What should we do?
We need a home in Japan.
We support your rental process in Japan.
Making Your Home Search in Japan Easier
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE SEARCH BY SMART RELOCATEWhat should we do?
We need a home in Japan.
Finding a home in Japan from overseas can be more challenging than you might expect.
At Smart Relocate, we check whether properties you find accept applications from overseas and support you throughout the screening, contract, and move-in process.
Finding a home in Japan from overseas can be more challenging than you might expect.
At Smart Relocate, we check whether properties you find accept applications from overseas and support you throughout the screening, contract, and move-in process.
Do any of these sound familiar?
I’ve contacted Japanese real estate agencies from overseas, but they couldn’t help me.
I want to secure a rental home before arriving in Japan.
I want to move into my new home as soon as I arrive.
I need help with room measurements and setting up utilities such as water, electricity, and gas.
We help you prepare for your move so you can start your new life in Japan smoothly.
Why Expats Trust Smart Relocate
Real-time Availability Check
We promptly check whether properties listed on Japanese real estate websites are still available, helping you avoid wasting time on listings that are no longer active.
Overseas Application Support
We contact property management companies and landlords to confirm whether applications from overseas are accepted. We also check the required documents and screening conditions in advance.
Remote Contract Support
We assist with document preparation, online explanations of important lease terms, and contract procedures while you are overseas. With our Standard Plan or above, we can also arrange international delivery of contract documents when needed.
A Smooth Start Upon Arrival
Depending on your needs, we can arrange key handover at the property or airport, helping you settle into your new home smoothly after arriving in Japan.
How We Compare
| Service Features | Standard Real Estate Agents | Smart Relocate |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Application & Screening Support | × Rarely allowed | ✓ Expert negotiation |
| Online Viewing & Contract | △ Often slow or unavailable | ✓ 100% Remote Ready |
| Utility Setup (Water/Gas/Electricity) | × DIY only | ✓ Included in Standard & Premium |
| Key Handoff Options | Store Pickup Only | Airport, Property, or Store |
| Brokerage Fee | 1.1 Month's Rent | Brokerage Fee Included |
*Standard real estate agencies may charge a separate brokerage fee. Depending on the monthly rent, Smart Relocate may offer lower overall costs.
Service Plans
Basic
90,000JPY (+tax)
Brokerage Fee Included
Essential support for those who need assistance with rental procedures.
- Online Viewing (1 day)
- Overseas Application
& Screening Support - Lease Agreement Assistance (English Available)
- Key Handover at the Property
MOST POPULAR
Standard
120,000JPY (+tax)
Brokerage Fee Included
Our most popular plan, providing comprehensive support through move-in.
- Online Viewing (2 days)
- International Delivery of Contract Documents
- Room Measurements
- Utility Setup (Water/Gas/Electricity)
- Key Handover at the Airport or Property
Premium
Custom Quote
Brokerage Fee Included
Customized support based on your property requirements and individual needs.
- All Standard Plan Services
- Corporate Lease Coordination
- Package Receiving & Installation Attendance
- Additional Customized Services
Main Procedure
From application to lease
01
Find a Property
02 
Online Viewing
03 
Submit an Application
04 
Sign the contract
05 
Payment for
initial fees
Here we go!
To Japan!
Find Your Ideal Property
If you find a property you like on a Japanese real estate website, such as SUUMO or at home, please send us the property URL.
We will check its availability, rental conditions, and whether applications from overseas are accepted.
We will also guide you through the required documents and procedures, supporting you from application and contract signing through to move-in.
Speedy Response
We use online tools to help you check property availability and complete lease procedures smoothly, even while you are overseas.
Digital signatures and other online procedures make it possible to proceed with contracts before arriving in Japan.
Bank transfers are the most common payment method for rental contracts in Japan. We can also advise you on payment options from overseas. Credit card payments are available, subject to an additional 3% processing fee.
We also assist with applications for household insurance and rent guarantee services when needed.
We make finding a home from overseas even easier.
Rental Contract Service
Includes Brokerage Fee!
While many real estate agencies charge a separate brokerage fee, all Smart Relocate service plans include the brokerage fee in their pricing.
Our clear pricing structure helps keep initial costs down while providing reliable support throughout your rental process.
Move-in Support
We help you prepare for a smooth start in your new home in Japan. Support is available in both Japanese and English.
We assist with move-in procedures and provide useful information to help you settle in. *For maintenance issues or problems with the property after move-in, please contact the property management company directly.
- Which areas do you cover?
- Our main service areas are Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Ibaraki Prefectures (excluding certain areas).
We may also be able to assist in other parts of the Kanto region. Please feel free to contact us.
- What services and pricing plans do you offer?
- We offer three service plans — Basic, Standard, and Premium — depending on the level of support you need.
Please refer to the pricing table above for details of our services and fees.
- Is an additional brokerage fee required?
- No. The brokerage fee is already included in all Smart Relocate service plans, so there is no additional brokerage fee.
Other initial costs, such as security deposits, key money, and rent guarantee company fees, are charged separately.
- How can I find a property?
- If you find a property you like on a Japanese real estate website, such as SUUMO or at home, please send us the property URL.
We can also suggest properties based on your preferences.
Once you have selected potential properties, we will check their availability, rental conditions, and whether applications from overseas are accepted.
We will guide you through the required documents and procedures, supporting you from application and contract signing through to move-in.
- Do I need a guarantor?
- Many rental properties in Japan require tenants to use a rent guarantee company instead of providing a personal guarantor. Therefore, it is often possible to rent a property without a personal guarantor. Requirements vary depending on the property, so we will confirm them in advance.
- Can a property be held until I arrive in Japan?
- It is generally difficult to hold a property for an extended period without payment. Landlords often require the lease to begin within a certain period after the application. We recommend planning the timing of your application based on your expected arrival date in Japan.
- Can I sign a lease while living overseas?
- Even if the leaseholder remains overseas, it may still be possible to sign a lease, depending on the property and the screening requirements of the rent guarantee company. We will confirm the circumstances of the leaseholder and occupants and check with the property management company. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your situation.
- How can I receive the keys to my new home?
- We will arrange key handover based on the property and your arrival schedule. In addition to collection at our office, we can also arrange key handover at the property or airport upon request.
- What documents are required to apply for a rental property from overseas?
- The required documents vary depending on the property and rent guarantee company, but generally include:
- Identification (passport, Japanese driver’s license, etc.)
- Proof of employment (employment certificate or similar documents)
- Proof of income
- Emergency contact information in Japan
- Any additional documents required by the property management company or rent guarantee company
We will confirm the specific requirements for each property and guide you through the necessary documents.
- Can I sign a lease under a company name?
- Yes, we also assist with corporate lease agreements. Corporate applications may require company information, corporate registration documents, and details of the occupants. Since the required documents and lease conditions vary depending on the property and management company, we will confirm them in advance.
Properties
CONTACT
