The Complete Guide to UR Rental Housing: Eligibility, Rent, and Application—No Key Money or Guarantor Required

What is UR Rental Housing? Key Differences from Private Rentals

UR Rental Housing (managed by the Urban Renaissance Organization) is a public rental housing program operated by the independent administrative agency UR Urban Renaissance. With approximately 710,000 units nationwide as of 2025, UR properties are abundant, particularly in major metropolitan areas.

The most significant feature compared to private rentals is that the following initial costs are completely eliminated:

• •Key Money: ¥0 (typically 1–2 months' rent in private rentals)
• •Agency Fee: ¥0 (typically 0.5–1 month's rent in private rentals)
• •Guarantor: Not Required (a joint guarantor or guarantor company enrollment is mandatory in private rentals)
• •Renewal Fee: None (typically 1 month's rent every two years in private rentals)

For example, if you rent a property with ¥70,000 monthly rent, private rentals would charge ¥140,000 extra for key money (1 month) and agency fee (1 month), but UR requires none. Since renewal fees are also waived, the longer you live in a UR property, the greater your cost savings.

Eligibility Requirements

UR rental housing has eligibility requirements. The main conditions are as follows.

Income Requirements (Monthly Income)

A certain minimum monthly income is required. Generally, your monthly income must be at least four times the monthly rent. For example, if the monthly rent is ¥60,000, an income of ¥240,000 per month (approximately ¥2.88 million annually) is the standard.

Income is verified using recent pay stubs (last 3 months), withholding tax certificates, tax returns, and similar documents.

Special Provisions for Low-Income Individuals and Seniors

If your income is limited, you may still be eligible if you meet these conditions:

• •A spouse or family member can serve as a co-obligor and combine income
• •"Senior Housing Program" for those 60 and older
• •Discount programs for households with children under 18

Nationality and Residency Status

Foreign nationals may apply, but you must have stable residency status such as permanent resident, special permanent resident, or long-term resident status. Short-term stay visas are not eligible.

Organized Crime Affiliation

Individuals affiliated with organized crime groups or anti-social organizations are not eligible.

Rent Ranges and Property Features

UR rental prices vary significantly by region and property. In Tokyo, 1K to 1DK units typically range from ¥70,000 to ¥120,000 per month, while 2LDK to 3LDK units range from ¥100,000 to ¥200,000. In regional areas, comparable properties may be more affordable than private rentals.

Many UR properties are large housing complexes, and it is common to find buildings that are 30–40 years old or older. However, many recently renovated and near-new properties are also available. Common features include:

• •Spacious grounds with abundant greenery, parking, and bicycle parking
• •Well-maintained common areas kept clean
• •Many buildings with barrier-free, accessible design
• •Some large complexes have supermarkets and childcare facilities on-site

However, many properties are located a 10–20 minute walk or more from the station, so convenience may be lower compared to private apartments near stations.

How to Find Properties and Application Process

Finding Properties

You can search for UR properties on the official UR Urban Renaissance website, "UR Housing and Living Information Portal." You can filter by prefecture, railway line, rent range, floor plan, and more.

You can also consult directly at local UR rental housing sales centers or housing information centers, where staff can recommend properties matching your needs.

Application Steps

1. Select a Property: Choose a property through the website or at a local center
2. View the Property: Schedule a free viewing of your chosen property
3. Submit Application Documents: Provide residence certificate, income verification, identification, etc.
4. Eligibility Review: UR staff verify your qualifications (typically 1–2 weeks)
5. Sign Lease: Upon approval, sign the lease and pay the security deposit
6. Key Handover and Move-In

The security deposit is typically 2 months' rent. Since key money and agency fees are waived, your total upfront costs are significantly lower than private rentals.

UR Rental Discount Programs

UR rental housing offers several discount programs that reduce your monthly rent.

Child-Rearing Discount

Households with children under 18 can receive up to 20% rent discount (varies by property).

Proximity Discount (Proximity PLUS)

When three generations—parents, children, and grandchildren—live in the same or nearby UR complex, up to 5% rent discount applies.

Senior Discount

Single seniors or couple households age 60 and older may receive a 3–5% discount.

Happy Discount

Properties with prolonged vacancies may offer limited-time discounts. Check the "Special Offers" section of the official website.

Who Should Choose UR Rental Housing

UR rental housing is particularly suitable in these situations.

Those Without a Guarantor

UR is ideal for freelancers, seniors, and foreign nationals who struggle with guarantor company requirements in private rentals.

Those Planning Long-Term Residence

Since there are no renewal fees, the longer you stay—whether 5 or 10 years—the greater your total cost savings.

Families with Children

In addition to child-rearing discounts, UR offers many spacious floor plans and some complexes include parks and childcare facilities on-site.

Seniors and Those with Mobility Challenges

Many UR properties feature barrier-free design, and some offer care monitoring services to residents.

Conversely, if you prioritize proximity to stations or want only newly built or recent properties, private rentals may offer more options.

Conclusion: Consider UR Rental Housing to Minimize Upfront Costs

UR rental housing is a public housing program with the powerful advantage of zero key money, no guarantor requirement, zero agency fees, and no renewal fees. While income requirements apply, UR can significantly reduce both upfront costs and ongoing expenses compared to private rentals.

For those seeking stable, long-term residence or those unable to secure a guarantor, UR rental housing is an excellent choice. Start by searching the official website for properties in your desired area to see if options match your needs.

Zero deposit and key money properties offer an attractive way to significantly reduce upfront costs, but there are important mechanisms and considerations you need to understand. This guide will help you grasp the total cost—including move-out expenses and additional fees—and learn expert strategies for identifying truly affordable properties.