[Foreigner's Guide] How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo | Screening & Essential Documents

Room hunting in Japan for foreigners refers to the process where non-Japanese residents look for and lease apartments in Japan, which historically presents unique challenges such as guarantor screening requirements and communication gaps. Here, we outline how to overcome these steps successfully.

1. The Hard Truth: Many Apartments Don't Accept Foreigners

We want to be completely upfront with you. In Japan, a significant number of rental properties do not accept foreign nationals as tenants. This is a well-known reality in the Japanese real estate market that affects many international residents.

While this situation has been gradually improving in recent years — especially in urban areas like Tokyo — it remains a genuine challenge. We believe it is important to be honest about this so you can prepare effectively.

2. Types of Properties More Open to Foreign Nationals

The good news is that there are many landlords and property types that actively welcome international residents. Here is where to focus your search:

• Properties listed as 外国人可 (Foreigners Welcome): Ask your agent to filter specifically for these listings. At Sorai Tokyo, we can do this for you immediately.
• Share Houses: Communal living properties specifically designed for international residents, with no guarantor requirements in most cases.
• Monthly Mansions / Service Apartments: Short-to-mid-term furnished apartments with more flexible screening.
• New Landlords / Individual Owners: Smaller, newer landlords are often more flexible than large real estate management companies.
• Properties Near Universities: Areas with a high concentration of international students tend to have more foreigner-friendly landlords.

3. Essential Documents to Prepare

Being well-prepared with complete documentation dramatically increases your chances of approval. Here is what you'll typically need:

• Passport & Residence Card: Copy of your passport photo page and both sides of your residence card (Zairyu Card).
• Valid Visa: A work visa, student visa, or working holiday visa is required. Tourist visa holders generally cannot sign rental contracts.
• Proof of Income: Pay slips, employment contract, or bank statements (for working holiday). Students may need their parents' income verification.
• Japanese Phone Number: Required for communication with real estate agents and guarantor companies. Overseas numbers are not accepted.
• Emergency Contact in Japan: A Japanese-speaking contact person residing in Japan (friend, colleague, or school contact).
• Guarantor or Guarantee Company: Many foreigners use a Guarantee Company (保証会社) instead of a personal guarantor — we can help you arrange this.

4. How Sorai Tokyo Supports Foreign Nationals

At Sorai Tokyo, supporting international clients is at the heart of what we do. Our staff are fluent in Japanese, English, and Vietnamese, and we specialize in finding foreigner-friendly properties.

• We filter properties specifically labeled as "foreigners welcome" from our extensive database.
• We communicate with landlords on your behalf, addressing common concerns proactively.
• We help you prepare all necessary documents in the correct format.
• We support online viewings via LINE Video, Zoom, and more.
• We assist with 100% remote contract procedures — no in-person visit needed.

5. Don't Give Up — Your Home in Tokyo is Waiting

Finding an apartment as a foreign national in Japan can feel overwhelming at first, but it is absolutely achievable with the right support. The Japanese rental market is gradually opening up, and more landlords are welcoming international residents than ever before.

Please feel free to contact Sorai Tokyo — we will work hard to find the perfect home for you in Tokyo, regardless of your nationality or language. We are here for you every step of the way!