Can You Rent an Apartment in Shibuya Without a Guarantor?

 One of the biggest concerns for foreign renters looking at Shibuya is the guarantor requirement. Traditionally, Japanese landlords wanted a local guarantor, usually a relative or close contact, who would be legally responsible for the rent if a tenant failed to pay. For newcomers to Japan, that requirement alone used to rule out a lot of otherwise good apartments.

Why This Is Less of a Barrier Than It Used to Be

Guarantor companies have become the norm

Most landlords and agencies in Shibuya today accept a guarantor company (hoshou gaisha) instead of a personal guarantor. These companies charge a fee, typically 50 to 100 percent of one month's rent at contract signing, plus a smaller annual renewal fee, and take on the guarantor role in place of a relative or friend.

Screening still applies

A guarantor company does not mean approval is automatic. Applicants still go through a screening process that checks income, employment status, and visa type. Stable full-time employment or a clear income source makes approval smoother.


What Foreign Renters Should Expect

  • Most standard listings in Shibuya already assume a guarantor company will be used, so this is rarely a special request
  • Some agencies specialize in foreigner-friendly properties and pre-vet listings for guarantor company compatibility
  • A small number of premium or owner-managed units may still ask for a personal guarantor, so it is worth confirming this early in the process rather than after falling in love with a unit

Documents That Typically Speed Up Approval

  • Valid passport and residence card
  • Proof of employment or enrollment (work contract, student ID, or company letter)
  • Recent proof of income, such as a pay slip or bank statement

Having these ready before viewings, rather than scrambling after finding a unit, makes a real difference in a competitive market like Shibuya.

Where to Read the Full Process

Arealty's step-by-step foreigner rental guide breaks down exactly how guarantor company screening works and what documents different agencies tend to ask for.

If you are looking for Shibuya apartments without a guarantor issue getting in the way, most current listings are already set up to work with guarantor companies by default. You can check current Shibuya listings to see which ones are open to foreign applicants right now.

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