Japanese You Need for Renting an Apartment
From contacting agents to signing the lease — survive Japan's rental process in Japanese.
Renting in Japan is notoriously complicated — guarantors, key money, and stacks of paperwork. Knowing the right phrases makes the process far less painful. This guide walks you through every stage, from your first call to the real estate agent to the day you get your keys.
Contacting the Agent
SUUMOで見た物件について聞きたいんですが。
SUUMO de mita bukken ni tsuite kikitain desu ga.
I'd like to ask about a listing I saw on SUUMO.
今、空いていますか？
Ima, aite imasu ka?
Is it still available?
内見の予約をしたいのですが。
Naiken no yoyaku wo shitai no desu ga.
I'd like to schedule a viewing.
外国人でも入居できますか？
Gaikokujin demo nyuukyo dekimasu ka?
Can foreigners rent this place?
ペット可の物件はありますか？
Petto ka no bukken wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any pet-friendly properties?
During the Viewing
日当たりはどうですか？
Hiatari wa dou desu ka?
How's the sunlight?
エアコンは付いていますか？
Eakon wa tsuite imasu ka?
Does it come with air conditioning?
最寄り駅まで何分くらいですか？
Moyori eki made nanpun kurai desu ka?
How many minutes to the nearest station?
隣の音は聞こえますか？
Tonari no oto wa kikoemas ka?
Can you hear noise from next door?
ゴミ出しのルールを教えてもらえますか？
Gomi dashi no ruuru wo oshiete moraemasu ka?
Can you tell me the trash disposal rules?
Contract Discussion
敷金・礼金はいくらですか？
Shikikin, reikin wa ikura desu ka?
How much is the deposit and key money?
保証人は必要ですか？
Hoshounin wa hitsuyou desu ka?
Do I need a guarantor?
保証会社を使えますか？
Hoshou gaisha wo tsukaemasu ka?
Can I use a guarantor company instead?
契約期間は何年ですか？
Keiyaku kikan wa nannen desu ka?
How long is the lease?
更新料はかかりますか？
Koushinryou wa kakarimasu ka?
Is there a renewal fee?
Moving In
入居日はいつからですか？
Nyuukyobi wa itsu kara desu ka?
When can I move in?
電気・ガス・水道の手続きはどうしたらいいですか？
Denki, gasu, suidou no tetsuzuki wa doushitara ii desu ka?
How do I set up electricity, gas, and water?
鍵はいつもらえますか？
Kagi wa itsu moraemasu ka?
When do I get the keys?
引っ越し業者のおすすめはありますか？
Hikkoshi gyousha no osusume wa arimasu ka?
Can you recommend a moving company?
Cultural Tips
- Key money (礼金, reikin) is a non-refundable "gift" to the landlord — typically 1-2 months' rent. It's unique to Japan and catches many foreigners off guard. Some listings advertise 礼金ゼロ (zero key money), so look out for those.
- Most landlords require a guarantor (保証人, hoshounin) who is a Japanese resident. If you don't have one, you can use a guarantor company (保証会社) for a fee — usually 50-100% of one month's rent.
- Many apartments in Japan have strict no-pet policies, and some even prohibit musical instruments or overnight guests. Always read the contract rules (禁止事項, kinshi jikou) carefully before signing.
FAQ
Can foreigners rent apartments in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes, but options are more limited. Some agencies specialize in helping foreigners — look for ones advertising 外国人OK. Having a Japanese-speaking friend or using SayLy to communicate with agents in proper Japanese will open up many more listings.
What upfront costs should I expect when renting in Japan?
Budget for 4-6 months' rent upfront: first month's rent, deposit (敷金, 1-2 months), key money (礼金, 0-2 months), agent fee (仲介手数料, usually 1 month + tax), guarantor company fee, fire insurance, and lock-change fee. It adds up fast.
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