Intro: Why “No Guarantor” Rentals Are So Hard for Foreigners
If you’ve tried renting an apartment in Japan and discovered that every property demands a guarantor (連帯保証人), you’re not alone.
For most foreigners, finding a Japanese guarantor is nearly impossible:
- No family in Japan
- No long-term Japanese contacts
- No one willing to take legal responsibility for your rent
And yet, landlords keep asking for it.
Good news:
You can rent an apartment in Japan without a guarantor—if you understand how the system actually works.
Even better:
Professionals like ☆RentAssist☆ specialize in “no-guarantor-required” rentals and can match you with buildings that officially accept foreign tenants without a personal guarantor.
This is your complete guide to making it happen.
## Causes: Why Japan Requires Guarantors (And Why It Hurts Foreign Renters)
1. Landlords fear “unpaid rent” more than anything
The Japanese rental system is deeply risk-averse.
Landlords prefer stability over profit.
A guarantor is essentially insurance that the rent will always be paid.
2. Foreigners often lack long-term ties in Japan
For landlords, stability = roots in Japan.
If you:
- Just arrived in Japan
- Have unknown employment stability
- Have a visa with an upcoming renewal
→ Landlords become cautious.
3. Communication risks increase landlord anxiety
If the landlord thinks you may:
- Not understand building rules
- Not respond to notifications
- Leave Japan suddenly
They reject the application unless someone takes responsibility on your behalf.
4. Guarantor companies exist, but some landlords still prefer “real people”
Even though guarantor companies (保証会社) are common:
- Some landlords still require a personal Japanese guarantor
- Some buildings have policies that cannot be bypassed
- Some owners simply had bad experiences in the past
This is why property selection matters more than anything.
## Why Japan-Specific: The Guarantor System Doesn’t Exist Like This Overseas
In most countries:
- If you have money, you rent the apartment
- “Credit score” replaces guarantors
- Deposits solve risk issues
In Japan:
- The landlord chooses tenants based on trust
- Stability matters more than income
- Long-term residency is expected
- Cultural norms play a major role
Foreigners entering this system without guidance frequently get rejected despite being fully capable tenants.
## Step-by-Step Fix: How to Rent an Apartment Without a Guarantor
Step 1: Use a guarantor company (保証会社) that accepts foreign tenants
These companies legally replace a personal guarantor:
- GTN (Global Trust Network) — very foreigner-friendly
- JID
- Casa
- Orico
Most require:
- Residence card
- Employment contract
- Proof of income
Approval through these companies dramatically increases your chances.
Step 2: Choose properties that officially “don’t require personal guarantors”
Some buildings are designed for:
- Foreign professionals
- International students
- Long-term visitors
- Tenants without Japanese contacts
But these are not always listed clearly on major rental websites.
👉 This is why ☆RentAssist☆ is effective
They maintain private lists of “guarantor-free” buildings and know which landlords already work with foreign residents.
Step 3: Strengthen your application with documentation
Prepare:
- Salary certificate (給与明細)
- Bank balance screenshot
- Work contract
- Japanese phone number
- Emergency contact in Japan (even coworker is OK)
Even in no-guarantor properties, your strength as a tenant matters.
Step 4: Offer a higher deposit (if needed)
If the landlord is unsure but not fully rejecting:
- Offering an extra month of deposit
- Paying the first 3 months upfront
…can help overcome their anxiety.
Step 5: Apply through an English-speaking rental agent
This step increases approval chances by 70–90%:
- They communicate with the landlord on your behalf
- They explain cultural rules
- They navigate guarantor company paperwork
- They negotiate exceptions you cannot request directly
Especially when it comes to “no guarantor” properties,
agents like ☆RentAssist☆ know exactly which buildings work.
## Best Option for Renting Without a Guarantor
👉 Use an English-friendly service like ☆RentAssist☆
Why?
- They specialize in foreigners
- They know foreigner-friendly buildings
- They directly negotiate no-guarantor approval
- They avoid buildings that reject foreigners outright
- They save you weeks of wasted applications
For most foreign residents, this is the fastest path to securing an apartment in Japan.
## How to Avoid Problems After Moving In
1. Learn the building rules early
Trash separation and noise rules often cause misunderstandings.
2. Inform the landlord of small issues before they grow
This reduces risk of conflict.
3. Always keep a reachable emergency contact
Even a coworker helps.
4. Renew your visa early
Landlords panic when a tenant’s visa is close to expiring.
## FAQ
Q: Can I rent without a guarantor if I just arrived in Japan?
Yes, but expect stricter document checks.
Q: Can a company act as my guarantor?
Sometimes. Your employer may agree.
Q: Is a guarantor company enough?
For most modern buildings, yes.
Q: Can foreign students rent without a guarantor?
Yes—through foreigner-friendly apartments, especially via ☆RentAssist☆.
Conclusion
Renting an apartment without a guarantor in Japan is absolutely possible—if you choose the right properties and follow the right process.
The key is not to “force your application” on random listings,
but to apply only to buildings that already expect foreign tenants.
👉 For the smoothest experience, apply through ☆RentAssist☆,
which handles the entire process and matches you with landlord-approved, foreigner-friendly properties.
