A. No, not at all. Our goal is to list all currently available properties, which have been designed to meet the needs of members of the international business community online. As our database is updated daily, so if you cannot find something that meets your specific needs, we suggest that you complete the Offline Search Request Form, after which we will perform a property search for you using all available resources. You can also register your specific search criteria in our "My Virtual Agent" system so that each time a property that meets your needs is added to our database in the future you will receive a notification by e-mail and a link to that particular property for your review. Please contact us to register for this free and very useful service.

A. Approx 85% of landlords in Japan will not allow tenants with pets. It is not impossible to find properties, but your options will be limited. Smaller dogs are more easily accepted than larger ones. It is also advised to keep in mind that most properties in Tokyo or other large cities in Japan do not have large gardens or gardens at all, and your family pet may be happier staying at home during your assignment in Japan.

A. Key money, which has traditionally been required when renting properties in Japan, is a non-refundable "gift" to the landlord, and can range from 1 to 3 months rent. Whether key money will be required or not depends on the area to which you are moving and budget range. In Tokyo, generally properties above 600,000 yen per month will not require key money and in other cases be negotiated out of the lease terms. In other areas such as Nagoya, the requirement remains for most properties. Key money is also common in the Osaka/Kobe market, but like Tokyo, properties in the higher budget range at times do not require it. In other rural areas the Nagoya system applies. Please note that "key money" is payment to the landlord and is not refundable.

A. For expatriate properties most landlords will not agree to an individual signing a lease agreement, and will instead require the employer of the tenant to sign. For other properties an individual contract is acceptable, but in all cases you will need a Japanese national to co-sign the lease as a guarantor. This is also a requirement for Japanese nationals and is not only targeted at non-Japanese.

A. Rental properties in Japan are generally not furnished. Short-term, hotel-like apartments are available in most large cities, but long term lease properties generally are unfurnished. Appliances included depend on the market and budget level. In the case of Tokyo generally properties in the higher budget range will come with heating and A/C, refrigerator, washer/dryer, stove and dishwasher. In Nagoya only a few properties in the higher budget range will come with the above included. Curtains are included in some cases.

A. In most cases: no, they will be billed directly to you or your employer by the utility company. In some large apartment buildings in Tokyo, water and heating as well as facilities such as satellite or cable TV and internet may be included in the rent.

A. Most expatriates find that their commute to work, or their children's commute to school are the most important factors when choosing a new home, as well as a neighborhood that is a good "match".

A. The average commute for an expatriate is about 30 minutes by train, however a 45-minute commute is not unreasonable for those in the outer suburbs. Commuting to the office by car is generally not recommended in inner-city areas.

A. Most people with small children like to live within walking distance of kindergartens and pre-schools. For those families with older children, most international schools provide buses and are centrally located. Bus rides generally range from 30 to 60 minutes.

A. It's probably smaller than what you are used to, but most expatriate housing is comfortable, even for families.

A. Most expatriate dwellings have western appliances and fixtures, and are designed with Westerners in mind. Some older houses and apartments do retain Japanese-style baths and tatami mat rooms.

A. Yes. The further you move out of the city, the more spacious the accommodation becomes. You also have a much greater chance of having a little bit of a lawn and maybe even a few trees. However please be aware that convenience to Western amenities and proximity to a tight foreign community could be sacrificed. Nevertheless, there are some smaller foreign enclaves located in beautiful residential areas not too far out of the city.

A. A minimum of three weeks and maximum of six weeks is the recommended time frame.

A. No, because expatriate housing contracts in Japan are almost always corporate contracts between the landlord and your company. You will be informed of the points of the contract that relate to you as a tenant, however, the contract process will be coordinated with your company's HR staff.

A. The tenant always pays the agent's fee for service, which is one month's rent + 5% tax.

A. The nature of a typical Japanese rental contract negates the need for a "diplomatic clause". Generally speaking, Japanese contracts can be broken with a short notice period - the majority require 2 months advance notice only - some can be negotiated to one month. Most contracts however will include what is termed as a 'short-term clause', which requires the payment of a penalty (usually equal to one month's rent) for a cancellation within the first year, in addition to the required advance notice of cancellation. In some cases, this can be negotiated out of the contract. If major renovations are requested in the application, the negotiating power to delete this 'short-term clause' in the contract is usually lost as the owner seeks some protection with respects to the costs outlaid to undertake the renovations. In cities such as Nagoya and Osaka the majority of contracts will only have a one month cancellation notice requirement.

A. Gas, water, electricity, internet connection, cable/satellite TV, telephone charges, and installation (if required). Parking spaces and building maintenance fees are also not always included in the rent. These will vary depending on the budget of the housing and the location (i.e. Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka or other). While expatriate style properties may typically include major appliances in unfurnished properties, fixtures such as curtains/drapes and light fittings may not be included. Household goods insurance is also recommended and is typically provided at a cost of US$200-$400 for a two-year period.

A. Local Resident's Tax is never included in the rent. Many companies make arrangements to pay the resident taxes on behalf of the employee. Property Taxes are the responsibility of the landlord.

A. Only in (most) high-budget expatriate properties in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Sometimes high budget properties do not include lights and curtains/drapes. Low-budget properties usually do not include a refrigerator, a washer/dryer, lights, an oven, A/C, heating, or curtains/drapes. The cost of these items are the tenant's responsibility.

A. In some cases � a parking space deposit (of up to 2 months parking space rent). The first month's rent, and if the tenant is moving-in mid-month the landlord will require, at least, the first month's pro-rated rent, and in some cases, the following month's rent also.