For many foreigners looking for housing in Japan, Japanese rental homes can feel somewhat unfamiliar.
Rental contracts, housing customs, and daily life rules can be very different from those overseas, so many people feel confused at first.
Many people have questions such as:

• Why are two-year rental contracts so common in Japan?
• Is it normal for apartments in Japan to come without furniture or appliances?
• Can foreigners rent a room in Japan?
• What should I do if I do not have a guarantor?
• Are garbage disposal rules really strict in Japan?
• What is checked during tenant screening?
• Do I need to set up water, electricity, gas, and internet myself?

Sorting rules, collection days, and disposal times are set by each local area.

Sorting burnable garbage, non-burnable garbage, recyclables, and other categories
Designated collection days
Morning disposal time limits

If the rules are not followed, garbage may not be collected and it can also lead to problems with neighbors.
After moving in, it is important to check the local municipal rules and get used to them as part of daily life.

In many Japanese rental properties, tenants need to arrange utility contracts themselves after moving in.

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Internet

In Japan, tenant screening is carried out before signing a rental contract. The following items are often checked:

• Income and ability to pay rent
• Residence status
• Occupation
• Credit information

Many rental contracts in Japan require a joint guarantor.
A joint guarantor is someone who becomes financially responsible if the tenant is unable to pay rent.

However, for foreigners, finding a guarantor in Japan can be difficult and may become a major barrier.
For this reason, many people need to consider options such as

• using a guarantor company
• looking for properties that do not require a guarantor

Rental contracts in Japan involve many procedures, so it usually takes some time before move-in. The general process is as follows:

• Property search
• Viewing
• Application
• Tenant screening
• Contract signing

Not all rental properties in Japan accept foreign tenants.
Applications may be rejected due to language barriers, differences in lifestyle customs, or concerns about unpaid rent.

Especially in the standard rental market, options can be limited, so it is important to choose foreigner-friendly properties or real estate companies.
Although more properties for foreigners are becoming available, narrowing down your conditions in advance can help make the housing search smoother.

In Japan, most rental apartments do not come with furniture or appliances.
After moving in, tenants often need to prepare their own refrigerator, washing machine, bed, curtains, table, and other essentials.

This is partly due to the Japanese custom of choosing your own furniture, but it can easily become a major burden for foreigners.
Especially right after arriving in Japan, purchasing, arranging delivery, and installing furniture and appliances can take time and effort, making it difficult to start daily life immediately.

For short-term stays, the cost of buying furniture and appliances for only a few months can be a heavy burden, and disposing of them when moving out can also become an issue.
For this reason, whether to choose a furnished apartment is an important decision point.

In Japan, two-year rental contracts are common and are generally designed for long-term residency.
For this reason, the contract period can become a major hurdle for foreigners planning short-term stays such as study abroad programs or working holidays.

In addition, initial costs such as deposits, key money, and agency fees are often required at the time of contract and may total around four to six months’ rent.
Some contracts may also include penalties for early cancellation, so it is important to check the contract terms in advance.

Often the best option for foreigners

• Fully furnished
• Utilities included
• No guarantor required in some cases
• Opportunities for international exchange

For short- to mid-term stays

• Lower initial costs
• Ready to move in
• Easy to relocate

View Furnished Apartments (for Short- and Mid-Term Stays)
Ready to move in, easy to relocate, and suitable for short-term contracts

For long-term living

• Greater freedom
• Usually unfurnished
• Stricter contract conditions

Find Long-Term Apartments
Ideal for those who want to stay longer and create their own lifestyle

STEP 1: Property Search
Choose your preferred area and conditions, then search for properties.

STEP 2: Viewing
Check the room in person.

STEP 3: Application
Submit the required documents.

STEP 4: Tenant Screening
Your income and residence status will be checked.

STEP 5: Contract and Move-In
After signing the contract, you can move in.

Understand garbage disposal rules
You need to follow sorting rules, collection days, and disposal times.

Set up utility contracts
Contracts for electricity, gas, and other utilities may be required.

Follow neighborhood manners
Pay attention to noise and shared spaces.

Oakhouse has a strong track record of providing housing where foreigners can live comfortably in Japan, and it is chosen by many overseas users. Even if you are worried about Japanese rental contracts or daily life rules, Oakhouse offers an environment where it is easier to start your new life smoothly.

Many properties come with essential furniture and appliances such as beds, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, desks, and curtains. This means:

• You can start living immediately after arriving in Japan
• You can reduce furniture purchase costs
• You can avoid unnecessary expenses even for short-term stays

In standard rental apartments, deposits, key money, agency fees, and other costs can make initial expenses high. At Oakhouse, many properties offer features such as

• no guarantor required
• no deposit or key money
• utilities included

Oakhouse has staff experienced in supporting foreign residents and provides assistance in English and other languages.

From housing inquiries and contract procedures to questions about daily life in Japan, it is easy to ask for support, making it easier for people who are not confident in Japanese to start their new life smoothly.

Oakhouse is home to residents from many different countries, creating an environment where you can interact not only with Japanese residents but also with people from around the world.

Through lounges and shared spaces, natural communication happens easily, making Oakhouse popular among people who want to make new friends and build a community in Japan.

Can foreigners rent a room in Japan?
Yes. Choosing foreigner-friendly properties makes the process smoother.
How much are initial costs?
In general, initial costs can be around four to six months’ rent.
What type of housing is recommended?
For short-term stays, share houses and furnished apartments are recommended.

When foreigners search for housing in Japan, they may face challenges related to:

• 1. Contracts
• 2. Costs
• 3. Furniture
• 4. Screening
• 5. Guarantors
• 6. Utilities
• 7. Daily life rules

and many other issues.
However,
choosing a share house or furnished apartment can significantly lower these hurdles.
Choose the housing option that best matches your length of stay and purpose in Japan.