What is the Rental Screening Process in Japan?
What Does the Rental
Screening Process for Foreigners in Japan Involve?
Renting an apartment in
Japan as a foreigner can feel confusing, especially when it comes to the
screening process. Many applicants are surprised by how structured—and
sometimes strict—it is. In general, the screening process involves three parties:
The guarantor company
The property management
company
The landlord (owner)
While the order can
vary depending on the property, the most common flow is:
Guarantor
Company → Management Company → Landlord
Let’s break down what
each step usually involves.
1. Guarantor Company
Screening
In Japan, most tenants
are required to use a guarantor company instead of a personal guarantor. This
company essentially “backs” you in case of unpaid rent.
During screening, they
may:
Check your basic personal information (name,
date of birth, nationality)
Confirm your employment status and income
Ask about your emergency contact and your
relationship to them
Ask why you chose this apartment
It is very common for
them to call you directly to confirm these details.
Important tip:
If your Japanese is not strong, you should check with your agent in advance
whether the guarantor company supports English. Not all of them do, and missing
a phone call or failing to communicate properly can lead to rejection.
2. Management Company
Screening
After passing the
guarantor company, your application is usually reviewed by the property
management company.
This step may include:
Reviewing your application documents
Double-checking your visa status and length of stay
Confirming your ability to follow building rules
Some management
companies will call you, while others will not. Compared to the guarantor
company, this step is often more document-based.
3. Landlord Screening
Finally, the landlord
(property owner) makes the final decision.
In some cases,
landlords may:
Request additional documents, such as proof
of savings or income
Have preferences
regarding tenant profile
(for example, long-term stability)
If the landlord lives
overseas, the screening process may take longer—around one week or more
is not unusual.
⏱️ How Long Does the
Whole Process Take?
From start to finish,
the screening process typically takes:
About
1 to 2 weeks
However, this can vary
depending on:
The responsiveness of
each party
Whether additional
documents are required
Holiday periods or
weekends
Additional Tips to
Improve Your Chances
Prepare clear and
accurate information in advance
Inform your agent about
your Japanese ability
Be ready to answer
phone calls promptly
Provide extra documents
(like savings proof) if needed
Choose properties that
match your financial and visa situation
Final Thoughts
The rental screening
process in Japan may seem strict, but it follows a clear structure.
Understanding how each step works can greatly improve your chances of
success—and reduce unnecessary stress along the way.
If you prepare well and
communicate clearly, the process can go much more smoothly than you might
expect.
If you are planning to move to Tokyo and need professional rental assistance, our company specialises in helping international clients secure apartments in Japan. We provide support in English, Chinese, Spanish and Japanese.
Mitsumaru Real Estate Agency
三丸商事株式会社
Contact: mitsumaru.shoji@gmail.com