For those who are planning an overseas assignment to Tokyo, many may be thinking, “I want to find a luxury rental apartment in Tokyo where I can live with my pet.”
In fact, pet-friendly properties in Tokyo are relatively limited. Therefore, in order to find a property smoothly, it is best to understand the basic knowledge of pet-friendly properties and find a suitable real estate agency.
In this article, we will introduce why pet-friendly properties are scarce in Tokyo, how foreigners can find pet-friendly luxury rental apartments in Tokyo, and the important points to keep in mind when living in one.
Furthermore, we will also explain the characteristics of pet-friendly properties in Tokyo and the documents required when living in a pet-friendly luxury rental apartment in Tokyo. Please use this as a helpful reference.
Why Pet-Friendly Apartments Are Limited in Tokyo
It is said that pet-friendly rental properties in Tokyo make up only about 15% of all rental listings.
The reason for the limited number of pet-friendly apartments is that many property owners are concerned about risks such as scratches or damage to the walls and floors caused by pets, as well as possible disputes between tenants.
For this reason, if you are considering keeping a pet in a rental property in Tokyo, gathering sufficient information beforehand will help you find a better property.
Types of Pet-Friendly Rental Properties in Tokyo
There are three main types of pet-friendly rental properties in Tokyo:
| Type | Description |
| Pet-friendly | Properties where keeping pets is explicitly permitted |
| Pet negotiable | Properties where keeping pets may be allowed depending on negotiation |
| Pet-sharing (Pet-cohabitation) properties | Properties designed for living with pets, where all tenants usually own pets |
If you are considering keeping a pet, it is common to look for “pet-friendly” or “pet negotiable” properties.
In pet-friendly properties, you can keep a pet smoothly as long as you meet the specified conditions. In “pet negotiable” properties, pet ownership is possible if you obtain the landlord’s approval.
If you wish to prioritize your pet’s comfort above all, you may consider looking for a pet-sharing rental property, which is designed for residents living with pets.
Such pet-sharing properties often have excellent facilities for pets, such as pet washing areas or cushioned flooring, to ensure a comfortable living environment.
Features of Pet-Friendly Properties in Tokyo
Pet-friendly properties in Tokyo generally have the following four characteristics:
- Higher rent compared to general rental properties
- Additional initial costs
- Enhanced facilities for pets
- Possibility of higher move-out (restoration) costs
Below, we will explain each of these characteristics in detail.
Higher Rent Compared to General Properties
The rent for pet-friendly rental properties in Tokyo tends to be higher than that of general rentals.
This is because pet-friendly apartments often include pet-related facilities, and the rent is set higher to anticipate potential wear and tear caused by pets.
Additional Initial Costs
When renting a pet-friendly property in Tokyo, additional costs may arise on top of the basic initial expenses, such as:
- Additional security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent or more
- Additional “pet gratuity fee” (礼金)
This is because landlords often assume restoration costs for pet-related damage or odors, so the initial security deposit tends to be set higher than usual.
In some cases, a separate “pet gratuity fee” is also required as an extra payment to the landlord.
Enhanced Facilities for Pets
Some pet-friendly properties offer dedicated facilities for pets, such as:
- Pet washing areas
- Grooming rooms
- Lead hooks
- Dog runs
- Cat walks
- Scratch-resistant wallpaper
- Cushioned pet-safe flooring
These pet-friendly facilities are generally more comprehensive in pet-sharing properties than in standard pet-permitted apartments.
Higher Move-Out Costs
In pet-friendly properties, the move-out cost can be higher than usual.
This is because, upon leaving, cleaning or repairs are often needed for scratches on floors, walls, or pillars caused by pets, or for removing odors specific to animals.
How Foreigners Can Find Pet-Friendly Luxury Rentals in Tokyo
When foreigners search for pet-friendly luxury rental apartments in Tokyo, it is recommended to proceed in the following two steps:
- Consider the conditions necessary for keeping pets
- Find a real estate agency that offers English support and handles many pet-friendly properties
Below, we will explain these two steps for smoothly finding a pet-friendly property in Tokyo.
Consider the Conditions Necessary for Keeping Pets
To efficiently find a pet-friendly luxury rental in Tokyo, consider the following property conditions:
- Type of flooring, wall, and pillar materials
- Amount of sunlight and natural lighting
- Proximity to parks or veterinary hospitals
- Availability of pet facilities
- Quality of security systems
Among these, it is helpful to list both the “non-negotiable conditions” and “nice-to-have conditions” to make your search smoother.
For example:
- If you are a cat owner, you might prefer a well-lit property where your cat can enjoy sunbathing.
- If you are a dog owner, you might prioritize properties near parks or open spaces for daily walks.
Find a Real Estate Agency with English Support and Many Pet-Friendly Listings
For foreigners seeking pet-friendly luxury apartments in Tokyo, it is important to choose a real estate company that offers English-language support and a wide range of pet-friendly luxury listings.
For instance, Asian Property’s APARTMENTS TOKYO specializes in luxury rentals for international residents and offers a rich selection of high-end pet-friendly and pet-negotiable properties throughout Tokyo.
Their English-speaking staff can provide assistance with:
- Property introductions tailored to your preferences
- Neighborhood and area guides
- Commuting and school information
Documents Required When Living in a Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartment in Tokyo
When renting a pet-friendly luxury apartment in Tokyo, the following documents are generally required:
- Pet’s photo
- Vaccination certificate
- Dog license (if applicable)
- Rabies vaccination certificate
Important Points to Keep in Mind When Living in a Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartment in Tokyo
When living in a pet-friendly luxury apartment in Tokyo, be sure to keep the following four points in mind:
- Check the permitted pet types, sizes, and number of pets
- Review the restrictions related to pet ownership
- Understand common pet-related disputes
- Learn about Japanese pet-related laws and ordinances
Below, we will explain each of these points in detail.
Check the Permitted Pet Types, Sizes, and Number of Pets
When searching for a pet-friendly rental property in Tokyo, be sure to check what types, sizes, and numbers of pets are permitted.
Each property sets its own conditions, such as:
- “Small dogs only”
- “Up to one cat allowed”
- “Large dogs allowed if quiet and well-trained”
Review the Restrictions Related to Pet Ownership
When signing the lease, always review the specific restrictions concerning pet ownership.
These clauses may include rules about:
- Responsibility for repair costs due to pet-related damage
- Rules for using common areas with pets
Carefully reviewing these terms is important to prevent future disputes.
Understand Common Pet-Related Disputes
Typical issues that may arise from keeping pets in rental properties include:
- Noise complaints
- Misuse of shared spaces
- Odor-related problems
- Injuries caused to others
By maintaining proper training and etiquette, you can prevent such problems and build good relationships with your neighbors.
Learn About Japanese Pet-Related Laws and Ordinances
The following are examples of laws and ordinances in Japan related to dogs:
| Law / Ordinance | Description |
| Dog Registration | Owners must register within 30 days of acquiring the dog or when the dog reaches 91 days old. The issued license tag must be attached to the dog’s collar. |
| Rabies Vaccination | Rabies vaccination must be administered every year between April 1 and June 30. |
| Act on Welfare and Management of Animals | This law obliges owners to prevent their pets from harming others’ lives, health, or property. |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance | In Tokyo, owners must attach a leash when taking dogs outside, prevent any harm to people, respond promptly in case of biting incidents, and clean up their pet’s waste. |
When keeping a pet in Japan, it is essential to understand and comply with these laws and ordinances.
How to Find a Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartment in Tokyo: A Guide for Expats – Summary
In this article, we introduced why pet-friendly properties are limited in Tokyo, how foreigners can find pet-friendly luxury apartments, and key points to keep in mind when living in such properties.
If you are looking for a pet-friendly luxury rental apartment in Tokyo, please refer to the features and important considerations introduced in this article.
For expatriates seeking a pet-friendly luxury apartment in Tokyo, we recommend Asian Property’s APARTMENTS TOKYO, which offers a wide selection of high-end listings.
APARTMENTS TOKYO provides comprehensive English-language support to help expatriates find their ideal property in Tokyo with ease.Please feel free to contact us anytime.
