This page is general information from official sources. It is not legal or financial advice. For a problem with your own contract, ask one of the consultation lines in section 7.
You have a job or a school place in Fukuoka City, and now you need an apartment. Agents ask about a guarantor, the forms are in Japanese, and you are not sure who can help. This page shows where to get help in your language, which agents say they serve foreign customers, how guarantors work, who can apply for public housing, and the steps from search to key.
In short
- For questions in your language, start at the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents (section 1).
- Most rental contracts need a guarantor. A rent guarantee company can usually do this for a fee (section 3).
- Foreign residents can apply for Fukuoka City municipal housing if they are mid- to long-term residents or special permanent residents and meet the income and other rules. The next lottery round is planned for November 4–13, 2026 (section 4).
- From application to move-in usually takes 1–2 weeks. Register your new address at the ward office within 14 days of moving in (section 5).
Checked with official pages on October 5, 2026.
| Need | Where to start | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | Consultation Support Center | 25 languages (some by interpretation) |
| An agent | Agents in section 2 | Differs by shop |
| A guarantor | Guarantee company or support corporation | Not stated |
| Lower rent | Municipal housing, UR | Municipal guides: Japanese |
| Contract trouble | Consumer Affairs Center | Not stated |
1. Where can I get help in my language?
Fukuoka City
The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents (福岡市外国人総合相談支援センター) is run by the Fukuoka City International Foundation (FCIF). It gives information and advice on everyday life, such as residence procedures, work, childcare and education. Its pages do not name housing as a topic, but you can ask about everyday problems by phone, e-mail or in person.
The center lists 25 languages. English, Chinese and easy Japanese are not marked for interpretation. For the other languages, including Korean, the center uses phone interpretation or a tablet. A Nepali-speaking support staff member is scheduled on Thursdays, 10:00–15:00. FCIF also holds free legal counseling by appointment on set days; check the monthly schedule on its website.
The center is on the 1st floor of the Fukuoka City International Center (福岡市国際会館), 4-1 Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward. It is open 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30) and closed on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and December 29 to January 3. Google Maps. Phone: 0120-66-1799 (toll free) or 092-262-1799.
2. Which real estate agents say they help foreign customers?
Depends on the company
We list a shop only if it is in Fukuoka City and either its own website or the list of real estate agencies offering foreign-language services by the Japan Property Management Association (JPM, 公益財団法人日本賃貸住宅管理協会) says it serves customers in a foreign language. This is not a full list of every agent that can help you. What each shop can do may change, so ask before you visit.
| Agent | Where | Languages (official) |
|---|---|---|
| e-heya net (いい部屋ネット) | Hakata, Higashi and Sawara wards. 0120-984-356 | JPM: 9 languages, including English, Chinese and Korean |
| Miyoshi Real Estate (三好不動産) | Chuo Ward (head office). 092-715-1000 | JPM: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Nepali. Its site adds Vietnamese |
| SOGO REALTY (総合リアルティ) | Hakata Ward. 092-476-5353 | JPM: 7 languages, including English, Chinese and Korean |
| Sanyo Real Estate (三陽不動産) | Hakata Ward. 092-501-5554 | JPM: English |
| Happy House (ハッピーハウス) | Hakata Ward. 092-483-0360 | JPM: English |
| Leopalace21 (レオパレス21) | Kashii (Higashi Ward) and Hakata Ward | Website in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese |
e-heya net is run by Daito Kentaku Leasing (大東建託リーシング). JPM lists its Hakata, Fukuoka Higashi and Fukuoka Nishi branches for English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian and Burmese. The company’s International shop in Tokyo supports searches anywhere in Japan in nine languages and gives priority to people who book.
Miyoshi Real Estate has its head office at 1-1-1 Imagawa, Chuo Ward. Its English site says it will be closed on Friday, October 9, 2026 and open again on Tuesday, October 13. SOGO REALTY is listed by JPM for English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese and Thai.
Leopalace21 says everything from viewing to signing and getting the keys can be done online. Its Fukuoka store list marks Leopalace Partners Kashiiekimae (Higashi Ward) with “Foreign language support available” and Leopalace Center Fukuoka First Branch (Hakata Ward) with “Online consultation available”. The website’s Chinese version is in simplified characters.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT, 国土交通省) also runs the Safety Net Housing website (セーフティネット住宅). Its English guidebook says you can search there for rental housing that accepts foreigners. The website is in Japanese.
3. Do I need a guarantor?
3.1 Guarantors and guarantee companies
Official guide (Japan)
A guarantor (保証人, hoshonin) is a person who takes responsibility if the tenant cannot meet the contract, for example by not paying rent. FCIF says most rental contracts in Japan need one. MLIT’s guidebook says that a rent guarantee company (家賃債務保証会社) or a guarantor is needed when you rent.
FCIF says guarantee companies can often act as your guarantor for a fee. International students may wish to ask their university whether it has housing support or a guarantor program. Ask the agent which guarantee company the room uses.
3.2 Housing support corporations
Fukuoka Prefecture + national list
Fukuoka Prefecture designates housing support corporations (居住支援法人). They help people who find it hard to rent a home. Their work can include rent guarantees, help finding a room and support after you move in. Each one does not have to do all of these.
MLIT publishes a list of these corporations (updated June 30, 2026) that shows who each one supports. In that list, more than 20 corporations designated by Fukuoka Prefecture name Fukuoka City in their area and marked foreign residents (外国人). MLIT says the marks come from a survey of the corporations and asks you to check details with each one. Languages are not stated.
The corporations below also list rent guarantees (家賃債務保証) among their work:
| Corporation | Area (as listed) | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hoboku (特定非営利活動法人抱樸) | Kitakyushu City and nearby, Nakama City, Fukuoka City | 093-653-0779 |
| Class Care (株式会社クラスケア) | Fukuoka City and nearby | 092-753-9766 |
| Miyoshi Real Estate (株式会社三好不動産) | Fukuoka City and nearby | 092-722-1540 (the list adds that it introduces guarantee companies) |
| Mirai-an (特定非営利活動法人福岡終活・相続支援センターみらいあん) | All of Fukuoka Prefecture | 0120-398-079 |
| Roomix (株式会社ルーミックス) | Fukuoka City and nearby | 092-726-0788 |
| Ritaport (株式会社リタポート) | Fukuoka City and nearby | 092-791-2078 |
| Nippon Insure (ニッポンインシュア株式会社) | All of Fukuoka Prefecture | 0570-05-1080 |
The English names above are our own romanization; the Japanese names are the official ones. The list is a survey, not a promise that a corporation will take your case.
4. Can I apply for public housing?
4.1 Fukuoka City municipal housing
Fukuoka City
Municipal housing (市営住宅, shiei jutaku) is low-rent housing for people who need a home. FCIF says public housing usually has lower rent and fewer move-in costs than private rentals. The Fukuoka City Housing Corporation (福岡市住宅供給公社) handles applications.
For the regular lottery round for general households, the main rules are:
- Status: Japanese nationals, or foreign nationals who are mid- to long-term residents (中長期在留者) or special permanent residents (特別永住者).
- Where you live or work: you live or work in Fukuoka City. If you live outside the city, you must have worked at the same workplace in the city for at least 4 months, at least 30 hours a week.
- Need: you need housing, and no one in the household owns a home (unless it is sold before the contract).
- Income: the household’s monthly income after deductions is ¥158,000 or less. The limit is ¥214,000 or ¥259,000 for some households, such as those with children of junior high school age or younger (¥259,000).
- Household: the applicant is an adult who lives with family. Single people can apply only in some cases, such as being 60 or older.
The corporation runs a lottery four times a year (May, August, November and February) and a points-based round twice a year (June and December). It also takes applications at any time from some households that meet several conditions, such as households with small children or older people; these households are registered and offered a home when one becomes free. The next lottery round is planned for Wednesday, November 4 to Friday, November 13, 2026.
The application guides on the corporation’s website are in Japanese. It also publishes a Municipal Housing Tenant’s Guide for foreign citizens (PDF, posted in 2015) about life after you move in.
Fukuoka City Housing Corporation, Recruitment Section (募集課): Reisen Harp Building, 4-1 Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward. Google Maps. Phone: 092-271-2561.
4.2 Fukuoka Prefecture housing
Fukuoka Prefecture
Fukuoka Prefecture also has prefectural housing (県営住宅). FCIF says city and prefectural housing usually have income limits, take applications only in set periods (often four times a year) and choose tenants by lottery. For prefectural housing, FCIF lists the Fukuoka Housing Corporation (福岡県住宅供給公社, 092-781-8012) and the Fukuoka Prefectural Housing Management Section (092-713-1683). Ask them about the rules for foreign residents.
4.3 UR rental housing
Urban Renaissance Agency
UR rental housing is run by the Urban Renaissance Agency (UR都市機構). UR’s Kyushu page says its homes need no key money, agent fee, renewal fee or guarantor. FCIF says UR is also open to single people and usually takes applications first come, first served, but is not always cheaper than private rentals.
UR says foreign nationals can apply if they understand the UR lease and are permanent residents, special permanent residents or mid- to long-term residents (or have diplomatic or official status). UR also has an income rule: your average monthly income must be at least four times the rent. For higher rents, UR sets a fixed amount instead. Savings of at least 100 times the monthly rent can also meet the rule. See UR Kyushu for homes in Fukuoka.
5. What are the steps and costs?
5.1 From search to key
Official guide (Japan)
MLIT’s Apartment Search Guidebook (English) gives these steps. Its checklists and sample forms are also available in 14 languages on MLIT’s page.
- Look for a room online or visit an agent. The guidebook says to bring someone who speaks Japanese well if you do not, and that some local governments and businesses can go with you.
- Tell the agent what you need. The guidebook has a Requirements Check Sheet in English you can fill in first.
- View the room. Viewing is free, and you do not have to apply after it.
- Apply and go through screening. The agent and landlord check your application. The guidebook lists documents such as your passport, residence card and proof of income.
- Hear the important points explanation (重要事項説明), then sign and pay. Read the contract carefully. FCIF says many contracts are only in Japanese and suggests asking a Japanese-speaking person to read it with you.
- Get the key and move in. Then file your moving-in notice at the ward office. See Registering your address in Fukuoka City.
5.2 How long it takes and what you pay
- Apply to move-in: usually 1–2 weeks (MLIT guidebook).
- Costs at signing: MLIT says a rule of thumb is 4 to 7 months’ rent, and that this varies by region. FCIF says the first costs often come to about 5 to 7 months’ rent. FCIF gives the deposit (敷金, shikikin) as 0–2 months’ rent and the agent’s fee as 1 month’s rent. Some homes also charge key money (礼金, reikin).
- Leaving your current rental: tell the landlord or agent within the period in your contract. MLIT says this is usually 1–2 months before; FCIF says at least one month, or as your contract says.
- After you move in: Fukuoka City says to file your moving-in notice within 14 days of starting to live at the new address, and that you cannot file it before you move in.
6. Can I sign before I come to Japan?
Official rule (Japan) + depends on the company
MLIT says the important points explanation can be given online by video (IT重説), and the contract papers can be given electronically instead of on paper. You can still choose face to face. MLIT also says that visiting the room yourself helps you see things that photos cannot show.
Among the agents in section 2, Leopalace21 says every step, from viewing to getting the keys, can be done online. For the other agents, this is not stated on the pages we checked. Ask them before you plan your arrival. If your room is not ready when you arrive, see Where to stay when you first move to Kumamoto or Fukuoka.
7. Where can I ask about trouble with my contract?
Fukuoka City + Fukuoka Prefecture
FCIF lists these lines for problems with a rental contract. The languages on these lines are not stated, so you can also start at the Consultation Support Center in section 1.
| Line | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fukuoka City Consumer Affairs Center | 092-781-0999 | Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00; 2nd and 4th Sat 10:00–16:00 (phone only) |
| Fukuoka Real Estate Transaction Association | 092-631-2103 | Mon–Fri 10:00–12:00, 13:00–15:00 |
| Fukuoka Prefecture Housing Center | 092-725-0876 | Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 |
| Fukuoka Prefecture Consumer Affairs Center | 092-632-0999 | Mon–Fri 9:00–16:30; Sun 10:00–16:00 (phone only) |
8. Common questions
Does an apartment come with furniture and an air conditioner?
Usually not. FCIF says rental homes in Japan generally do not come with furniture, appliances or a landline phone, and most do not include air conditioners or heaters. Check what is included before you move in.
How long is a rental contract?
FCIF says a contract is generally renewed every 2 years, and the rent can go up at renewal. MLIT’s guidebook says to ask the agent whether there is a renewal fee and how much it is.
Can I keep a pet?
FCIF says many rental homes do not allow pets, so confirm with the landlord or management company first. Fukuoka City municipal housing does not allow pets such as dogs, cats or birds.
Do I pay for damage when I move out?
MLIT’s guidebook says tenants must restore the home to its original condition and pay for damage or dirt they caused. FCIF suggests taking photos of the inside, including any existing marks, when you move in.
Next steps
Sources (checked October 2026)
- Fukuoka City International Foundation: Housing (English)
- FCIF: Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents, Japanese page, access and free consultations in October 2026
- JPM: Real estate agencies offering foreign-language services
- Miyoshi Real Estate (English)
- e-heya net International shop (Japanese)
- Leopalace21 (English) and Fukuoka store list
- MLIT: Support for Foreign Nationals in Looking for Rental Housing and Apartment Search Guidebook (English)
- MLIT: Housing support corporations and the list (June 30, 2026) (Japanese)
- MLIT: Online real estate transactions (Japanese)
- Fukuoka City Housing Corporation: Looking for municipal housing and eligibility (general households) (Japanese)
- UR Kyushu and UR application requirements (Japanese)
- Fukuoka City: Moving-in notice (Japanese)
