Help & Japan Rental Knowledge Base

A COE certifies a preliminary assessment of residence-related entry conditions. It supports a visa application but is not a visa and does not guarantee a visa or entry.

Legal status categories for foreigners to legally stay and engage in activities in Japan (e.g., Student, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Dependent, Permanent Resident, etc.).

A company that fulfils a guarantee to the landlord for unpaid rent or other events covered by its contract. Registration under the ministry’s rent debt guarantor scheme is voluntary.

A person jointly liable for a tenant’s debts under a guarantee contract. Eligibility depends on the landlord or guarantor; Japanese nationality is not a universal requirement.

A person who helps reach the tenant in emergencies. Being listed as an emergency contact alone does not normally create a rent guarantee obligation. Check each property’s requirements.

A deposit secures obligations such as unpaid rent, with the balance returned after move-out settlement. Key money is normally a non-refundable signing cost.

Monthly common service fee for shared corridor lighting, elevator maintenance, waste disposal, and daily common area upkeep.

Leases often require household contents and tenant liability cover. This is a contractual condition, rather than a blanket statutory insurance obligation for every tenant.

The cost of replacing a lock or resetting access controls. Check the quote and contract for whether this is done, the charge and who pays.

Residential rent in Japan is generally non-taxable; office and other business rent is generally taxable. Treatment depends on the property’s use and the nature of each charge.

A way for a licensed real estate transaction specialist to explain important matters by two-way video, with clear documents, audible explanations and real-time questions.

A questionnaire collecting housing preferences and applicant information. Its format, required fields and submission timing vary by agent, manager and property.

Continuous time with your current employer, distinct from school year. Rental screening also considers income, employment type and other evidence.

The number counts separate rooms; K is a kitchen, DK a dining kitchen, and LDK a living/dining/kitchen area. The code alone does not establish quality or permitted occupancy.