Housing & Moving– category –

If you cannot find an apartment to rent in Japan, have no guarantor, or were turned down because you are a foreigner, there are public systems and places to get help. Based on information from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of Justice, this article explains how to find Safety Net Housing that does not refuse tenants, how to consult a Housing Support Corporation, rent guarantee companies, public housing, and the Legal Affairs Bureau's human rights counseling in foreign languages.

This article explains, step by step, how to rent an apartment in Japan, from finding a home to signing the contract, moving in, the rules while you live there, and moving out. Based on the Immigration Services Agency's "Guidebook on Living and Working" and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Apartment Search Guidebook", it covers move-in costs such as the security deposit, key money, brokerage fee and guarantee company, the documents needed for the tenant screening, applying for electricity, gas and water, giving notice to cancel, public housing and UR rental housing, and information available in foreign languages.

When you move out of an apartment in Japan, who pays for repairs? Based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Guidelines on Troubles Concerning Restoration to Original Condition" and the Civil Code, this article explains general examples of costs paid by the tenant and costs paid by the landlord, how the security deposit is returned, what to do when moving in and moving out, and where to get advice if you do not agree.

A checklist of the procedures you need when you move within Japan, divided into before and after the move. Based on information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Immigration Services Agency, and Japan Post, this article explains the moving-out, moving-in and change-of-address notifications, the address on your residence card and My Number Card, electricity, gas and water, mail forwarding, banks, National Health Insurance, and more.