How common are pet-friendly apartments in Japan? If you’re searching for an apartment for rent in Tokyo or anywhere in Japan and plan to live with your pet, you may quickly realize how limited your choices are. Compared to Western countries, Japan’s rental market remains strict about animal ownership. Only about 15–20% of all apartments in Japan are officially pet-friendly. Still, as more residents embrace pets as family, a growing number of landlords and developers are beginning to offer pet-friendly apartments in Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities.

Whether you’re a local pet owner or a newcomer searching for foreigner-friendly apartments in Tokyo, understanding the current rental landscape can help you plan better — from finding the right place to estimating the costs involved.

The Pet Situation in Japan’s Rental Market

In Japan, the phrase “pet-friendly” (ペット可) is still relatively uncommon in property listings. Most landlords hesitate to allow pets due to:

• Possible damage to walls, floors, and furniture from scratching or chewing.
• Noise issues, such as barking or meowing disturbing other tenants.
• Odors and hygiene concerns in shared hallways.
• Higher cleaning and restoration costs when tenants move out.
• Allergies or discomfort of other residents in the same building.

However, this situation is slowly improving. Japanese society is increasingly recognizing pets as part of the family rather than mere companions. As a result, pet-friendly rentals in Japan are gradually increasing, particularly in Tokyo’s 23 wards, Osaka, and Fukuoka. New developments even include pet coexistence apartments, with soundproof floors, pet washing stations, and dedicated outdoor areas.

If you’re browsing online for apartments in Tokyo to rent or flats in Japan, look for listings that mention “ペット可” (pets allowed) or “ペット相談可” (pets negotiable).

Featured Pet-Friendly Apartment: Prime Garden Wakagi 0412 (Tokyo)

If you are searching for a pet-friendly apartment for rent in Tokyo with no deposit, no key money, and one month of free rent, Prime Garden Wakagi 0412 in Itabashi-ku is a great option. Located near the Tobu Tojo Line (Kamiitabashi Station), this modern residence offers convenient access to central Tokyo while maintaining a calm, residential atmosphere.

Property Highlights:

• Location: 1-27-38 Wakagi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Tobu Tojo Line, Kamiitabashi Station
• Structure: Reinforced concrete
  Pets: Allowed (one small dog or one cat; one additional month’s deposit required)
• Special Offer: No key money, no security deposit, and one month free rent
• Facilities: Separate kitchen and bath, two air conditioners, balcony, indoor washing space, delivery box, and elevator

This apartment is perfect for singles or couples who want to live comfortably with their pets. Compared to many apartments in Tokyo to rent, it provides rare pet-friendly conditions without high upfront costs.

Prime Garden Wakagi 0412 is also a foreigner-friendly apartment in Tokyo, making it easier for international residents to rent homes in Japan without language barriers.

Discover more pet-friendly apartments in Japan and foreigner-friendly rentals in Tokyo Japan on A-Realty Japan – your trusted source for quality, affordable apartments in Tokyo and other major Japanese cities.

Main Types of Pet-Friendly Properties

Pet-Allowed (ペット可)

This is the most typical type of apartment for rent in Japan that allows pets under strict conditions. Common examples include “small dogs only,” “cats only,” or “one pet up to 10kg.”

Pet-Consultation (ペット相談可)

This means “pets negotiable.” These listings may accept pets after the landlord reviews details about the pet’s size, breed, or behavior. Tenants can sometimes get approval for medium-sized dogs or multiple cats.

Pet-Coexistence (ペット共生型)

These are specialized apartments in Japan designed specifically for pet owners. Buildings feature soundproofing, built-in pet facilities, and even dog runs. Since all tenants have pets, it’s a more relaxed environment—but typically more expensive. Rent may be 10–20% higher than standard apartments.

For example, if a regular Tokyo apartment rent is ¥100,000 per month, similar pet-coexistence apartments in Tokyo could cost ¥110,000–120,000.

Recommended Real Estate Agencies for Pet Owners

Several agencies in Japan specialize in helping pet owners find suitable rentals. These companies understand the limited supply of foreigner-friendly rentals in Japan and work directly with landlords open to pets.

A-Realty Japan

Based in Tokyo, A-Realty offers multilingual support and focuses on foreigner-friendly apartments Tokyo and surrounding areas. They have dedicated listings for pet-friendly properties, including apartments in Tokyo to rent near green spaces or parks.

Wagaya Japan

Known for its user-friendly English interface, Wagaya lists apartments in Japan that welcome pets in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya. They also offer short-term contracts and “no key money” options.

Best-Estate Tokyo

A Tokyo-based agency specializing in Japan Tokyo apartment rent options for expatriates. Their “Pet OK” section features flats in Tokyo with pet amenities like washing stations and balcony fences.

Plaza Homes

A premium real estate agency focusing on upscale rentals in Tokyo Japan, including large pet-friendly condominiums in central wards like Minato, Meguro, and Shibuya.

These agencies are excellent starting points for anyone seeking foreigner-friendly apartments Tokyo or pet-compatible homes for rent in Japan with reliable English support.

Types of Pets Allowed and Common Conditions

Pet Type	Typical Conditions	Examples / Notes
Small Dogs	Under 10kg, up to 1	Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Pomeranian
Medium Dogs	Under 25kg, limited	Shiba Inu, French Bulldog
Large Dogs	Rarely allowed	Possible in suburban or detached homes
Cats	1–2 cats	Often more accepted than dogs
Small Animals	Cage-kept only	Rabbits, hamsters, birds
Fish / Reptiles	Aquarium pets	Turtles, tropical fish, etc.

Before signing a lease, confirm pet rules directly with your landlord or agent. Restrictions may differ even within the same building.

Rent and Initial Costs for Pet-Friendly Apartments

When comparing apartments for rent in Tokyo that accept pets versus those that don’t, expect several financial differences.

Rent Premium

Pet-friendly apartments usually cost 10–20% more than similar non-pet properties. This covers additional maintenance and cleaning fees.

Deposits and Key Money

Cost Item	Standard Property	Pet-Friendly Property
Security Deposit	1 month	2–3 months
Key Money	1 month	0.5–1 month extra
Pet Deposit	–	1–2 months
Cleaning Fees	Standard	Higher due to pet damage

A typical pet-friendly apartment for rent in Tokyo may require an upfront payment of ¥600,000–¥700,000 (for a ¥100,000 monthly rent), compared to around ¥400,000 for a regular apartment.

Moving-Out and Cleaning Costs

Upon moving out, tenants usually pay higher cleaning fees for pet-friendly units. These range from ¥20,000–60,000 depending on size and pet type.

Additional restoration charges may apply for scratched floors, stained wallpaper, or strong odors. To reduce these costs, pet owners should use protective flooring mats, air purifiers, and odor-absorbing sprays during their stay.

Required Documents and Special Pet Clauses

To rent apartments in Japan Tokyo with pets, tenants must often provide additional paperwork, such as:

• Pet registration form (species, size, number, photo)
• Vaccination certificates (especially rabies for dogs)
• Proof of income and employment certificate
• Bank balance statement
• Standard ID (passport, residence card)

Leases also include special pet clauses that define:

• Type, size, and number of pets allowed
• Noise and hygiene responsibilities
• Rules for using shared spaces (elevators, hallways)
• Restoration obligations when moving out

Violating these terms may lead to contract termination, so it’s essential to review them carefully before signing.

Tips for Finding Pet-Friendly Apartments in Japan

When apartment hunting in Tokyo or other large cities, don’t rely solely on online photos. Visit the property to check:

• Are there parks or pet-friendly areas nearby for walks?
• Does the building have pet washing areas or waste disposal spots?
• Are there pet shops or veterinary clinics in the neighborhood?
• How thick are the walls — will your dog’s bark disturb neighbors?

You can find good options through agencies listing cheap apartments in Tokyo, shared houses in Tokyo, or foreigner-friendly apartments in Tokyo. Some even offer short-term or monthly rentals in Tokyo Japan that allow small pets.

Pet-Friendly Living Tips

To maintain a good relationship with landlords and neighbors:

• Keep your pet vaccinated and well-groomed.
• Manage noise levels with training or soundproof mats.
• Use odor-control sprays and air purifiers.
• Inform management immediately if any damage occurs.

Responsible pet ownership can help increase trust and encourage landlords to open more pet-friendly rentals in Japan in the future.

Conclusion

So, how common are pet-friendly apartments in Japan? While only about 15–20% of properties allow pets today, that number is rising. As the idea of pets as family becomes mainstream, the market for pet-friendly apartments in Tokyo and across Japan continues to expand.

Whether you’re searching for a flat in Tokyo, a cheap apartment in Tokyo, or a foreigner-friendly apartment for rent in Japan, being well-informed about pet policies, costs, and contract details will make your apartment hunt much smoother.

With patience and the help of experienced real estate agents, you and your furry companion can find the perfect apartment for rent in Japan – a place where both humans and pets can feel at home.