Non-Japanese are sometimes refused a lease on a property because of their nationality, or due to a lack of Japanese proficiency are deceived into paying unjust charges, whereas others are given no clear reason. These cases can be classified as “Housing discrimination”.
Not only is this form of discrimination against foreign residents wrong, it is a serious human rights violation.
Here are some recent cases of tenancy discrimination. One non-Japanese was refused a refused a lease because the guarantor was not Japanese; another was refused because that person was unable to speak of lack Japanese well enough to converse with the owner; a third received a lease, but was however instructed to pay for extraneous costs, including a fire extinguisher, insecticide, and insurance policy.
Please, keep in mind that while not all property owners (realtors & landlords) discriminate, it is most important to be careful and avoid being cheated. For instance, it is extremely risky to take out a lease after reading just an advert attached to telegraph pole. Please be sure to talk it over with someone before committing yourself to a lease. It is a good idea to discuss the lease with a foreigners’ advise bureau first.
Information is available about entering into a contract with a realtor at the Kobe Friendship Center (KFC), or alternatively on “Information Hotline” of the Foreigner’s Assistance Network, an NGO.
* Kobe Friendship Center [KFC]:
Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm. Phone 078-731-6926
* NGO Foreigner’s Assistance Network “Information Hotline”:
Open Wednesdays, 2pm-8pm & Saturdays, 11am to 5pm. Phone 078-232-1290