If you're a foreigner trying to rent an apartment in Japan, you've probably already experienced the frustration: rejections based on nationality, impossible guarantor requirements, and confusing fees. UR housing might be your solution.
UR (Urban Renaissance Agency) is a government-affiliated organization that manages approximately 710,000 rental units across Japan. Unlike private landlords, UR has official policies welcoming foreign residents—and the best part? No guarantor required.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for UR housing as a foreigner in 2026, based on current policies and real experiences from our community.
What is UR Housing?
UR (都市再生機構, Toshi Saisei Kikou) is an independent administrative agency that provides affordable rental housing throughout Japan. Originally created to address post-war housing shortages, UR has evolved into one of Japan's largest landlords.
Key Characteristics of UR Housing
- Government-backed: Not private landlords with personal biases
- Standardized policies: Same rules apply to everyone regardless of nationality
- No guarantor system: Income or savings-based qualification only
- No key money: Only security deposit required
- No renewal fees: Automatic contract renewal without additional charges
- Locations nationwide: Properties in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and other major cities
Why UR is Perfect for Foreigners
Let me be direct: renting in Japan as a foreigner is hard. A 2024 survey found that over 40% of foreign residents experienced rejection when apartment hunting. UR eliminates most of these barriers.
The Guarantor Problem—Solved
The biggest obstacle for foreigners renting in Japan is the guarantor (保証人) requirement. Private landlords typically require either:
- A Japanese national with stable income to guarantee your rent
- A guarantor company (保証会社) that often rejects foreigners
UR requires neither. You qualify based on your own income or savings—period. This single policy makes UR the most accessible option for foreigners without Japanese connections.
For more details on dealing with guarantor challenges, see our complete guide to renting without a guarantor.
No Discrimination Policy
As a government agency, UR cannot legally discriminate based on nationality. While private landlords might use vague excuses like "the owner prefers Japanese tenants," UR's standardized application process removes this possibility.
🎯 UR Advantages at a Glance
- ✅ No guarantor or guarantor company needed
- ✅ No key money (saves 1-2 months' rent)
- ✅ No renewal fees (saves money every 2 years)
- ✅ No agency fees for direct applications
- ✅ Official English support available
- ✅ Standardized, transparent process
Eligibility Requirements for Foreigners
UR has clear eligibility requirements. If you meet these, you will be approved—nationality is not a factor.
Residence Status Requirements
- Valid residence card (在留カード) with remaining validity
- Residence status allowing stays exceeding 1 year
- Address registered in Japan (住民票 obtainable)
For a breakdown of which visa types qualify, check our visa requirements guide for renting in Japan.
Income Requirements
You must meet ONE of the following criteria:
| Qualification Method | Requirement | Example (¥80,000 rent) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Income | Monthly rent × 4 | ¥320,000/month income |
| Savings | Monthly rent × 100 | ¥8,000,000 in savings |
| Combined (2+ people) | Combined income meeting above | Combined ¥320,000/month |
Special Cases
- Students: Can use savings qualification or have a co-signer (parent/family with income proof)
- Self-employed: Average of past 2 years' income used for calculation
- Multiple residents: Combined household income counts
- Foreign income: Overseas income can be considered with proper documentation
Required Documents
Prepare these documents before visiting a UR office. Having everything ready speeds up the process significantly.
Essential Documents for All Applicants
- Residence Card (在留カード) - Original and photocopy
- Residence Certificate (住民票) - Issued within 3 months, showing current address
- Seal/Inkan (印鑑) - Or signature (foreigners can use signatures)
- Income Verification (one of the following):
- Tax certificate (課税証明書) from city hall
- Withholding tax slip (源泉徴収票)
- Employment certificate with salary (在職証明書)
- Bank statements showing savings (for savings-based qualification)
Additional Documents by Situation
| Situation | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Self-employed | Tax returns for past 2 years, business registration |
| Student | Student ID, enrollment certificate, savings proof or co-signer documents |
| Multiple occupants | Family register or documents proving relationship |
| Foreign income | Translated income documents, bank statements |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Unlike private rentals with their complicated agent negotiations, UR's process is straightforward and transparent.
Step 1: Search for Properties
Start at the official UR website: ur-net.go.jp
The site has an English version (though limited). You can search by:
- Location/train line
- Rent range
- Room size (1K, 2LDK, etc.)
- Move-in date availability
Step 2: Visit UR Offices or View Properties
UR has "UR営業センター" (sales centers) in major cities. You can:
- Walk in without appointment for consultations
- Schedule property viewings
- Get help in English (at major offices)
Major offices with English support:
- Tokyo: Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa
- Osaka: Umeda, Namba
- Nagoya: Meieki
Step 3: Submit Application
Once you find a property you like:
- Complete application form (available in English)
- Submit required documents
- Pay application fee: NONE (UR doesn't charge this)
Step 4: Document Screening
UR reviews your application—typically 3-5 business days. They verify:
- Income/savings meets requirements
- Residence status is valid
- All documents are complete
Step 5: Contract and Move-in
Upon approval:
- Sign contract at UR office
- Pay initial costs (deposit + first month rent)
- Receive keys
- Move in on specified date
Total timeline: 1-2 weeks from application to move-in