"UR Rental Housing" is public rental housing managed by the Urban Renaissance Agency (UR). It has the major advantage of requiring no brokerage fee, key money, renewal fee, or guarantor, and by properly understanding how it differs from standard rentals, you can move through the tenant screening process more smoothly.
What kind of property is UR Rental Housing?
UR Rental Housing refers to rental housing managed and operated by the Urban Renaissance Agency. Its main features that differ from ordinary rentals are as follows.
- No brokerage fee: handled directly by UR Sales Centers and Shops
- No key money or renewal fee: initial costs are limited to the deposit and prorated rent
- No guarantor required: procedures can be completed with identity verification alone
- Automatic annual renewal: no burdensome renewal procedures
- Many buildings are reinforced concrete, offering strong earthquake and fire resistance
- Renovated properties also exist, including projects such as MUJI x UR housing complex renovations
Most properties are available for immediate viewing and application on a first-come, first-served basis if there is a vacancy. There is no upper income limit, and floor plans range widely from 1K units to family-sized layouts.
Is screening for UR rentals really strict?
Rather than saying UR rental screening is "strict," it is more accurate to say that the eligibility requirements for applying are clearly defined. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply, and the screening itself is simpler than for ordinary rentals.
Eligibility to apply for UR rentals (5 conditions)
- Nationality requirement: Japanese nationals, or foreign nationals with permanent resident, diplomatic, or official residence status (you must be able to understand the contract details in Japanese)
- Income standard: you must meet the standard monthly income amount set according to the rent (example: for a single-person household with rent of 50,000 yen, the standard monthly income must be 200,000 yen or more)
- Co-occupancy requirement: you must live with the applicant or a blood relative within the sixth degree or an in-law within the third degree (living with friends is not permitted)
- Orderly communal living: you must move in within one month from the move-in date and not cause trouble for other residents
- No ties to antisocial forces: neither the applicant nor cohabiting family members may have any ties to antisocial organizations
In what cases do applicants fail the screening?
The most common reason for failing UR rental screening is not meeting the income standard. In the case of a single person, if the rent is 50,000 yen, a monthly income of at least 200,000 yen is required, and if you fall below that even for one month, you cannot apply.
If your income does not reach the standard, you may be able to use the lump-sum payment system (prepaying a certain amount in one payment) or the savings standard system. Check the conditions on the official UR website.
Recommended reading
- Which is more cost-effective, a detached rental house or owning a home? Comparing the advantages and disadvantages
- What are rent reduction guidelines? The impact of the 2020 Civil Code revision and how landlords should respond
- Restoration costs when installing security systems in rental housing: cost-burden rules landlords should know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are UR rentals allocated by lottery?
Most properties are not allocated by lottery but on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is a vacancy, viewings and applications can be made at any time.
How much are the initial costs for a UR rental?
Because key money and brokerage fees are zero, the main initial costs are the deposit (about 2 to 3 months' rent) and prorated rent for the move-in month.
Can foreign nationals apply for UR rentals?
Yes, if they have permanent resident, diplomatic, or official residence status and can understand the contract details in Japanese.
What should I do if my monthly income does not reach the 200,000 yen standard?
You may be able to use the lump-sum payment system (prepay up to 24 months of rent) or the savings standard system (substituting savings amount).
Is there a fee at renewal?
UR rentals do not require a renewal fee and are automatically renewed every year. No procedures are required.
