Single-mother households can take advantage of a variety of programs offered by the government. However, many people are not well informed about the support systems available to single mothers. This article introduces support programs and recommended rental housing options for single-mother households facing financial difficulties.
What Is the Current Situation for Single-Mother Households?
Single-mother households are on the rise in Japan. According to a 2016 survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there are 1,232,000 single-mother households.
Income Situation
The average annual income of employed single mothers is 2.43 million yen. When the average income of households with children is set at 100, single-mother households stand at a low level of 49.2.
Rent Guidelines
A general guideline is to keep rent at or below 1/3 of your income. If you want to keep rent as low as possible, moving into public housing is recommended, but vacancies are hard to come by, so check for updates regularly.
What Is a Rent Subsidy Program and How Can You Use It?
Rent subsidy programs are housing cost support programs administered by local governments, and the name and details vary by municipality. The subsidy period has a time limit—as short as one year in some municipalities and up to around six years in others.
Main Eligibility Requirements
- Households receiving child allowance or below the income limit threshold
- Have continuously resided in the area for 6 months or more
- Living in the same household as the child(ren)
- Not receiving public assistance (welfare)
- Lease is in your own name and you are paying the rent
- No outstanding arrears on rent or resident tax
Examples of Participating Municipalities
| Municipality | Program Name | Subsidy Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Setagaya Ward, Tokyo | Single-Parent Household Rent Reduction Subsidy Program | Up to 40,000 yen/month |
| Kunitachi City, Tokyo | Housing Cost Assistance | 10,000 yen/month |
| Musashino City, Tokyo | Single-Parent Family Housing Cost Assistance Program | 10,000 yen/month |
| Atsugi City, Kanagawa | Single-Mother Family Rent Assistance | 1,300–10,000 yen/month |
| Kobe City, Hyogo | Single-Parent Household Rent Subsidy Program | Up to 15,000 yen/month (for 6 years) |
Check whether your local municipality offers such a program and confirm the eligibility requirements.
What Other Housing Support Is Available Beyond Rent Subsidies?
Welfare Loan Program for Single-Parent and Widowed Families
This is a national loan program available regardless of which municipality you live in.
- Housing Fund: For construction, purchase, or repair. Limit: 1.5 million yen (special: 2 million yen). Repayment period: within 6 years
- Relocation Fund: For moving expenses. Limit: 260,000 yen. Repayment period: within 3 years
Interest-free with a guarantor; 1.0% per year without one.
Priority Entry into Public Housing
Single-parent households can apply through a separate quota for public housing, increasing their chances of being selected. For example, in Sendai City, in addition to the regular four application rounds per year, there are two special rounds per year for single-parent households.
Mother-Child Support Facilities
These are facilities where mothers and their children under 18 can reside and receive protection and self-sufficiency support. Households on public assistance or exempt from resident tax pay no room usage fees.
What Rental Properties Are Recommended for Single-Mother Households?
Public Housing
Rent is significantly lower than private rentals. While the average private rental in Tokyo is around 80,000–90,000 yen per month, the average rent for Tokyo Metropolitan Housing is approximately 23,000 yen.
UR Rental Housing
Entry requires only an income screening, with the benefits of no agent fees, no key money, and no renewal fees. There are also generous discount programs for child-rearing households, such as the "Sono Mama Wari" and "Kosodate Wari" discounts.
Housing Exclusively for Single Mothers
Options such as share houses exclusively for single mothers offer the benefit of keeping housing costs down while being able to connect with others in similar situations. However, this may not be suitable for those who find communal living stressful.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Property?
Floor Plan
A 1DK is a general guideline for children under elementary school age, and a 2DK for middle school age and above. Note that 1R units are designed for single occupants and may refuse tenants with children.
Surrounding Environment
Because you have children, you should pay close attention to the surrounding environment. Choose an area with a moderate population and check the distance to schools.
Safety
Having households with children of similar ages in the same apartment building tends to foster understanding of noise such as crying, making neighbor disputes less likely. Areas near educational institutions also provide peace of mind in terms of security.
Elevator Availability
If you have small children, going up and down stairs with a stroller can be very difficult. If there is no elevator, a unit on the 1st or 2nd floor is recommended.
Does Being a Single-Mother Household Affect the Rental Application Screening?
You will not be rejected from screening simply because you are a single-mother household. What matters is whether you have the ability to pay rent every month.
Factors Evaluated in the Screening
- Occupation and length of employment
- Annual income (monthly income of 3 times the rent is the general guideline)
- Appearance and background of the applicant
- Age of the children
- Availability of a guarantor or guarantee agency
If you cannot provide a joint guarantor, you have the option of using a guarantee company.
What Allowances and Subsidies Are Available?
| Program Name | Eligible Recipients | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Child Allowance | Ages 0–15 (through middle school graduation) | 10,000–15,000 yen/month |
| Child Rearing Allowance | Single-mother and single-father households | Full payment: 43,160 yen/month (1 child) |
| Special Child Rearing Allowance | Children under 20 with disabilities | Varies by disability level |
| Single-Mother Medical Expense Assistance | Households with children ages 0–18 | Municipality covers out-of-pocket costs |
| Child育成 Allowance | Single-mother households supporting children age 18 or under | 13,500 yen/person/month |
All programs have income limits, so please confirm the details with your local municipality.
Summary
There are many housing support programs available to single mothers. Take advantage of rent subsidy programs, priority entry into public housing, and various allowances to reduce your financial burden. If you qualify for any of these programs, proactively apply and consult the counter at your local municipal office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can single mothers rent a property?
Yes. You will not be rejected from the screening process simply because you are a single-mother household. If your monthly income is at least 3 times the rent, you should be able to pass the screening without issue. Using a guarantee company is also an option.
Is the rent subsidy program available in all municipalities?
Not all municipalities offer this program. Even among those that do, the content, amount, and duration vary, so please check with your local municipal office for details.
How much is rent for public housing?
It varies based on income, but it is set significantly lower than private rentals. In the case of Tokyo Metropolitan Housing, the average is approximately 23,000 yen per month.
Can I receive both the Child Rearing Allowance and the Child Allowance?
Yes. The Child Allowance and the Child Rearing Allowance are separate programs, so you can receive both if you meet the conditions. However, please note that both have income limits.
Does UR Rental Housing offer discounts for single mothers?
Yes. There are discount programs for child-rearing households, such as the "Sono Mama Wari" and "Kosodate Wari." There are also the benefits of no agent fees, no key money, and no renewal fees.
