Job Discussion Forums

[Gypsy Rose Kim]

Sorry to ask such a basic question. I did search, but hard to find exactly what I want to know.

How appropriate is it to ask someone to be a guarantor for you? I have a lot of close friends, but none of them homeowners. I feel a little strange asking anyone, to be perfectly honest. Do Japanese people ask their friends? I don't want to jeopardize friendships. The reason I am returning to Tokyo in the first place is because my friends are there.

I have one good friend who is currently studying in London. I have known her for years, we talk about everything, we have travelled together, she has stayed with my parents at their home in Europe on numerous occasions. But, she is just a graduate student. And lives in London. Her parents live in a house they own in Chiba. They like me, and have always been grateful to my family for helping their daughter. I've met them a few times, even stayed over, but to be honest I never trekked out to Chiba as often as I should have to say hi.

Could I ask them? I mean, she has always been welcomed into my family home with no thought that I'd ever need a favor in the future. I don't want to make it seem like there were strings attached. However, if it's usual for Japanese to ask non-family members to serve as their guarantors on apartments, I'd like to ask them.

Sorry, I just feel so tacky asking anyone I know about this stuff. Any ideas appreciated. I will be working and living in Tokyo. Also feel tacky asking my company, since they sponsored my visa and never offered to act as guarantor...

Last time around, I lived in a Fontana apartment and didn't need a guarantor. I liked them a lot, but a bit expensive if I can line up a guarantor on my own.

[JonnyB61]

The whole renting scene in Japan seems odd to me. Best of luck with it.

[ironopolis]

Gypsy, I think you're right to be concerned about this because it isn't just as simple as someone saying "yeah, whatever, put my name down" that a lot of us might think it is - at least not in the eyes of a lot of Japanese people. Being a guarantor is potentially much more of a responsibility than many people realise.

No idea how your friend's parents might respond. I'd say it's worth asking them but be careful how you do it. Be as subtle and indirect as you can and perhaps get your friend herself to broach it with her parents first. Don't be offended if they're not willing to do it, and if they are, make sure you get them a present and put them on your new year card list.

Incidentally, I think getting the guarantor is less of a problem than it used to be when renting somewhere - both for foreigners and generally. There seem to be a lot more places around that don't require one and I've heard of quite a few cases where real estate agents have told people that if their guarantor fell through, something could still be sorted out. Dunno, this might be just around where I live, which is NOT anywhere near Tokyo.

[Sweeney Todd]

Tricky one this.
Good luck with it.

[bornslippy1981]

The housing company I rented from when I was in Japan got me a guarantee company and paid 30,000 Yen for the service.

I think I remember seeing advertisements in the Metropolis for companies that will act as your guarantor, for a fee of course.

If anything, ask your job. I didn't when I moved because I was just starting a new job, and if it didn't work out, I didn't want to be looking for a job and a new guarantor at the same time.

Oh yeah, and I asked one Japanese person who was somewhat a good friend, and wealthy enough that if I didn't pay rent he'd be responsible. He just laughed when I asked him about being my guarantor.

[womblingfree]

There are plenty of guarantor agencies. They vary in cost but I think I paid less than a months rent for a years coverage.

[J.]

Maybe there are plenty of companies, but where do we find them? Anyone have any names or contact info? For most of us it's not as simple as reading the yellow pages.

[Inflames]