Arranging Employee Housing in Japan: A Checklist for Overseas Companies

Identify the contracting company

Start by identifying the legal entity that will sign the lease, the employees who will live in the property and your company contact. If a Japanese entity has not yet been established, explain the situation at the outset. Acceptance and screening documents depend on the landlord, property manager and other parties involved.

Share the housing requirements

Useful information includes the workplace, commuting preferences, rent budget, target move-in date, headcount and whether employees will live alone or with family. Share relevant company housing rules before comparing properties. An initial inquiry is welcome even when some details remain undecided.

Check the lease type and costs

Japan has ordinary and fixed-term building leases. A stated contract period does not by itself mean that a lease is fixed-term. A fixed-term lease generally ends at expiry; continued occupancy requires an agreed new contract. Review the lease type, renewal or re-contracting provisions, early termination and initial costs for the property. Reference: Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Fixed-Term Building Lease Q&A (Japanese).

MLIT reference (Japanese)

Confirm communication arrangements

REI Estate welcomes corporate housing inquiries from outside Japan. If you would like to communicate in English, please let us know. We will explain the available arrangements for your inquiry. The language of documents and explanations is confirmed for each case.

Contact REI Estate

We welcome inquiries from overseas companies about employee housing and offices in Japan. REI Estate handles property introductions and brokerage. We explain the contracting entity, required documents and payment methods for each case. Share your preferred area, budget and timing where known.