{"id":15405,"date":"2024-01-16T12:03:35","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T03:03:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=15405"},"modified":"2025-06-30T00:55:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T15:55:29","slug":"guide-to-the-apartment-lease-signing-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/japanese-apartment-life\/guide-to-the-apartment-lease-signing-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Apartment Lease Signing Process"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Paperwork is an inevitability in Japan, more so when you\u2019re signing a lease to an apartment or house. The process of securing a rental property begins with submitting an application form, either in-person at a realtor\u2019s office or online like Village House<\/a> offers on their company\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications are processed anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks depending on whether the criteria is met, when the application is submitted \u2013 during the peak moving months of January to March, applications may take longer to process \u2013 and what properties are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When submitting an application form to lease a rental property, it must be accompanied by other supporting documents, which will be discussed in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Income Statement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An income statement is normally required to show proof of funds and evidence of viable employment. It lets the realtor and landlord know that the tenant is able to pay rent for the foreseeable future. An income statement can come in the form of a work payslip, invoice for work done; or if you haven\u2019t started work yet, a contract and proof of employment certificate that stipulates your average monthly salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guarantor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A guarantor or hoshonin<\/em> is a person or company that acts as insurance during the period of your lease. A guarantor\u2019s job is to compensate for any unpaid rent or damage costs the tenant is unable to pay or if the contract is suddenly and unexpectedly terminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, guarantors were required to be Japanese citizens, usually the tenant\u2019s close relative. However, a tenant\u2019s place of employment or academic institution can also step in as guarantor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, it\u2019s more common to go with a guarantor company or hoshonin-gaisha<\/em> to act as guarantor. The tenant will pay a one-off service fee, which can amount to half or a month\u2019s rent along with a renewal fee. Many realtors in Japan have partnerships with guarantor companies and will recommend them to their potential clients so tenants don\u2019t have to deal with them directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When signing up with a guarantor company, an emergency contact, preferably one situated in Japan, is normally required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Screening Check<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A screening check is the real estate industry\u2019s equivalent of a background check that police will conduct. The reasoning is the same: to ensure the viability of the potential tenant wishing to lease a property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Screening checks can take up to a fortnight to complete and usually involves both the guarantor company and property manager or landlord, who will review the tenant\u2019s application form for suitability as a tenant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on who you\u2019re renting from, potential tenants may receive a call from the guarantor company for a mini over-the-phone interview, which can be in English or Japanese, depending on the requirements and who you\u2019re leasing with. The interview may cover some of the following topics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n