Intro: The Real Reason Your Rental Application Keeps Getting Rejected
If you’re a foreign resident trying to rent an apartment in Japan, you’ve probably already discovered this harsh truth:
you can have money, a stable job, and perfect documents—and still get rejected.
It feels personal.
It feels unfair.
And it feels completely confusing.
But here’s the reality almost no one explains:
Most rental applications in Japan are rejected not because of “you,”
but because you unknowingly broke an invisible, unwritten rule of the Japanese rental system.
This guide exposes those rules, explains why landlords hesitate with foreign tenants, and shows you exactly how to fix the most common causes of rejection.
And most importantly:
👉 If you want to skip the trial-and-error and get an apartment smoothly,
you can apply through an English-speaking rental agency like ☆RentAssist☆,
which specializes in foreign tenants and works directly with landlords who actually accept non-Japanese renters.
## Causes: The Real Reasons Foreigners Get Rejected
1. The landlord thinks communication may be difficult
It has nothing to do with your personality.
It’s simply this:
Most landlords are elderly.
Most do not speak English.
Most want a tenant who can communicate instantly if something breaks, leaks, or needs repair.
If they imagine:
- “What if they don’t understand notifications?”
- “What if something breaks and they can’t explain it?”
- “What if they ignore building communication?”
→ They reject the application.
Even if your Japanese is decent, they don’t know that.
2. No Japanese guarantor (連帯保証人)
Many landlords still prefer:
- A Japanese national
- With a stable income
- Who can cover rent if you disappear
Foreigners rarely have this.
Even with a guarantor company (保証会社), some landlords still prefer a Japanese co-signer.
3. Short employment period in Japan
If you’ve been in Japan for less than 6–12 months, you are considered “unstable” by rental standards.
Landlords ask:
- Will you stay long enough?
- Will your visa renew?
- Will your job contract end?
4. Using a foreign bank or foreign phone number
This surprises many foreigners.
You may get rejected if:
- Your bank account is not Japanese
- Your phone number is not Japanese
- Your emergency contact is abroad
Landlords want local stability.
5. The apartment simply doesn’t accept foreigners
This is not always discrimination.
Some landlords had:
- Tenants who left the country without notice
- Tenants who couldn’t read waste separation rules
- Tenants who never replied to building notifications
They then decide:
“No more foreigners.”
You can’t fix this.
You just need a different property.
## Why Renting in Japan Is Completely Different From Other Countries
1. Renting is based on “trustworthiness,” not income
In many countries:
If you have money → you get the apartment.
In Japan:
If the landlord trusts you → you get the apartment.
Income alone is not enough.
2. Foreign tenants are seen as “high risk” by default
Even if unfair, landlords assume:
- You might leave Japan suddenly
- You may not understand cultural rules
- You may not know how to manage small issues yourself
- You may struggle with communication
3. Japan has strict apartment rules
Foreigners often violate these without knowing:
- Trash separation
- Quiet hours
- Balcony usage
- Bike registration
- Pet restrictions
- Guest policies
A misunderstanding becomes:
“Foreigners cause problems.”
## Step-by-Step Fix: How to Finally Get Approved
Step 1: Prepare these three documents before applying
You will massively increase approval chances if you prepare:
- Employment contract
- Residence card (zairyu card)
- Proof of income (給与明細 or bank balance)
Optional but powerful:
- A short self-introduction in Japanese
- A Japanese-speaking emergency contact
- Proof you stayed long-term in previous residences
Step 2: Use a guarantor company (保証会社)
Most modern rentals require it, and it helps foreigners get approved.
Make sure your agent applies with:
- JID
- Casa
- Orico
- Global Trust Network (GTN – foreigner friendly)
These companies reduce landlord risk.
Step 3: Expand your search to foreigner-friendly properties
This single step increases approval chances from 10–20% → 80–90%.
Properties that accept foreign tenants exist.
But they are not advertised clearly on Japanese portals.
👉 This is why using ☆RentAssist☆ is highly effective
They only show apartments where foreign tenants are actively welcomed, not reluctantly tolerated.
Step 4: Avoid these phrases when contacting landlords
Never say:
- “I don’t know how long I’ll stay in Japan.”
- “I’m not sure if my visa will renew.”
- “I travel a lot so I may be away often.”
These are red flags.
Instead say:
- “I plan to live in Japan long-term.”
- “My company supports my residence.”
- “I am looking for a quiet, stable place to live.”
Step 5: Apply with a Japanese-speaking rental agent
Even if you speak Japanese, a Japanese agent removes landlord anxiety.
Agents with foreigner experience understand:
- Which landlords say “no foreigners”
- Which buildings require no guarantor
- Which properties have foreigner-friendly management companies
You cannot know this alone.
## Best Option for Foreign Renters (Foreigner-Friendly Path to Approval)
If you want the simplest, fastest way to get approved:
👉 Apply through an English-speaking agency like ☆RentAssist☆
Because they:
- Work directly with landlords who accept foreigners
- Explain cultural rules on your behalf
- Handle communication and paperwork
- Negotiate approval even if your profile is weak
- Find apartments that do not require a guarantor
They eliminate 90% of the “invisible reasons” for rejection.
## How to Avoid Long-Term Problems After Moving In
1. Learn the top 5 rental rules that foreigners often break
- Trash separation (燃えるごみ/不燃ごみ)
- Noise rules after 10 PM
- No shoes inside
- Reporting issues early
- Not blocking balcony drainage
These rules matter more than you think.
2. Always reply to building notices
Even a simple “了解しました” (I understand) helps.
3. Keep your emergency contact updated
If the landlord cannot reach you → problems begin.
## FAQ
Q: Can I rent an apartment without a Japanese guarantor?
Yes. Some properties allow it, especially when applying through ☆RentAssist☆.
Q: Can I use a foreign bank account for rent?
Most landlords require a Japanese bank account.
A rental agent will guide you on acceptable options.
Q: Why was I rejected even though I have stable income?
Probably an issue of landlord trust, not finances.
Q: Can I rent with a short-term visa?
Usually no.
Most require mid-term or long-term residency.
Conclusion
Renting an apartment in Japan is not a straightforward process—especially for foreigners.
But with the right strategy, the right documents, and the right rental agent, approval becomes not only possible but smooth.
If you want a stress-free and foreigner-friendly renting experience in Japan:
👉 Use an English-speaking service like ☆RentAssist☆
They handle everything landlords worry about—and dramatically increase your chances of approval.
