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Hidden Tips for Cheap Rentals in Tokyo｜How to Use Older and Renovated Properties
2025.10.23
When searching for an apartment in Tokyo, many people feel, “The rent is just too high…” But with the right approach, it’s actually possible to find properties below the market average.
Today, we’ll share insider tips from a real estate company with deep knowledge of the industry on how to find affordable rental housing in Tokyo.
How to Save on Rent in Tokyo (1) Make Use of Older Properties
If you’re looking for lower rent in Tokyo, older properties are worth considering. The older the building, the cheaper the rent tends to be. Recently, however, many older apartments have been fully renovated with updated interiors and equipment.
Even properties over 30 years old can feel surprisingly comfortable if the wallpaper, flooring, and plumbing are new. Some places may look dated on the outside but feel brand new inside—true hidden gems for those who want to save on rent without compromising on comfort.
Points to Check When Looking for Renovated Units
・Earthquake Resistance
Renovations usually apply only to individual rooms, not the building’s structure. This means even if the interiors are new, the building itself may still have structural aging issues.
In Japan, housing is required to withstand strong earthquakes of seismic intensity level 6–7. Some older properties have been reinforced to meet this standard, but buildings approved before June 1981 often do not meet the “new earthquake resistance standards.” For safe and worry-free living, always check both the building’s age and its earthquake resistance.
・Building Management
Reinforced concrete (RC) apartments are said to last about 47 years. However, with proper maintenance and upgrades, they can last more than 70 years. On the other hand, poorly managed properties deteriorate quickly, shortening their lifespan.
If waterproofing for exterior walls and rooftops is neglected, for example, internal damage will progress faster. When considering renovated apartments, be sure to also check how well the building has been managed over the years.
How to Save on Rent in Tokyo (2) Be Flexible with Location
Location is another major factor that affects rent prices. Apartments close to train stations or in areas with excellent convenience facilities naturally come with higher rent. By widening your search to properties 10–15 minutes from the nearest station, you’ll often find lower rents.
Targeting neighborhoods around local-only train stations is another smart strategy. These stations don’t have express or rapid services, but compared to express-stop areas, the rent market is noticeably cheaper.
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Initial Costs and Monthly Living Expenses
So how much should you budget for living alone in an inexpensive Tokyo rental? Let’s calculate an example using a monthly rent of ¥50,000.
Initial Costs (one-time expenses when renting a property)
| Security deposit (1 month’s rent) | ¥50,000 |
| Key money (1 month’s rent) | ¥50,000 (often 1–2 months) |
| Advance rent (1 month’s rent) | ¥50,000 |
| Agent fee (1 month’s rent + tax) | ¥50,000 |
| Fire insurance | ¥10,000 (typically ¥10,000–¥20,000) |
| Key replacement fee | ¥10,000 (typically ¥10,000–¥20,000) |
| Total | ¥225,000 |
Monthly Running Costs (ongoing expenses)
| Rent | ¥50,000 |
| Management/maintenance fee | ¥3,000 |
| Parking fee (if applicable) | ¥3,000 |
| Utilities (water, gas, electricity) | ¥12,000 |
| Internet/cable TV | ¥5,000 |
| Total | ¥73,000 |
Combined, the initial costs and first month’s living expenses come to approximately ¥298,000. In practice, costs may be higher depending on property conditions (e.g., two months’ key money), so it’s best to prepare a buffer in your budget.
Conclusion
For anyone living alone in Tokyo, rent is one of the biggest expenses. If you want to save money, consider looking at older properties or expanding your search to areas with lower rent markets.
At Land Housing, a real estate company based in Suginami Ward, we can help you find the perfect property to match your budget. Whether you’re interested in older apartments or renovated units in and around Suginami, our experienced team is here to support you. Feel free to contact us for a consultation.
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