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.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
UR (Urban Renaissance Corporation) is a rental housing provider operated by an independent administrative agency under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It manages approximately 700,000 units nationwide, primarily in major metropolitan areas, making it Japan's largest public rental housing provider.
The Three Key Features of UR Rental Housing (Three Zeros):
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.
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.
Job transfers, marriage, and lifestyle changes sometimes force you to move before your lease ends. This guide explains the rules for early lease termination, typical penalty fees, and how to avoid disputes.
Free rent is a benefit where rent becomes free for a certain period after moving in. This guide explains why landlords offer it, how it works, the going rates, and the timing and methods to win it through negotiation—explained from a professional rental industry perspective.
Additionally, no joint guarantor and no guarantor company required (provided you meet income or savings criteria), which is a significant benefit for foreign residents and many others.
Income Requirements (must meet at least one):
Standard criterion: Monthly income of at least 4 times the monthly rent (or stable regular income)
Savings criterion (alternative if income is unstable): Savings equivalent to at least 100 months of rent
Pension/regular income criterion: Monthly income of at least 3.29 times the monthly rent (or meets certain conditions)
Eligibility for Foreign Nationals:
No key money, agency fee, or renewal fee: On a 2-year lease, you save 3 months' rent (1 month key money + 1 month agency fee + 1 month renewal fee)—for an ¥80,000/month property, that's ¥240,000 in savings.
Stable property management: Because a public agency manages the properties, service tends to be more reliable than smaller private management companies. Maintenance and repairs are handled relatively promptly.
Pet-friendly units available: UR offers a good selection of pet-friendly properties (pet-cohabitation type), with more options in some areas compared to private rental markets.
Diverse floor plans and sizes: Options range from studio apartments to 3+ bedroom family units. Renovated properties (with modern, thoughtfully redesigned layouts) are increasingly available.
Older properties (higher building age): Many UR units are 30–50 years old, and their interiors and fixtures may be dated (except for renovated units).
Suburban and complex-style locations: Most units are further from central business districts with longer commute times. Many are far from train stations, and a car is convenient in some areas.
Income and savings requirements: While no guarantor or guarantor company is required, you must meet income or savings criteria. If you don't meet the requirements, you cannot apply.
Official website (ur-net.go.jp): Search UR properties nationwide. An English version is available for foreign residents to use directly. You can filter by area, floor plan, rent, building age, and pet policies.
UR Sales Centers: Visit or contact UR's directly-operated sales centers in various locations for property guidance. Some centers offer English-language support.
Major areas with abundant UR properties:
Documentation guidance for foreign nationals is primarily in Japanese, but UR's website also provides guides in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. Some UR Sales Centers have English-speaking staff.
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