Locating Housing
Individuals searching for housing have the option to look for private housing through a real estate agent, or to apply for public housing such as city-provided housing,
Public Housing (city-provided housing, etc)
This is housing geared toward people whose housing opportunities are limited due to low income. Foreign nationals registered with KawasakiCity can apply regardless of nationality. Applications are accepted twice yearly, in spring and fall.
Note that there are several conditions that must be met in order to apply; a high income, for example, would exclude an applicant.
Contact the Kawasaki City Municipal Housing Supply Corporation for details.
Business Section
Kawasaki City Municipal Housing Supply Corporation
Tel: 244-7575
Fax: 244-7579
Private Housing (via a real estate agent)
The standard procedure for finding rental housing is to search through a real estate agent. There are also a number of magazines that feature extensive information on housing.
Real estate agents provide information on and show housing free of charge.
However, certain fees are assessed when a housing contract is signed.
A pamphlet on how to rent housing in Japan is available in Japanese, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. This information can also be viewed on Kanagawa Prefecture's Official Website.
The Kawasaki City Housing Assistance System
A guarantor is required in signing a contract for private rental housing through a real estate agent.
The following persons are eligible to utilize the Kawasaki City Housing Assistance System, which is geared toward people unable to find guarantors on their own.
- Foreign nationals registered in KawasakiCity
- Persons working at a company located in KawasakiCity
- Persons attending school in KawasakiCity
Note that fees apply for the use of this system.
Contact the Kawasaki City Housing Supply Corporation for information on participating real estate agents.
Business Section
Kawasaki City Housing Supply Corporation
Tel: 244-7623
Advice on Housing
The Kanagawa Housing Support Center for Foreigners helps foreigners locate housing, and also offers assistance for people who experience difficulties after they have moved into rented housing.
There services are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Cantonese, and Korean. (Note that available languages depend on the day of the week).
The Center also offers additional information such as rules to observe in moving to new housing, etc.
The Kanagawa Housing Support Center for Foreigners
Tel: 045-228-1752
Yokohama YMCA 2F
Tokiwa-cho 1-7, Naka-ku, Yokohama City
Tel: 045-228-1752
Fax: 045-228-1768
The Support Center is a five-minute walk from Kannai Station (Yokohama subway line), in front of Yokohama Stadium.
| Day | 10:00-13:00 | 13:00-17:00 |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese | |
| Tuesday | English or Chinese | English and Chinese |
| Wednesday | Spanish | Spanish |
| Thursday | Korean | Cantonese, Chinese, and Korean |
| Friday | English | English and Chinese |
| Saturday | Spanish |
Interpretation services may also be available for languages other than those listed above. Individuals who speak any of the languages above, even if only minimally, may call the SupportCenter for further information on interpretation services for additional languages.