First Time Renting in Japan? We’ve Got You.
From planning back home to walking into your new apartment, we’re with you in English, Chinese or Japanese. Whatever you need for your rental, chances are we can help.
Sound familiar?
“I want a place before I arrive.”
We find properties and guarantor companies that accept overseas screening. Viewings and the contract briefing happen online.
About overseas screening →“How do I get from the airport?”
On arrival day, a private car takes you from the airport to your new home. Quoted separately.
About airport pickup →“Will I pass screening?”
No one can promise the result, but we find properties and guarantor companies that accept overseas screening.
See the documents →“My Japanese isn’t great.”
We explain everything in English, Chinese or Japanese. Ask us anything.
See the 6 steps →“How do I pay from overseas?”
Move-in costs can be paid by bank transfer, including international transfers.
See the payment step →“I have no guarantor in Japan.”
We introduce properties that use a guarantor company.
See the FAQ →“I don’t have a bank account yet.”
For the first few months, you can pay rent at a convenience store until your account is open.
After you arrive →
Most important
Secure your apartment before you come to Japan (overseas screening)
You can apply and get through tenant screening before you arrive. MYHOUSING finds properties and guarantor companies that accept overseas screening.
- What you’ll usually need: your passport, your school admission letter, your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)※1, etc. The exact list depends on the guarantor company and the landlord. We’ll tell you what’s needed when you get in touch.
- All online: consultation, viewings (vacant units) and the important matters explanation (IT juusetsu). International bank transfers are fine for move-in costs.
New
Airport pickup on arrival day — straight to your new home
On the day you land, a private car with a driver can take you from the airport to your new home. The fee is quoted separately. Just send us your arrival date and flight number, how many people, and how much luggage you have.
- We can pick you up at any airport in Japan. We recommend booking 5–7 days before you arrive.
From back home to move-in in 6 steps
Chat with us online
Tell us what you’re looking for, when you’ll arrive, and your school or employer. It’s fine if some things aren’t decided yet.
Pick a place and view it online
We’ll suggest apartments that accept overseas screening. For vacant units, we’ll show you around by video call.
Send your documents and apply
Send us scans or photos of your passport, admission letter, COE and so on.
Screening
The guarantor company and landlord review your application. We’ll let you know as soon as there’s a result.
Sign and pay online
Get the important matters explanation online, sign, and pay move-in costs by bank or international transfer.
Arrive and move in
Use our airport pickup if you like. Keys are usually handed over the day before move-in.
From application to move-in usually takes 7–10 days (it depends on screening and the property).
What it can look like (examples)
A, starting grad school in Tokyo in April
- Messages us on LINE from home
- picks a place after an online viewing
- sends documents for overseas screening
- online briefing and signing
- pays by international transfer
- private car from the airport on arrival day
B, starting a job in Japan
- Talks with us in Chinese
- looks at commute-friendly areas
- applies and passes screening before flying
- registers as a resident
- gets a phone
- opens a bank account
These are examples to show how the service works, not real customer stories.
Document checklist
Wondering what to have ready? Here’s what’s usually asked for.
| Document | Who | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | All foreign nationals | Photo page |
| Residence Card (front and back) | People already in Japan | Spell your name the same way as on your application |
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | People not yet in Japan | Usually needed for overseas screening |
| School admission letter or certificate of enrollment | Students | Admission letter if you haven’t started yet |
| Job offer, employment contract, pay slips, etc. | People working or about to | Shows your employer and income |
| Bank balance certificate, records of family support, etc. | If needed | Shows you can cover rent |
| Emergency contact details | Everyone | Name, relationship, phone |
| Email and other contact details | Everyone | So we can reach you during screening and signing |
Exact requirements vary by property, landlord and guarantor company.
Just landed: what do I do first?
“Registration needs an address, the bank wants a phone number, the phone wants…” It’s easy to feel stuck. This order usually works best:
- Register as a resident: within 14 days of settling in, take your Residence Card to the city or ward office※2. Your address goes on the back of the card.
- Get a phone: use your Residence Card with your address on it. Check with the carrier which payment methods it accepts.
- Open a bank account: banks often want a Residence Card with your address and a Japanese phone number, so this is easiest last.
Each bank and carrier has its own requirements.
No bank account yet? For the first few months, you can pay rent at a convenience store using the payment slip on your bill.
Good to know
- Residence Card: used to confirm your identity, status of residence and period of stay when you apply※3.
- Emergency contact: someone who’s called only if you can’t be reached; they don’t have to pay your rent. Some guarantor companies offer support in foreign languages※4.
- Student part-time work: in principle up to 28 hours a week※5. Pick a rent that works with your family support and savings, too.
- Screening: criteria vary by landlord and guarantor company, and nobody can promise the result. Filling in your application accurately and picking up verification calls goes a long way.
- Agent fee: 1 month’s rent + tax (management and common-area fees not included). We explain it and get your consent before you sign※6.
- Garbage: rules differ by ward. Toshima City has a guide in English※7.
For the full process, see How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo. For costs, see Move-in Costs Explained.
FAQ
Can I rent an apartment before I come to Japan?
Yes. Overseas screening lets you apply and be screened before you arrive, and MYHOUSING finds properties and guarantor companies that accept it. Consultation, viewings (vacant units) and the important matters explanation can be done online, and you can pay move-in costs by international transfer.
What documents do I need for overseas screening?
Usually your passport, your school admission letter, your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), etc. The exact list depends on the guarantor company and the landlord, and we'll tell you what's needed when you get in touch.
Can you pick me up at the airport when I arrive?
Yes. On arrival day, a private car with a driver can take you from the airport to your new home. The fee is quoted separately. We cover any airport in Japan; ideally, send us your arrival date and flight number, how many people, and how much luggage you have 5–7 days before you arrive.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
It's a certificate issued after a pre-entry check that your planned activities in Japan meet the conditions of a status of residence. You show it when applying for a visa and at landing inspection, and it's valid for 3 months from issue (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).
Can foreigners rent apartments in Japan?
Absolutely. The process is the same as for Japanese nationals. The main differences are that your status of residence is checked, and a guarantor company and emergency contact are usually required.
Do I need a Japanese guarantor?
Usually not. Many properties use a guarantor company instead of a personal guarantor, so you can apply without one. We'll introduce properties that use a guarantor company.
What's the difference between an emergency contact and a guarantor?
An emergency contact is someone the management or guarantor company calls if they can't reach you, and they don't have to pay rent. A joint guarantor has to pay if you can't.
Can I get help in English or Chinese?
Yes. We help in English, Chinese and Japanese. Reach us on LINE, WeChat or by phone (03-6812-1501).
How long does it take from application to move-in?
Usually 7–10 days, depending on screening and the property. Keys are usually handed over the day before move-in.
Can I pay rent before I have a Japanese bank account?
Yes. For the first few months, you can pay rent at a convenience store using the payment slip on your bill.
What do I need to do after arriving in Japan?
Within 14 days of settling in, register as a resident at the city or ward office with your Residence Card (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Art. 19-7). Then get a phone, then open a bank account.
Can international students use part-time income for screening?
You can declare it, but part-time work on a Student status is in principle limited to 28 hours a week (under blanket permission). It's best to choose a rent you can manage with family support and savings as well.
Questions? Just say hi
Not sure when you’re arriving yet? Don’t know where to start? That’s completely fine. We’ll go at your pace, in English, Chinese or Japanese.
- Phone: 03-6812-1501 (from overseas: +81-3-6812-1501)
- Hours: 10:00–19:00 (closed Wednesdays and Sundays)
- MYHOUSING (株式会社マイハウジング), ウェルシャン池袋605, 1-17-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
Notes and sources (official information)
- ※1 A COE is issued after a pre-entry check that your planned activities meet the conditions of a status of residence;you show it for your visa application and landing inspection, and it's valid for 3 months. Immigration Services Agency, Visas and COE (Japanese) ; Immigration Q&A (Japanese)
- ※2 Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Art. 19-7 (residence notification) ; Immigration Services Agency
- ※3 Immigration Services Agency, What is a Residence Card?
- ※4 MLIT, registered rent guarantee companies with foreign-language support . Sample contracts in 14 languages
- ※5 Immigration Services Agency, permission for activities outside status (Student)
- ※6 1970 Ministry of Construction Notice No. 1552, Part 4 (last amended 2024 by MLIT Notice No. 949;Japanese)
- ※7 Toshima City, How to Dispose of Garbage and Recyclables (English)
This page is general information. Check actual terms in the listing, the important matters explanation and the contract. (Information checked: October 31, 2026)