Renting a Home in Japan as a Foreigner: Application, Screening and Contract Guide

For foreign tenants, screening should focus on the actual tenancy conditions—not nationality alone—including residence status, employment and income, contact methods, guarantor-company requirements and understanding of the lease. MLIT guidance covers the process from marketing through application, contract and move-in.

Before applying

ID, residence status and period, employment/income documents, Japan contact details and guarantor requirements vary by property.

At contract

Confirm rent, deposits, key money, renewal, cancellation, restoration obligations and prohibited acts in a language the tenant understands.

Sources and verification

This guide is based on the official sources below and was verified as of September 2, 2026. Confirm current requirements for individual cases.

Related guides