Foreign Language Support in Rental Contracts — Renting an Apartment in Japan Smoothly with English & Multilingual Services

When renting an apartment in Japan, language is one of the biggest hurdles for foreign nationals who are not fluent in Japanese. The lease contract is in Japanese, the explanation of important matters is in Japanese, and communication with the management company is in Japanese—there is a risk of signing without fully understanding important details.

However, in recent years, more real estate companies and portal sites have begun offering foreign language support (especially in English), and by choosing the right service, you can significantly reduce the language barrier.

How to Find English- and Multilingual-Friendly Real Estate Companies

Specialized Foreign-Friendly Real Estate Companies:

• •Sakura House: Offers English, Chinese, and Korean support with locations throughout Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Handles a wide range of properties from share houses to standard rentals.
• •Fontaine: Introduces English-friendly properties for foreign nationals in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama. Often features properties that do not require a guarantor.
• •Global Apartment: English, Chinese, and Korean support, primarily serving the greater Tokyo area.

Foreign Language Desks at Major Real Estate Companies:

Major companies such as Able, Apaman Shop, and Century 21 have English-speaking staff at select locations and offer multilingual web chat services.

Regional International Exchange Associations and Support Organizations:

International exchange associations at the prefectural and municipal level, as well as NPOs supporting foreign residents, often provide introductions to real estate companies and offer on-site assistance. In Sendai, for example, the Sendai Convention & Visitors Bureau has established a consultation counter for foreign residents.

Multilingual Rental Portal Sites

SUMUIE: This site (https://sumuie.jp) is a rental property portal with Japanese-English bilingual support. It provides information for foreign residents in English, and property searches and inquiries can be made in either Japanese or English.

Gaijin Pot: This comprehensive Japan information site for foreign residents includes a real estate section where you can search for rental information in English.

Minpaku/Airbnb: For short-term stay options, vacation rental and furnished apartment platforms also offer multilingual support. These can be useful as temporary housing before signing a long-term lease.

Important Terminology in Japanese Rental Contracts (English Explanations)

Rental lease contracts and explanations of important matters contain many terms unique to Japan.

Security Deposit (敷金): A security payment made when moving in. It is refunded at move-out after deducting any restoration to original condition costs. Typically one to two months' rent.

Key Money (礼金): A non-refundable payment made to the landlord as "thanks" when moving in. Typically one to two months' rent, though an increasing number of properties have zero key money.

Agency Fee (仲介手数料): Commission paid to the real estate company. The maximum is one month's rent plus consumption tax (as stipulated by real estate law).

Guarantor Company (保証会社): A company that acts as a joint guarantor. An initial payment of 0.5 to one month's rent is required, followed by a monthly or annual guarantee fee. Use of a guarantor company is often mandatory for foreign residents.

Standard (Indefinite) Lease (普通借家契約): The most common type of rental contract with a standard two-year renewal period and strong legal protections for the tenant.

Fixed-Term Lease (定期借家契約): A contract with no renewal option; the tenant must vacate at the end of the agreed term. Always verify the terms carefully.

Restoration to Original Condition (原状回復): The obligation to return the property to its original condition upon move-out. Guidelines specify that normal wear and tear is the landlord's responsibility, not the tenant's.

Explanation of Important Matters (重要事項説明)

In Japan, real estate licensed agents are legally required to provide an oral explanation of an "Explanation of Important Matters" document before the transaction.

Companies offering foreign language support can provide explanations in English, but if this is not available, consider the following options:

1. Request a copy of the Explanation of Important Matters document in advance and have it reviewed by a translation tool or interpreter.
2. Ask a friend or acquaintance who is fluent in the relevant language to accompany you.
3. If permitted, record the explanation on your smartphone for later review.

It is crucial to fully understand the content before signing. Signing without understanding can lead to problems later.

Tips for Passing the Screening Process as a Foreign National

In Japan, there are landlords who are reluctant to rent to foreign nationals. Here are key points to improve your chances of approval.

Visa Stability:

Permanent residents, long-term residents, and spouses of Japanese nationals have advantages in screening. Even with student or work visas, longer periods of residence tend to improve approval chances.

Income Verification:

Stable employment and an annual income at least 36 times the monthly rent (or three times the monthly rent) are desirable. Employment at multinational corporations, universities, and research institutions tends to carry higher credibility.

Using a Guarantor Company:

Using a guarantor company that specializes in foreign nationals (such as ORICO or ROOMMATE) can improve approval chances even without a joint guarantor.

Choose Foreigner-Friendly Properties:

Prioritize properties explicitly marked as "accepting foreign nationals" or "foreign language support available."

Summary — Language Barriers Can Be Overcome with the Right Service

Even if you are not fluent in Japanese, renting an apartment in Japan is not impossible if you have access to appropriate multilingual services and thorough preparation. Take advantage of English-friendly real estate companies and portal sites, make sure you understand important legal terminology and contract terms in advance, and always ask for clarification on anything you don't understand. SUMUIE (https://sumuie.jp) allows you to search for properties and make inquiries in English, so please take advantage of this service.