municipal and prefectural governments
Application process can be competitive

Government and NGO Housing Assistance Services

Japan provides several support systems through local governments and non-profit organizations to help immigrants access housing.

Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo Multicultural Support Centers

These centers provide multilingual services including:

Rental guidance
Interpreter assistance
Translation of lease agreements
Consultation on tenant rights

Japan Property Management Association (JPMA)

Works with real estate agencies to promote fair housing access for foreigners
Offers listings and agent contacts who support non-Japanese speakers

Local Municipalities

City offices often have international sections or offer guides and consultation for foreign residents looking to rent apartments.

NPOs and Foreign Support Groups

Organizations such as:

Tokyo English Life Line (TELL)
Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation
Nagoya International Center

These groups help immigrants with finding housing, translation, and legal advice.

How to Rent an Apartment in Japan as an Immigrant

Step 1: Choose a Location and Budget

Rent prices vary greatly depending on city and proximity to train stations. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment:

Tokyo: ¥70,000–¥120,000/month
Osaka: ¥50,000–¥90,000/month
Rural areas: ¥30,000–¥50,000/month

Step 2: Use Foreigner-Friendly Property Websites

These platforms list properties available to non-Japanese speakers:

Step 3: Work with a Bilingual Real Estate Agent

Bilingual agents can help with:

Translating contracts
Explaining housing rules
Negotiating terms
Communicating with landlords

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Passport and visa
Residence card (Zairyū Card)
Proof of income or employment (e.g., pay slips or contract)
Guarantor information or guarantor company approval
Emergency contact in Japan (if possible)

Step 5: Sign the Contract and Pay Initial Fees

Typical initial costs include:

Security deposit (Shikikin): 1–2 months’ rent
Key money (Reikin): 1–2 months’ rent (non-refundable)
Agency fee: 1 month’s rent
First month’s rent: Due at signing

UR housing and share houses usually have fewer upfront costs.

What is a Guarantor and Why Do You Need One?

In Japan, landlords often require a guarantor (hoshōnin)—someone who agrees to cover rent or damages if the tenant fails to pay. For immigrants without family in Japan, this can be difficult.

Solutions include:

Using a guarantor company (guarantor fee required, usually 30–100% of one month’s rent)
Asking your employer or school to act as guarantor
Choosing housing that does not require a guarantor (e.g., UR or share houses)

Additional Support Services for Housing in Japan

Language Support

Multilingual support is often available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese. Municipal offices and housing support centers provide help understanding lease agreements and rental procedures.

Tenant Rights and Disputes

Tenants in Japan are legally protected. If you face discrimination, unfair eviction, or contractual issues, you can:

Contact the Legal Support Center (Hōterasu)
Seek advice from international associations or embassies

Furniture and Utilities Assistance

Most apartments in Japan are unfurnished
Use websites like Sayonara Sales, Facebook groups, or second-hand stores for affordable furniture
Utility setup (electricity, water, gas, internet) can be arranged through your agent or city office

Tips for Immigrants Renting in Japan

Learn basic Japanese terms related to housing and contracts
Visit the property before signing the lease if possible
Read the lease carefully, including renewal terms and exit clauses
Keep records of all payments and communication with your landlord
Look into renters’ insurance, often required and affordable (~¥10,000/year)

Securing housing in Japan as an immigrant may seem overwhelming at first, but with proper support and knowledge, it becomes a manageable process.

Japan offers various housing assistance programs, foreigner-friendly agencies, and legal protections that help newcomers find a safe and comfortable place to call home.

From government support to private services and online platforms, Japan is making steady progress toward more inclusive housing access for its growing immigrant population.

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