Guarantor (Hoshounin) in Japan: What It Is and How Foreigners Can Rent Without One (2026)
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?” ...