How to Rent in Japan

Quick guide to Apartment renting:  On an advertisement you will see things such as "2LDK" or "1LKD" "1K" etcetera.  This is a kind of slang for example L= Living room, D=Dining room, K=Kitchen so a 2LDK apartment would have 2 bedrooms and the aforementioned.

Well, for one thing you need some form of residency paperwork.  Spousal/Dependant or a working visa will allow you to work which obviously you need to rent an apartment unless you have a husband or wife paying everything in which case, I envy you.  Some say it is hard for a Gaijin alone to get an apartment, and sometimes even if with a Japanese national, although this perception is changing.

Key Money/Deposit-  For a cheap apartment this is usually about 2,000 USD up front before you can rent... more based on the quality and price of the apartment.  2k seems to be the middle of the road though.  Along with RE agent fees and such this can be quite a big chunk.  Key Money and the RE Fee are non-refundable.  There is also a non refundable guarantor fee in most cases.

You need to get the documents in English or have enough proficiency in Japanese to read through a contract, (easier said than done) or use a translator.  This goes as a general caveat and SHOULD go without saying, but never sign anything before understanding it!

Utilities are generally not included, so you will have to get contracts for water, internet, heat, and electricity along with such things as Satellite or Cable.

You can also rent a furnished apartment without deposit from some companies, but they have a higher rate. (An efficency or "studio apartment" for about 1,000 USD per month in a less populated area or more)  They may also charge for cleanings and other similar things.  The main downside of this type of housing is that the rate for a larger "regular" apartment can be quite a bit less over time.