Renting in Tokyo: How to find your perfect home

Living in Tokyo offers a lot of excitement for expats. Between super convenient transportation and stores, tons to things to do and see, great food, vibrant nightlife and easy access to the rest of Japan’s beautiful landscape, it’s a hot choice for many people seeking a change of pace.

That being said, renting an apartment in Tokyo can be daunting thanks to the massive selection and not-so-affordable rent prices. In fact, a one bedroom apartment in the city center averages a whopping 130,428.57¥.

If you’re willing to shell out the cash for an exciting lifestyle and an endless supply of sushi, the first step is figuring out where and what to rent. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting in Tokyo.

What are my housing options in Tokyo?

Unlike many western cities, Tokyo offers its residents a wide range of housing types. From detached houses to “mansions” (big multi-story buildings arranged in a complex), most people can find exactly what they’re looking for right in the center of the city.

Renting an apartment long-term often means bringing your own furniture, though some select apartments and luxury rentals may come with the furniture intact. Short term rentals almost always come furnished, but are mostly used as vacation homes or places to stay while you find something more permanent.

It’s also possible to rent a room within an apartment, and many Tokyo residents do live with roommates. As such, if you’re looking to save some cash an apartment share might be right for you.

Where are the best locations to live?

Where you should live in Tokyo is largely dependent on what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. Some popular neighborhoods include:

• Akasaka: Known as a business center during the day and a nightlife center on the weekends, Akasaka is considered equally well located for families and young, single professionals.
• Azabu: If you have the money to shell out on living in one of Tokyo’s most beautiful and popular neighborhoods, Azabu is the home of many foreign bankers, western foods and boutique shops.
• Shirokane/Shirokanedai: If you need a little more space in your rental, these neighborhoods will provide you with the ability to rent an entire home versus an apartment.
• Yoyogi Uehara: If you don’t mind living somewhere a little more suburban, Yoyogi Uehara is a quieter neighborhood with bigger apartments and lower rent prices

What are the best websites to find a rental?

To get a better idea of the various neighborhoods, what you can expect in an apartment and how much rent you might be charged, it’s a good idea to start your hunt by browsing apartments online. It’s also worth remembering to look for apartments that advertise being gaijin (foreigner) friendly, as landlords are known to either highly prefer or, conversely, flat out refuse to rent to non-Japanese people. Some of the best sites include:

• Minimini (in Japanese)
• Tokyo Apartment Inc
• Takagi (in Japanese)
• Lifull Homes
• Summo
• Chintai (in Japanese)

Alternatively, if you’re looking to live with a roommate you can start looking for one on any of these sites:

• Roomster
• Roomshare
• Gaijin Pot

What should I be familiar with in the local market?

As you begin your search, it’s a good idea to learn some basic real estate terms in the local language. Some important ones include:

• アパートの貸室: Apartment for rent
• 不動産業者: Real estate agent
• ワンルームアパート: Studio apartment
• 賃貸契約: Rental contract
• アメニティ: Amenities
• ユーティリティー: Utilities
• 家賃: Rent

Once you’ve found an apartment you like, you’ll need to sign a rental agreement. These types of contracts can vary quite a bit, but should include:

• The landlord’s full name and address
• How much you have agreed to pay in rent, and whether there are any planned changes to that number
• The agreed upon amount of your deposit, and the terms for having it returned when you move out
• The terms for the landlord to terminate the lease
• The terms for you to terminate the lease
• Rules around subletting or listing the apartment on vacation rental sites like Airbnb
• Any regulations around making changes to the apartment, whether repairs or cosmetic upgrades

Most landlords will require you to put down a deposit as well. Make sure to walk through the apartment and take lots of pictures, so you can document exactly what condition each room was in when you got there. It’s not uncommon for this deposit to amount to one to three months rent.

Japanese landlords may also require you to pay “key money,” or reikin. Reikin is a non-refundable “gift,” typically of one to two months rent, that you pay to your landlord. Roughly 50% of Japanese landlords still charge a reikin, though they’re most common in desirable neighborhoods. These fees can be pretty hefty, so if you can find an apartment you like with a landlord who isn’t charging key money your wallet is going to be much better off.

Remember, it’s smart to follow Japanese customs in general when dealing with your landlord - don’t forget to offer them tea when they come over, even if it’s to yell at you or raise your rent.

Can I pay my rent or deposit from abroad?

Most landlords in Tokyo will allow you to pay rent online or via a direct bank transfer. If the latter is the case, it’s a good idea to use Wise to ensure you’re getting the real exchange rate and to cut down on international transfer fees. You’ll also want to transfer some funds into your local bank account to cover utilities and day to day expenses, as you may need to use cash for smaller purchases or to try the local street food.

Brokers and agents? Are they worth it?

Thanks to the plethora of options and most foreigners’ inability to speak Japanese, working with a real estate agent is pretty commonplace. Some reputable agencies include:

• Tokyo Best Realtors
• Nurihiko

Anything else I should know?

Renting in Japan can be a confusing process, but the payoff living in the exciting and beautiful country is worth the reward. As you look for your apartment, it’s a good idea to be shrewd about protecting yourself from potential scammers. Always visit a place before you rent it, avoid paying your rent in cash and make sure you have working keys in hand before you pay your landlord.

Otherwise, you’re ready to start your search. Good luck!