Can Foreigners Rent Apartments in Tokyo?
Yes — foreigners can legally rent apartments in Tokyo.
There is no law preventing non-Japanese residents from signing a lease. However, some landlords may hesitate to rent to foreigners due to:
- Language barriers
- Visa uncertainty
- Concerns about lease understanding
- Previous bad experiences
That said, Tokyo has become increasingly international. Many property management companies now actively support expats and international residents.
How to Improve Approval Chances
- Have a valid visa and residence card
- Provide proof of income or employment
- Use a guarantor company
- Apply through foreigner-friendly housing providers
If you use an English-speaking agency or company that specializes in foreign residents, approval rates increase significantly.
Types of Apartments in Tokyo (Furnished, Share House & More)
When searching for apartments in Tokyo, you’ll see several different housing types.
1. Regular (Unfurnished) Apartments
- 1R / 1K / 1LDK layouts
- 2-year lease standard
- Usually no furniture
- Lower monthly rent
- High upfront costs
Best for: Long-term residents with stable income.
2. Furnished Apartments
- Bed, desk, refrigerator, washing machine included
- Move-in ready
- Lower setup cost
- Flexible lease options sometimes available
Best for: Expats, digital nomads, international students.
3. Share Houses
- Private bedroom
- Shared kitchen and living space
- Very low initial cost
- Often no guarantor required
Best for: First-time arrivals, budget-conscious renters.
4. Serviced Apartments
- Fully furnished
- Utilities included
- Hotel-style services
- Higher monthly cost
Best for: Corporate stays or short assignments.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Average Rent & Move-In Costs in Tokyo
Average Monthly Rent (2026 Estimate)
| Type | Central Tokyo | Outside Central Tokyo |
| Studio (1R/1K) | ¥85,000–¥130,000 | ¥60,000–¥85,000 |
| 1LDK | ¥130,000–¥200,000 | ¥90,000–¥130,000 |
| Share House | ¥50,000–¥80,000 | ¥40,000–¥65,000 |
Tokyo is expensive compared to many U.S. cities, but it can be cheaper than New York or San Francisco.
Typical Move-In Costs
In traditional Japanese rentals, you may pay:
- Deposit (1–2 months)
- Key money (1–2 months, non-refundable)
- Agency fee (1 month)
- First month’s rent
- Guarantor fee
Total upfront cost can reach 4–6 months of rent.
Many foreigner-friendly apartments reduce or eliminate key money, lowering initial expenses.
Best Areas in Tokyo for Foreigners
Tokyo is huge, but certain neighborhoods are popular with expats.
Shinjuku
- Major business district
- Excellent train access
- International community
Shibuya
- Trendy and energetic
- Popular with young professionals
- Higher rent prices
Ikebukuro
- More affordable than Shinjuku
- Great transportation hub
- Increasingly international
Asakusa
- Traditional atmosphere
- More residential feel
- Lower rent than central Tokyo
Shin-Okubo
- Multicultural neighborhood
- Diverse food and community
- Popular with students
Your ideal area depends on commute, budget, and lifestyle.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Short-Term & Flexible Lease Options
Traditional Japanese leases are typically 2 years. However, foreigners often need flexibility.
Short-Term Rentals (1–6 Months)
- Furnished apartments
- Share houses
- Monthly contracts
- Utilities often included
Who Should Choose Short-Term?
- Digital nomads
- Exchange students
- Corporate transferees
- People house-hunting long term
Short-term apartments in Tokyo usually have higher monthly rent but much lower upfront cost.
Common Rental Challenges for Foreigners
Even though renting is possible, foreigners often face:
1. Language Barriers
Most contracts are in Japanese.
2. Guarantor Requirement
Many landlords require a Japanese guarantor.
3. High Initial Costs
Key money and agency fees surprise many newcomers.
4. Visa Limitations
Some landlords require long-term visa status.
5. Strict Screening Process
Income verification is common.
Using foreigner-friendly housing providers helps reduce these issues significantly.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
How to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Decide Budget & Area
Include rent + utilities + internet.
Step 2: Search for Foreign-Friendly Listings
Use companies that support English applications.
Step 3: Submit Application
Required documents typically include:
- Passport
- Residence card
- Visa
- Employment contract
- Income proof
Step 4: Screening
Takes 1–5 days.
Step 5: Sign Contract
Review terms carefully.
Step 6: Move In
Pay initial fees and receive keys.
Why XROSS HOUSE Is a Smart Choice for Foreigners
If you’re looking for a simpler way to rent in Tokyo, XROSS HOUSE is designed specifically for foreign residents.
Benefits:
- No key money
- Fully furnished rooms
- Low initial cost
- English support
- Flexible lease options
- Online application available
Instead of paying 4–6 months upfront, you can move in with significantly lower costs.
XROSS HOUSE offers affordable share houses and furnished apartments across Tokyo, making it ideal for:
- Students
- Expats
- Digital nomads
- First-time Japan residents
FAQs About Renting in Tokyo
How much money do I need to move to Tokyo?
For traditional rentals: 4–6 months of rent upfront.
For share houses: Often 1–2 months total.
Can I rent without a Japanese guarantor?
Yes, if you use a guarantor company or foreigner-friendly housing provider.
Is Tokyo expensive compared to U.S. cities?
Tokyo is cheaper than NYC and San Francisco but more expensive than most U.S. suburban areas.
Can I rent before arriving in Japan?
Some furnished apartments allow online applications from overseas.
Final Thoughts
Renting an apartment in Tokyo as a foreigner is absolutely possible — but understanding costs, lease systems, and foreigner-friendly options is essential.
If you want:
- Lower upfront costs
- English support
- Flexible contracts
- Furnished rooms
XROSS HOUSE offers one of the easiest ways to start your life in Tokyo.
