Renting a Pet-friendly apartment in Japan

Poste date: Monday, January 17, 2022

It is common practice that residential properties in Japan have very strict rules regarding the ownership of pets. These rules are decided and enforced by the building owner and or management. If you would like to have a pet or already have a pet that you would like to live with, starting your search with properties that allow pets is recommended.

No-Pets-Allowed Rentals

When there is “no-pet clause” in a rental agreement, a tenant found in violation of this rule will have their rental agreement terminated and potentially be required to pay a fine for the infraction.

Rental Housing that Allows Pets

While the rental property may say they allow pets, there are still restrictions placed on the number of pets as well as the type. Common examples of restrictions would be allowing up to 2 small dogs, no large dogs allowed, or no cats allowed.

Due to each property having different rules, we recommend that you ask in advance about the pet policy specific to the property you are interested in.

Even in circumstances in which a large dog is allowed, the lessor of the property may refuse to rent an apartment/house to someone depending on the type or size of a dog. Generally, dogs that are stereotypically thought of as fighting, aggressive, attack, or hunting dogs are likely to be refused by a lessor.

For those will small animals such as hamsters, birds, and reptiles, permission in advance may be required before renting a property.

In general pet owners are required to agree to and sign a “Memorandum about Having a Pet Animal” document before being able to rent a property.

  • - You agree to pay careful attention to making sure the pet doesn’t cause any disturbances to your neighbors
  • - You agree to pay for any and all damages caused by the pet to other residents, animals, residences, or plants in the building
  • - You agree not to increase the number of pets owned when the total number owned will be more than the original number allowed by the lessor upon renting the property
  • - You are obligated to restore (including sterilization and deodorization) anything damaged by the pet to its original condition upon vacating the property and to pay all expenses associated with doing so.

In addition to the above memorandum, rental conditions may change such as requiring an extra deposit for those who have a pet.

Pet-friendly Apartments and Houses

Some rental properties are designed with the purpose of living a comfortable life with pets.

Examples:

  • - Having traffic lines for pets (pet lanes) arranged on the premises and in shared spaces.
  • - Having a foot bath for pets within the premises of an apartment

Some apartments and stand-alone houses with a garden allow the owning of a large dog.

We here at PLAZA HOMES have put together and up-dated listing of Pet-friendly Apartment and Houses in Tokyo.

Pet Friendly Properties in Central Tokyo and its Suburbs

Located 10-mins walk from Sasazuka Station and within easy reach of Hatagaya Station and Honancho Station, having 4 shopping streets around the stations providing the residents with a comfortable living environment. This 12-story apartment with a stylish exterior design offers a wide range of unit types from 1K to 2LDK, together with various amenities such as delivery locker, bathroom dryer, free internet connection.

JPY 205,000 - 239,000/month

This 3-story low-rise rental apartment with a total of 5 units is located in a quiet residential area of Minami-Aoyama 4-chome, 4-mins walk from Omotesando Station. It offers only spacious 3LDK type units with over 120m2 and plenty of storage spaces, and comes with various high-grade amenities such as dishwasher, bathroom dryer, and floor heating. Having a pet animal is negotiable.

JPY 1,180,000 - 1,190,000/month

High-grade residential complex in Roppongi Hills. Full facilities and ample reception service. Facility includes swimming pool, sauna, beauty salon treatment, sky lounge, medical clinic, pet animal caring, dry-cleaning and etc.

JPY 370,000 - 2,220,000/month

A luxury residence with a unique and impressive exterior located within the newly developed area "Azabudai Hills," just a 1-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station on the Hibiya Line. A supermarket is scheduled to open near the main entrance. Each unit is contractable with one flat parking space equipped with an EV charger. Each room in the property features a spacious balcony and large windows, creating an open and airy design.

JPY 630,000 - 690,000/month

A designer vintage terrace house by a famous architect Kanji Hayashi. It is carefully designed in every detail such as using tamo, Norway spruce, and cherry for wooden materials, and also using Italian-made tiles for the floor on the 2nd floor. BBQ is possible in the spacious garden and each room has plenty of sunlight and abundant storage spaces.

JPY 550,000/month

This house is nicely located in a quiet residential area of Akasaka 7-chome, within easy reach of 5 stations and within walking distance of Tokyo Midtown. The house with plenty of sunlight offers high grade modular bathroom, built-in kitchen, and a spacious pantry space (abt.6.6M2/2Jo) and comes with one-car parking space. Use for office and having a pet animal is negotiable. A supermarket, a convenience store, a drugstore, etc. are close by in the neighborhood.

JPY 900,000/month