A guarantor company is a company that reduces the landlord's risk if a tenant does not pay rent. In many Japanese rentals, using a guarantor company is required even if you have stable income.
Why landlords use guarantor companies
The company checks your application and promises to cover unpaid rent under its contract with the landlord. This makes landlords more comfortable accepting tenants they do not know.
What foreigners should prepare
- Residence card or passport
- Visa status and period of stay
- Employment, school, or income proof
- Japanese phone number
- Emergency contact
How much it costs
The initial guarantor fee is often a percentage of monthly rent. Some companies also charge a renewal fee every year or every contract period.
Common rejection reasons
Applications may fail if the visa period is short, income is unclear, contact information is incomplete, or the applicant cannot communicate enough for the screening call.