The rent for private rental housing varies greatly depending on the area and the condition of the building. When searching for housing, we recommend that you go with someone who is familiar with the housing situation in Japan, such as a guarantor or a Japanese friend. At the university, Aoyama Gakuin University Purchasing Association helps international students find housing.
Many international students live in private rental properties. The university does not arrange rental properties, but Aoyama Gakuin Purchasing Association（ivycs）Club's Real Estate Team can introduce relatively inexpensive properties. The International Center also posts information about accommodations for international students from local governments and various organizations. Please check the student portal and bulletin boards for each student.

Aoyama Gakuin University Purchasing Association Real Estate Team

You can search for properties from real estate agents affiliated with the University on the Purchasing Association's website.

It is common to search for housing through a real estate agent. Rent varies greatly between big cities and rural areas, and the amount also varies depending on the age of the building, the size of the room, the facilities, and transportation access. When renting a room, there are unique Japanese customs such as a deposit and key money, so be prepared to understand any terminology that may be required in the housing contract. In most cases, you will also need a guarantor in Japan; please refer to "Things to note when moving in" for more information. Be sure to fully understand the contents of the rental contract before signing a housing contract.

Real estate terms you may encounter when searching for a room

Deposit: A security deposit for overdue rent or damage to the room. When you move out, the remaining amount minus repair costs is usually returned. The amount is generally about 1-2 months' rent, but some properties do not require a deposit. If there is no deposit, you may be required to pay the actual costs incurred when moving out.
Key money: A lump sum paid to the landlord when signing a contract. The amount is usually about one to two months' rent. It is not refunded even if you move out. Some properties do not require key money.
Brokerage fee: A fee paid to a real estate company when renting a room through them.

Initial cost example

Example of initial costs: For a rental property with a rent of 65,000 yen
* Deposit and key money vary depending on the property. Brokerage fees vary depending on the broker you use.

Things to note when moving in

When renting an apartment in Japan, you need a "joint guarantor (hereafter referred to as guarantor)." It is common to ask a relative or acquaintance who has Japanese nationality and a certain income, but if you are unable to find one yourself, real estate agents may introduce you to a private guarantor company (rent guarantee system *fee required). Recently, however, it has become more common to not require a guarantor, but to enter into a contract with a private guarantor company and then be asked to provide an "emergency contact." If you do not have anyone you can ask to be your emergency contact, please consult the International Center.
Rent is often paid monthly in advance. Repeated failure to pay rent may result in you being asked to move out, and may mean that you will not be able to rent rooms to international students in the future, which will also be detrimental to younger international students. Please make sure to pay your rent on time by the designated date each month.
If you plan to live with someone else in a room you have rented under your name, you need to get the landlord's consent in advance. Please be aware that if you live in the room without consent, you may be subject to a penalty. The same applies if you live in a room rented by a friend. (You must also get permission from the landlord in advance if you are letting someone other than yourself (family, relatives, friends, etc.) stay there for an extended period of time.) Additionally, you cannot hand over a property you have signed a lease on to someone else without going through the necessary procedures. Please consult with the landlord in advance.
In recent years, there have been many reports of problems with rental properties that do not require a deposit or key money (such as having the lock changed if the rent payment is one day late, or being charged a large amount for cleaning when moving out). Additionally, grease stains in the kitchen are often a problem. It is a good idea to get into the habit of keeping the place clean at all times, such as always turning on the exhaust fan when cooking, not pouring oil down the kitchen sink, and wiping up any oil that splashes onto the walls or countertops when cooking.
When signing a lease for housing, be sure to read the lease carefully and check any questions you have before signing, such as whether there are any fees you have to pay when you move out.

Student dormitory

This is a co-ed dormitory intended to reduce the financial burden on students and promote the personal development of fellow residents.

There are dormitories for international students run by off-campus organizations. Please inquire about whether they are looking for tenants and the rent.

Accommodations that can only be applied for through universities: Program to accept international students in company dormitories (Foundation for Corporate Cooperation Promotion for International Students)

This is a program where private companies accept international students into their employee dormitories under the same conditions as their employees. Unlike private rental properties (condominiums or apartments), students are required to live according to the rules of each dormitory. Compared to private rental properties, these dormitories have lower rent, a manager is always present, and the buildings and rooms are kept clean.
When a company offers to provide a room, we will announce the recruitment on the student portal and message boards.

Accommodations that students can apply for directly

There are dormitories for international students run by off-campus organizations. Please inquire about whether they are looking for tenants and the rent.

If you come to Japan and settle down

If you were issued a residence card at the port of entry/departure within 14 days of finding a place to live, you should take your residence card to the city/ward/town hall of your area of residence and submit a "Moving In Notification" and "Notification of Place of Residence" (if you were not issued a residence card at the port of entry/departure, your residence card will be mailed to you by registered mail from the Immigration Bureau after you notify your place of residence to the city/ward/town hall).

If you are already living in Japan and are moving

If you move, go to the city, town or village office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence within 14 days and submit a "moving-in notification." Note that the procedure differs depending on where you are moving. Please refer to the following to complete the procedure.

Once you have completed the procedure for moving, your new address will be printed on the back of your residence card. In either case, if you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance System, please bring your insurance card with you when you complete the procedure for moving and complete the necessary procedures.

*If you have settled on a place of residence or moved, please complete the following procedures.
1) Report your new address to the International Center of your campus (either in person or by email)
② Update your registration information via "My Profile" on the student portal