Most of the foreigners found that they had a difficult time finding an apartment in Japan.
Below are some tips to help you get started with your room search in Japan.

Basics of Room Searching in Japan
There are two ways to look for an apartment in Japan: one is to visit a real estate agency and ask them to find you a place that meets your requirements. The other way is to search for an apartment by yourself using the Internet.

In either of these methods, once you have decided on a place to live, you will have to pay a deposit and key money and sign a contract with a guarantor. In addition, there is often a tenant screening process before you sign the contract. Below is a list of terms used when looking for or signing a contract for a room in Japan.

• Apartment – a small, two- or three-story apartment building made of wood or light steel.
• Mansion – large apartment complexes of three or more stories made of reinforced concrete.
• A security deposit – also known as Shikikin is money deposited with a real estate company or landlord and is used in case of the tenant damages the room. Generally, it is equivalent to one or two months’ rent. This deposit may be refunded when the tenant moves out (depending on the conditions of the room).
• Key money – not refundable, also known as Rei-kin. Money paid to the landlord as a thank you for renting the room. Usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent.
• Brokerage fee – a commission paid to a real estate agency. Usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent.
• Guarantor – a person who is responsible for paying the rent in case the tenant is unable to pay the rent. In some cases, the guarantor can be a joint guarantor instead of a guarantee company. This is not necessarily required at the time of the rental contract.
• Real estate agent – a company that manages and leases properties.
• Landlord – The person who owns the real estate, often separate from the real estate agent.

If you want to reduce your expenses and want to compare various rooms on the Internet. We recommend that you check out rental information websites for foreigners to make the most of your time in Japan.