The column for foreign residents in Japan

Apartment hunting moves through sorting conditions, viewings, screening, signing, and move-in — preparing documents early is the key to a fast process.

An overview of the documents needed for a lease — residence card, residency certificate, proof of income — and how to obtain each one.

How guarantor companies work, typical costs, and what to do if you don't have a joint guarantor.

What the security deposit, key money, and renewal fee mean, and typical amounts for each.

What's checked during tenant screening, and how to prepare to make it go smoothly.

The lease signing process, centered on the explanation of important matters, and what to check in the special provisions.

Basic everyday rules after moving in — garbage sorting, noise consideration, and move-out notice.

How furnished apartments and monthly rentals differ from a regular lease.

The basics of reading floor plan notation like 1K and 1LDK, plus tatami and square-meter measurements.

How move-out restoration works, the deposit settlement process, and what to watch for.

How to make good use of online viewings, and the right timing for signing once you arrive.

How corporate contracts work when the company is the tenant, and how they differ from an individual lease.

The process and precautions for setting up electricity, gas, water, and internet.

Municipal procedures after moving in, including the move-in notification and updating your residence card address.

How to organize your contacts for when something goes wrong — management company, 24-hour support, and more.

The lease rules to check before adding a housemate.

The typical renewal process, and how it differs from re-contracting.

How to choose movers, dispose of bulky waste, and overlap your move-out and move-in dates.

The basics of disaster preparedness — checking hazard maps and stocking emergency supplies.

From giving move-out notice to stopping utilities and wrapping up mail and bank accounts.

The features of direct debit, bank transfer, and credit card payment, and what to do if a payment might be late.

The basics of using home equipment like water heaters, air conditioners, and bathroom dryers.

Why condensation and mold happen, and daily habits for ventilation and humidity control.

What to look for when apartment hunting with a family, and how school districts work.

What to check when searching for a pet-friendly property, and the rules once you've moved in.

The basics of bicycle and car parking, and what's worth checking in advance.

How to use nameplates and delivery boxes, and what to do when a missed-delivery notice arrives.

The difference between what's already installed in a rental and what you'll need to buy yourself.

Why subletting is banned, and how it differs from simply having guests stay over.

What to prepare before leaving your room empty for an extended period.

The basics of using the bath and toilet — the reheating function, washlets, and 24-hour ventilation.

Futons versus beds, how to use oshiire closets, and the basics of humidity control.

Humidity control from the rainy season through summer, and habits that help prevent insects.

How contracted amperage and circuit breakers work, and how to change your capacity.

Making spare keys, what to do if you lose one, and how to handle being locked out of an auto-lock building.

The custom of greeting neighbors when you move in, the right timing, and typical small gifts.

Who you can talk to early if paying rent is starting to look difficult.

How to decide, at renewal time, whether to stay or move to a new place.

Home buying for foreign nationals, and how permanent residency relates to mortgage screening.

A neutral look at housing options available without a guarantor or guarantor company.

From installing a washing machine to balcony drying, bathroom dryers, and coin laundromats.

The features of air conditioners, kotatsu, and heaters, and ways to keep utility bills down.

How share houses work, with a private room plus shared spaces managed by an operator.

Constructive next steps to consider if you don't pass guarantor company screening.

How tenant liability and contents insurance work, and why it's nearly mandatory in a lease.

How zero-deposit, zero-key-money properties keep initial costs down, and what to watch for.

How to choose a home in Tokyo based on commute time and train line characteristics.

Multilingual support services available through local governments, international associations, and embassies.

How IT-based important matters explanations and electronic contracts work under Japanese law.

Tips for communicating with a Japanese real estate agency by phone, email, and chat.