Comprehensive guide to UR rental housing's cost structure: security deposit required, but zero key money, agency fees, renewal fees, or guarantor needed. Compare initial costs with private rentals, learn foreign tenant eligibility, application steps, and important drawbacks.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
UR rental housing requires no key money, agency fee, or guarantor. This guide clearly explains everything from income requirements for eligibility to how to find properties and apply, including the key differences from private rentals.
A guide to the benefits and drawbacks of UR rental properties, eligibility requirements, and how foreign nationals can apply. Explore Japan's only public rental system that guarantees zero key money, no guarantor required, and no renewal fees—plus how to find properties.
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UR rental housing is a public housing option operated by the Urban Renaissance Organization (UR). With approximately 710,000 units nationwide (as of 2026), UR offers a fundamentally different cost structure and contract terms from private rentals. The four major benefits—no key money, no agency fees, no renewal fees, and no guarantor required—make UR especially popular with those looking to minimize upfront costs and foreign tenants.
This article systematically explains the cost comparison with private rentals, eligibility requirements, initial cost simulations, application procedures, and important drawbacks.
When moving into UR rental housing, you'll need to pay the following fees.
The following fees, common in private rentals, are completely absent with UR.
Let's compare initial costs for a ¥80,000/month apartment.
| Item | Private Rental | UR Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | ¥80,000 (1 month) | ¥160,000 (2 months) |
| Key money | ¥80,000 (1 month) | ¥0 |
| Agency fee | ¥88,000 (1 month + tax) | ¥0 |
| First month's rent | ¥80,000 | ¥80,000 |
| Guarantor company fee | ¥40,000 (50%) | ¥0 |
| Fire insurance (2 years) | ¥20,000 | ¥0–optional |
| Key replacement | ¥15,000 | ¥0 (UR covers) |
| Total | ~¥403,000 | ~¥240,000 |
While UR's two-month security deposit is higher than private rentals' typical one month, the absence of key money, agency fees, and guarantor charges save you approximately ¥160,000 upfront. Since the security deposit is refundable, the long-term savings are even more significant.
Private rentals charge a renewal fee (one month's rent) every two years, while UR has no renewal fees. Over ten years, private renters pay approximately ¥400,000 in renewal fees alone, while UR tenants pay nothing. The longer you stay, the greater UR's economic advantage.
To apply for UR rental housing, you must meet these conditions.
| Monthly Rent | Required Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Less than ¥62,500 | ¥250,000 |
| ¥62,500–¥82,500 | ¥330,000 |
| ¥82,500–¥123,000 | ¥400,000 |
| ¥123,000 or more | Four times the monthly rent |
If you don't meet the income requirement, you can still apply if you have savings of at least 100 times the monthly rent or prepay one year's rent.
UR welcomes foreign tenants. Requirements include:
UR provides information materials in English and Chinese, and some offices have multilingual staff. For details, visit the UR official website.
Foreign applicants may be asked to submit a copy of their residence card and an employment or enrollment certificate.
UR properties are typically older, built primarily between the 1970s and 1990s. While some units have been renovated, many retain aging fixtures and finishes. If you expect modern smart-home features or parcel lockers, private rentals may better meet your needs.
Many UR properties are located in suburban areas far from central business districts. Some units are served only by bus, so confirm commute times before applying. Popular central UR properties are highly competitive and often filled through lottery.
Many UR properties prohibit pets and restrict musical instruments. Pet-friendly units are limited, so verify restrictions before applying if you have a pet.
The two-month security deposit is larger than the typical one-month deposit in private rentals, requiring more upfront cash. However, since it's refundable, long-term economics still favor UR.
UR rental housing eliminates key money, agency fees, guarantor fees, renewal fees, and the need for a guarantor—benefits private rentals simply don't offer. For an ¥80,000/month apartment, UR saves roughly ¥160,000 in initial costs, with additional tens of thousands saved over time through eliminated renewal fees. Foreign tenants can apply with multilingual support available, making UR an excellent choice for those prioritizing upfront affordability. Review building age, location, and pet policies to ensure UR fits your lifestyle.
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