Pet-Friendly Apartment Checklist: What to Ask Before Renting in Tokyo
1. Confirm which pets are actually allowed
"Pet-friendly" doesn't always mean dogs and cats. Some buildings only allow cats, others only small dogs. Always confirm:
Dogs, cats, or both?
Any breed restrictions?
Maximum number of pets?
2. Ask about size and weight limits
Most pet-friendly apartments in Japan cap pet weight at around 10kg. If you have a medium or large dog, this can eliminate a lot of otherwise good listings. Get the exact weight limit in writing before applying.
3. Get the full cost breakdown — not just the rent
Pet-friendly apartments typically come with an extra pet deposit, separate from your regular move-in costs. This is often 0.5–1 month's rent on top of the standard deposit. Ask for:
The exact pet deposit amount
Whether it's refundable
Whether there's a separate non-refundable pet key money fee
4. Check the neighborhood, not just the building
A pet-friendly unit in a building surrounded by busy roads isn't ideal for daily walks. Wards like Setagaya, Nerima, and Suginami tend to have more parks and a quieter feel, which matters more once you're actually living there with a pet.
5. Ask about registration or proof requirements
Some buildings require pet registration, vaccination records, or even a photo of your pet on file. It's a small detail, but worth confirming upfront so you're not scrambling to gather documents after signing.
6. Read the lease termination clause for pets
A few leases include specific clauses about noise complaints or damage related to pets, with different penalty terms than a standard lease. Have this explained clearly before signing, especially if your Japanese isn't strong enough to catch the nuance.
Getting through this process with less stress
Going through all of this in a language you're not fully comfortable with is the hardest part for most foreign renters. Working with an agency that offers English-speaking support can save you from misunderstandings that are much harder to undo after you've already signed a lease.
Arealty Japan lists over 3,000 pet-friendly apartments across Tokyo, with no key money and English support throughout the process — including walking you through exactly the kind of conditions in this checklist before you apply.
Browse pet-friendly apartments in Tokyo: https://arealty.jp/listing/pet-friendly-apartments-tokyo

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