UR housing FAQ
Common questions from people renting UR housing in Japan for the first time.
What is UR housing?
UR (Urban Renaissance Agency) is a government-affiliated agency that rents out about 700,000 apartments across Japan. Rents are set by UR, and there is no key money, no guarantor, no agent fee and no renewal fee.
Can foreigners rent UR housing?
Yes. Permanent residents, special permanent residents and mid- to long-term residents (people with a residence card, such as work, student, spouse and dependent visas) can apply under the same rules as Japanese applicants.
Do I need a guarantor?
No. Instead of a guarantor, UR checks that you meet the income standard, have savings of 100× the rent, or prepay the rent.
How much income do I need?
Generally 4× the monthly rent. For higher rents there is a fixed amount: ¥250,000 for people living alone (rent ¥62,500 or more) and ¥330,000 for families (rent ¥82,500 or more). See the eligibility guide for the full table.
I've just arrived and don't have a juminhyo yet. Can I apply?
You can send a viewing request, but UR needs your resident record (juminhyo) for the contract. Register your address at the city or ward office first; a juminhyo issued within the last 3 months is required.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
This site, the form and our emails are in English. The contract at the UR sales office is in Japanese; UR can show an English video explaining the key terms. If your Japanese is limited, bring someone who can help.
Is your service free?
Yes. There is no charge for booking a viewing or applying through us.
Can I cancel?
Yes. You can cancel after the viewing or after applying, and there is no cancellation fee.
How long is the room held?
Once the hold is in place you have one week to view the room. For rooms still being repaired, the week starts on the date the room becomes available.
When will I hear back?
We contact UR during its business hours, 10:30–18:00 Japan time, every day, and email you the result. Requests sent outside those hours are handled the next business day.
Can I apply for more than one room?
One room per household can be held at a time.
Why can't I book some rooms or complexes?
Some rooms (for example those under UR's child-raising discount) and some complexes can only be applied for directly at a UR office. This site only shows rooms we are able to book for you.
Can I contact you by phone or LINE?
Requests are handled through the online form and email in English. Please use the form; you can reply to our confirmation email with any questions.
Who runs this site?
Rakuchin Fudosan (GEEZ Inc.), a licensed real estate agent in Osaka (Osaka Governor (2) No. 62068). We are an independent agent, not UR.
More detail: eligibility · how to apply · costs