Installment service targets upfront rental costs
LIFULL announced on August 21 that LIFULL HOME'S and Rakuten Bank had launched a program on August 5 enabling eligible rental move-in expenses to be paid in installments. Japanese rental contracts can require several payments at once, including deposits, key money, brokerage fees, guarantee-related charges, insurance and advance rent. As monthly rents rise, the size of the cash payment required before moving in is becoming an affordability issue in its own right.
Total move-in cost matters as much as monthly rent
Monthly rent is the most visible figure in property advertisements, but tenants often need to compare the full cash requirement at signing. Installment financing can preserve liquidity, although it does not eliminate the underlying expense and may create its own repayment obligations. Tenants should therefore compare key money, renewal charges, guarantee fees and move-out costs in addition to headline rent.
Foreign tenants face additional screening considerations
Foreign residents renting in Japan may also be asked about guarantee companies, emergency contacts, domestic bank accounts and residence periods. The availability of an installment product does not mean every applicant or property will qualify. People moving to Japan from overseas should establish the total amount due before occupancy and the acceptable payment methods early in the search process.