First time renting in Tokyo?
Here are 21 answers.

Viewing → application → screening → signing → move-in. From first contact to keys typically 3–4 weeks. We walk you through every step in your language.

As fast as 2 weeks (property decided, docs ready) or up to a month (with screening or visa issuance). For overseas applications, allow 6 weeks.

Yes. We offer video tours (consultant on-site live) + online e-signing. Over 30 clients this year have picked up keys directly on arrival.

Weekday evenings before 19:00 / weekend daytime. Some management companies close on Sundays — we'll coordinate.

Typically 4–6× monthly rent. Example: rent ¥150,000 → initial ¥600,000–900,000. Includes deposit / key money / brokerage / guarantor fee / fire insurance / key exchange / first-month rent.

Deposit = refundable security (returned after move-out, minus repairs); Key money = a non-refundable 'thank-you' to the landlord; Renewal fee = 1 month's rent every 2 years. About half of SettleTokyo's curated listings are 'zero-zero' (no deposit, no key money).

A few. Usually the cost is recovered elsewhere (higher renewal fee, higher guarantor fee). Look at 'total initial cost', not just brokerage.

Initial costs are usually paid upfront. A few properties accept credit card installments — case by case.

Residence card (copy), passport, hanko (we can arrange), income proof (payslip / employment letter / bank balance), residence card or planned address. Students: student ID + admission letter.

You can apply, but success rates are lower. Need: a Japan-based guarantor or company, passport, planned flight, employment / admission letter. We'll evaluate case by case.

Not needed at signing. But first month's rent is usually cash or overseas wire. From month 2 it's typically direct debit, so open an account within a week of arrival.

What we do — we find Japan rentals that don't require a Japanese guarantor.

Yes. Key: income proof + prepayment (up to 6 months) + emergency contact. We pre-evaluate so you don't waste your screening fee.

Guarantor fee fully refunded, application fee fully refunded; brokerage isn't charged until signing. So if screening fails, you lose time but not money.

Guarantor company: same day to 3 business days. Landlord: 1–3 business days. Results within a week at the latest.

We provide line-by-line translation in English/Chinese plus consultant walkthroughs. Key clauses (termination, repairs, move-out) are highlighted in red.

Standard is 2 years. Early termination usually needs 1 month's notice. Short-term contracts (under 1 year) may carry penalties — we'll make this clear before signing.

Yes, typically within 2 weeks of screening approval. Beyond that you'd pay 'holding rent' — we'll negotiate with the landlord.

Requires a 'pets OK' property — only ~15% of Tokyo listings allow. Deposit usually +1 month (pet security). SettleTokyo has a pets-OK filter.

Remote work is fine. 'Corporate registration' needs landlord consent — most residential properties don't allow it; you'd need a SOHO-allowed property.

In principle, normal wear and tear (yellowed wallpaper, light tatami wear) is the landlord's responsibility; intentional or negligent damage (wall holes, burn marks) is yours. Costs are deducted from your deposit, and the remainder is refunded. We'll do a walk-through with you before move-out.