While searching for a rental property in Japan, prospective tenants are often informed that a “credit check” will be part of the application process. For foreign nationals who have never used a credit card, taken out a loan, or established a credit history in Japan, this can understandably raise concerns: “Will I be denied simply because I have no credit history?”
The reassuring answer is—yes, it is still possible to rent a property in Japan even without an established credit history.
This article explains how credit information is treated in Japanese lease agreements and outlines practical strategies for securing a rental, even for those with no prior financial track record in the country.
Why Is Credit Information Reviewed?
In Japan, many rental properties require tenants to pass a screening process conducted by a rent guarantor company. During this process, the applicant’s financial stability and trustworthiness may be assessed through several criteria, including:
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Proof of stable income
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Employer and type of employment
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Any history of missed rent payments or credit-related incidents
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Availability of emergency contacts or a guarantor
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Records held by credit bureaus (e.g., credit cards or personal loans)
That said, credit history is only one of several reference points—and not an absolute requirement.
What Happens If You Have No Credit History in Japan?
For many foreign nationals and those starting life in Japan for the first time, there is often no record of credit cards, loans, or other financial activity registered with Japanese credit agencies.
In such cases, this is not viewed as “bad credit,” but rather as a lack of credit history—an informational blank.
While this does not count as a negative mark in screening, it can be a disadvantage in that there is limited information available for evaluation. Therefore, demonstrating credibility through other means becomes especially important.
Three Effective Strategies for Renting in Japan Without a Credit History
1. Compensate with a Guarantor Company
In today’s Japanese rental market, properties are commonly leased through guarantor companies. During screening, these companies prioritize factors such as employment status, income level, the validity of the residence card, and the accuracy of submitted documents—rather than credit history alone.
Many guarantor companies are willing to approve applicants with no prior credit record, provided the following conditions are met:
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A valid residence card
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Stable employment or verifiable income
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A domestic emergency contact in Japan
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Demonstrated payment capability (e.g., monthly rent within one-third of income)
Some guarantor companies even have dedicated departments for foreign applicants, offering greater understanding of language barriers and cross-cultural living situations.
2. Provide Supplementary Documents to Demonstrate Credibility
While having no credit history is not inherently negative, offering supporting documents that show you are responsible and financially stable can significantly strengthen your application and facilitate smoother screening.
Examples include:
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Employment contract or recent payslips
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Offer letter (for those with upcoming employment)
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Certificate of enrollment (for students)
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Japanese bank account balance statement
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Clear identification of a reliable emergency contact in Japan (such as a bilingual family member or supervisor)
Additionally, offering to prepay several months’ rent or increase the security deposit can serve as effective gestures of good faith and financial reliability.
3. Choose Properties That Do Not Require Credit History
Some real estate agencies work with guarantor companies that do not reference formal credit bureaus at all. Additionally, the following types of properties tend to offer more flexible screening and are ideal for individuals without a Japanese credit history:
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Furnished apartments or monthly rental units
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Share houses or apartments designed for foreign tenants
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No-deposit, no-key-money properties that also waive guarantor requirements
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Properties managed by landlords familiar with foreign residents (especially in urban areas)
Such properties can serve as a practical starting point for establishing life in Japan. During your initial months, you can focus on setting up a bank account, building residency records, and preparing for future long-term leases.
Building Credit by Obtaining a Credit Card Is a Strategic Option
For those planning to live in Japan mid- to long-term, establishing credit by applying for a credit card early on is a smart and proactive step toward building a strong financial profile.
Foreign residents applying for their first credit card in Japan may improve their chances by meeting the following conditions:
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Choose a card affiliated with a Japanese bank where you already hold an account
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Be employed or enrolled in a recognized educational institution
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Have a stable local phone number and residential address
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Be able to submit proof of income or scholarship documentation
While credit history cannot be built overnight, consistently paying rent, utilities, and credit card bills on time will gradually establish trust and open access to more favorable rental opportunities in the future.
Even Without Credit History, Trust Can Be Earned
Lacking a credit history in Japan is nothing to be ashamed of—especially for those beginning life here for the first time. Most landlords and guarantor companies understand this situation and evaluate each applicant with a degree of flexibility.
What truly matters is demonstrating reliability in other ways. Accuracy in submitted documents, prompt and clear communication, and a respectful, professional attitude—all contribute to building a strong impression of trustworthiness. These small actions can go a long way in helping you pass the screening process and secure your ideal home.