Guarantor

Quick Answer A guarantor company (保証会社, hoshogaisha) guarantees your rent to the landlord so you don’t need a personal guarantor. Cost: 50–100% of one month’s rent upfront, plus ¥10,000–20,000/year renewal. Nearly all foreigners renting in Japan use one — landlords choose the company, you pay the fee, and screening takes 1–3 days. The apartment listing looks perfect. Then the agent explains you need a guarantor — a person in Japan who legally promises to pay your rent if you can’t. You’ve been in the country three weeks. You don’t know anyone who would sign that, and honestly, you wouldn’t ask them to. ...

Quick Answer Japan’s guarantor (保証人, hoshounin) system is a major barrier for foreigners who have no Japanese contacts. The good news: rent guarantor companies (家賃保証会社) replace the personal guarantor — you pay 0.5–1 month’s rent upfront (+ annual renewal fee), and they guarantee your rent instead. UR Housing requires no guarantor or deposit. Share houses (like Oak House or Village House) also skip the guarantor system entirely. You found a great apartment in Japan. The landlord said yes. Then the real estate agent asks: “Do you have a Japanese guarantor?” ...