Japan Rental Guarantor Fee Guide 2026: Costs, Approved Companies & No-Guarantor Options
By Ibuki — Affarah Friendly Homes · 2026-07-24
Japan Rental Guarantor Fee Guide 2026: Costs, Approved Companies & No-Guarantor Options
Short answer: In Japan, over 95% of private rental apartments require a Guarantor Company (Hoshokaisha - 保証会社). The initial guarantor fee typically ranges from 50% to 100% of your total monthly rent (including management fee), plus an annual renewal fee of ¥10,000 to ¥20,000. Renters with no Japanese guarantor or foreign credit history can either use expat-approved guarantor agencies or choose no-guarantor public housing like UR.
1. What is a Guarantor Company (Hoshokaisha)?
Historically, Japanese landlords required a personal guarantor (Hoshonin - 保証人)—usually an ethnically Japanese relative with steady taxable income in Japan. To accommodate foreign nationals and younger Japanese renters, the real estate market shifted to specialized Guarantor Companies.
A guarantor company acts as an institutional co-signer. If rent is delayed or unpaid, the company remits payment to the landlord and handles collection.
2. Guarantor Fee Structure Breakdown (2026 Rates)
| Fee Component | Typical Cost Range | Payment Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Guarantor Fee | 50% – 100% of 1 Month's Rent | Paid upfront at lease signing | Non-refundable. Covers initial screening and contract creation. |
| Annual Renewal Fee | ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 / year | Paid every 12 months | Charged on the anniversary of your move-in date. |
| Monthly Service Charge | 1% – 2% of monthly rent (or ¥300–¥800) | Billed monthly with rent | Some agencies charge a small monthly administrative handling fee. |
Example: For an apartment with ¥120,000 rent + ¥10,000 management fee (Total ¥130,000/mo):
- Upfront Initial Fee (50%): ¥65,000
- Annual Renewal Fee: ¥10,000/year
Calculate your exact move-in total using our interactive Japan Move-In Rent Calculator.
3. Top Foreigner-Friendly Guarantor Companies in Tokyo & Chiba
Not all guarantor agencies accept non-Japanese passport holders. Below are the major institutional agencies used by expat-friendly agencies:
GTN (Global Trust Networks):
- Specialization: 100% dedicated to international residents.
- Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali.
- Emergency Contact: Does NOT require a Japanese national emergency contact. Accepts overseas family contacts.
Casa Co., Ltd.:
- Specialization: Large nationwide agency with dedicated multi-lingual screening divisions.
- Typical Fee: 50% initial fee + ¥10,000 annual renewal.
Epos Card / Orico Payment:
- Specialization: Credit-card integrated guarantor programs.
- Benefits: Earn credit card rewards points on monthly rent payments.
Nihon Safety & JID (Japan Insurance Delivery):
- Standard institutional screeners required by major Japanese management companies (Kanri Kaisha).
4. No-Guarantor Rental Options in Japan
If you do not want to pay guarantor fees or lack an eligible emergency contact, consider these options:
- UR Housing (Urban Renaissance): Semi-governmental housing requiring zero guarantor, zero key money, and zero agency fees. Check if your salary or savings qualify using our free UR Housing Eligibility Calculator.
- Share Houses & Serviced Apartments: Short-term flexible rentals that bundle utilities and skip traditional screening.
Have questions about passing guarantor screening? Contact Affarah's bilingual relocation team for pre-screening assistance.