How Foreigners Can Safely Find Rentals in Japan: Spotting Dangerous Real Estate Agents

This article outlines essential tips for foreigners to avoid real estate scams in Japan. From unlicensed agencies to fake listings and hidden costs, understanding these red flags can protect you. Learn how to rent safely and find trusted housing support.

✅ Table of Contents

The Dangers of Unlicensed Real Estate Agents
Cases of Unexpected High Charges
Scams Involving Nonexistent Properties
Specific Issues and Advice for Foreign Tenants
How to Choose a Reliable Real Estate Agency & About CK Corporation

The Dangers of Unlicensed Real Estate Agents

In Japan, operating as a real estate agency requires a national or prefectural license (宅地建物取引業免許). Agents without this license may ignore laws and offer no protection in case of problems. Avoid dealing with them under any circumstance.

How to check for a license:
Look for the “Real Estate Agent License Board” displayed in their office. You can also verify their license on Japan’s Ministry of Land website.

There have been reports of agents taking deposit money without having a license, then disappearing. Always check the license number and agency name before proceeding.

Cases of Unexpected High Charges

Initial rental costs in Japan can be complex and expensive, which often causes confusion for foreigners. Some dishonest agents take advantage of this to demand unjustified high fees after the agreement.

Examples of excessive charges:

Key exchange fee: Normally ¥15,000–¥30,000, but charged ¥50,000+
Cleaning fee: ¥100,000+ charged without clear terms in the contract
Disinfection or 24-hour support: Unnecessary but treated as mandatory

In some cases, agents claim extra costs with statements like “Special guarantee needed for foreigners” to charge more than usual.

Key precautions:
・Ask for a detailed cost breakdown in your language before signing
・Ensure items are clearly marked as “optional” or “required”
・Always request a written receipt (in English or Japanese) after payment

Charges that are not contractually stated can be legally disputed. To avoid this, have a trusted third party review the terms—such as a Japanese friend or an expert rental support agency like CK Corporation.

While CK Corporation cannot review contracts or handle disputes, they exclusively introduce verified, trustworthy agents who avoid these practices.

Scams Involving Nonexistent Properties

When foreigners search for housing in Japan, especially through the internet or social media, they often encounter ads for “cheap and beautiful” apartments. Some of these listings are scams involving nonexistent properties.

Typical scam flow:

An ad is posted for a dream property with no guarantor needed and low rent
After inquiry, the agent says “It’s very popular, pay a deposit quickly”
After payment, the agent disappears or switches to another property

This is known as a “bait property” tactic, where fake listings are used to collect deposits or fees fraudulently.

How to identify these scams:

Check if the same property is listed on other trusted real estate websites
Use Google Maps to verify the building’s address and existence
Be cautious if the agent pressures you to pay immediately
Verify the agency’s license number and business name

Advertising fake listings is illegal in Japan and punishable by law.
CK Corporation only introduces properties that are verified and currently available, ensuring peace of mind for foreign renters.

How to Choose a Reliable Real Estate Agency & About CK Corporation

To rent with confidence in Japan, choosing a trustworthy real estate company is essential. This section outlines how to identify a good agency and introduces CK Corporation, a company that supports foreign residents.

5 signs of a reliable real estate company:

Clearly displays a valid real estate license number
Transparent pricing and no forced add-on services
Positive reviews and reputation (check on Google Maps, etc.)
Experience with foreign clients and multilingual support
Contracts and documents are clearly explained or translated

Such agencies are better prepared to support you and resolve issues if they arise.

About CK Corporation

CK Corporation is a human resource agency specializing in support for foreign residents. They introduce only licensed and verified rental partners to help foreigners secure safe, comfortable housing.

Key features:

Housing info tailored for foreign residents in Japan
No “bait listings” or unlicensed agents
Multilingual support staff available
Recommendations that suit working visa holders

Visit CK Corporation’s official site here

“Finding a home” and “finding a job” both start with choosing the right partner.
CK Corporation proudly supports foreigners beginning life in Japan.

* This article was translated using AI and may contain nuances different from human translations.