100 Properties

Tokyo apartments for foreigners are a dime a dozen however, it isn’t that easy to find a landlord willing to take you in because there are certain prerequisite quirks that have to be ironed out first. For instance, Tokyo apartments for foreigners are generally a minimum of 2 years lease. Any shorter period than that means you may have to consider other options. That is, unless you find a landlord willing to decrease the lease period. Also, many Japanese landlords appreciate an effort by foreigners to learn their language. There have been cases when lease contracts have not been signed because of a communication problem. It isn’t a case of being rude of unfriendly but a fear of having to face conflict.

Aside from real estate offices which are the usual course, you can walk around looking for a neighborhood you like. Usually you will find signs around the neighborhood about any apartment for lease. If not, you can always check the newspapers.
Some of what the real estate companies will require from you as the tenant before any contract is signed are:

• Proof of financial ability to pay
• A Japanese co-guarantor of good standing
• Fees on security and advance rental and other fees some of which are non-refundable

You will hear terms spoken like tetsukekin which means the reservation fee; shikikin which means the deposit that can be used to repair damaged property or unpaid bills; reikin is like goodwill money which is non-refundable; and chukai tesuryo which refers to the broker’s fee.
To be able to feel at home in a Tokyo apartment as a foreigner, you must be respectful of your neighbors and landlord. Look around at the tenants and if it is young crowd then you have a pretty good chance of being able to host parties. If there are elderly in the apartment building, you may have tone down on the partying.