What is UR Housing?
- FIRST STEP Co,. Ltd.
- Jun 21
- 5 min read
UR Housing (Urban Renaissance Agency) is a public rental housing system in Japan offering affordable, spacious, and reliable apartments to a wide range of residents—including foreigners, students, and families. With over 740,000 properties across the country, UR housing is a great option if you're looking for low move-in costs and peace of mind.
🔗 Official Site (For Browsing Only): https://www.ur-net.go.jp/chintai/
Why Choose UR Housing?
1. No Key Money, No Guarantor, No Renewal Fee
UR housing requires no key money, no agent commission, no guarantor, and no renewal fee. Just a refundable deposit (usually 2 months’ rent) and monthly rent.
2. Spacious & Family-Friendly Layouts
UR units are known for their larger-than-average floor plans and green residential environments, ideal for both families and individuals working from home.
3. Discount Programs Available
Eligible households may receive special discounts, such as:
Young Couples & Singles Discount
Child-Raising Family Discount
Near Family Discount (for those living close to relatives)
Actual Picture of Muji x UR housing
4. Stylish Renovated Options
Some UR apartments have been recently renovated or redesigned with MUJI or IKEA collaborations. Some units even allow DIY customization without the need to restore them when moving out.
5. Safe & Reliable Housing
Most UR buildings have been upgraded for earthquake resistance, and are maintained regularly by the government housing agency.
6. Affordable Parking Available
Need a car? UR properties often come with parking spaces at very reasonable rates. You can also apply for a parking spot through us when you apply for the apartment!
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
We want to be transparent while keeping the experience positive:
Some older buildings may have dated interiors. Choose a renovated unit for a modern lifestyle.
Not all properties are near train stations. Please check commuting options with us in advance.
Vacant UR apartments fill up very quickly. If you find something you like, don’t wait—contact us immediately so we can help secure it for you!
Who Can Apply?
Anyone with long-term visa can apply — including international residents and students! Application Eligibility
Anyone who meets all of the following conditions 1 to 5 is eligible to apply.
The applicant's average monthly income is equal to or exceeds the standard monthly income.
Those who are single or have relatives who currently live with them or who intend to live with them
The applicant and all other household members are not members of organized crime groups.
you must meet all 5 of the following conditions:
1️⃣ You Meet the Minimum Income Requirement
🏠If You Are Applying With Family:
Monthly Rent | Required Monthly Income |
Less than ¥82,500 | 4× the rent amount (e.g. rent ¥60,000 → income ¥240,000) |
¥82,500 – ¥199,999 | ¥330,000 fixed |
¥200,000 or more | ¥400,000 fixed |
👤 If You Are Applying Alone:
Monthly Rent | Required Monthly Income |
Less than ¥62,500 | 4× the rent amount (e.g. rent ¥50,000 → income ¥200,000) |
¥62,500 – ¥199,999 | ¥250,000 fixed |
¥200,000 or more | ¥400,000 fixed |
💡 If your income doesn’t meet the requirement, you may still qualify using your savings. Let us know and we’ll help guide you.
2️⃣ You Must Be a Japanese Citizen or an Eligible Foreign Resident
Foreign nationals are eligible if:
You are living in Japan legally with a valid visa
You plan to live in the UR property as your main residence
You meet the income or savings requirements
3️⃣ You Can Apply as a Single or With Family Members
You can apply:
Alone (single applicants are welcome)
With your spouse, children, or other relatives who currently live with you or plan to live with you
💍 If you’re engaged and planning to live together, that’s also accepted—just ask us about the required documents!
4️⃣ You Must Be Ready to Move In Within 1 Month
All household members listed in your application must be able to:
Move in within one month from the move-in date set by UR
Live together peacefully and responsibly
5️⃣ No One in the Household Can Be a Member of an Organized Crime Group
All applicants must submit a declaration confirming that:
Neither the applicant nor any household members are involved in criminal organizations
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for UR Housing?
To apply for a UR apartment, you’ll need to submit several documents. Don’t worry—we at First Step Co., Ltd. will help guide you through every step. Here's what you need:
📝 Documents for Application
UR Rental Application Form Filled out at a UR Sales Center (we’ll help prepare this with you).
Residence Certificate (Juminhyo)
Must be issued within the last 3 months
Do not include your “My Number”
Make sure it includes information like your name, date of birth, nationality, and household relationship.
If you are engaged and applying to live together, both your fiancé(e)'s residence certificate and an engagement declaration are required.
Proof of Income (depending on your situation):
If You Are Employed (Full-time/Part-time):
① Last year’s withholding slip (Gensen Choshu-hyo)
② Resident tax statement or tax certificate issued by your local city/ward office
If newly employed (less than 1 year), you’ll need a UR income certificate form and a copy of your employee ID.
If You Are Self-Employed:
A Tax Payment Certificate (No.2) from the tax office for the previous year
If You Receive a Pension:
A copy of your pension certificate or pension transfer notice (most recent)
If You Plan to Apply with Savings (Not Income):
A bank balance certificate (issued within the last 7 days)
Must show a balance in Japanese yen
Other Supporting Documents (If Applicable):
If you're a minor, or under guardianship, additional documents like a consent form from your parent or guardian will be needed
For close-living discounts, additional proof of your relative’s residence is required
🖊️ Documents Needed at the Time of Contract
Once you are approved, you will need the following to sign your rental contract:
Signed Rental Agreement(We’ll prepare this for you)
Deposit (2 months' rent)Paid via bank using a UR-issued payment slip
First Month’s Rent (Pro-rated) & Maintenance FeePaid together with the deposit
Personal Seal (Hanko) & Seal Certificate
For foreign nationals, a signature certificate from your embassy/consulate may be accepted
If you present valid photo ID in person (e.g., passport or My Number card with address), a seal certificate may not be required
Identification
My Number card (with number hidden), driver’s license, or passport with current address
How to Apply Through First Step
We’ll make the process easy and stress-free for you:
Browse available properties on the UR site: https://www.ur-net.go.jp/chintai/
Take a screenshot, copy the link, or just send us a message describing the property you’re interested in.
Email us at sales@firststep-jp.com or use the inquiry form on our website.
We’ll check the availability, share full details, and even arrange the property visit for you.
Once you’re ready, we’ll apply on your behalf, help gather documents, and guide you through move-in!
We also handle parking applications if needed. Just let us know!
Contact Us
If you’re interested in any UR property, or want help exploring options:
📧 Email: sales@firststep-jp.com 🌐 Website: https://www.firststep-jp.com/contact-old
💡 Quick Tips:
UR listings are updated frequently.
Units disappear quickly, so don’t hesitate to contact us early.
Even if you're not sure what you want yet, we’re happy to guide you.
Let First Step Co., Ltd. make your search for a new home smooth, stress-free, and successful. We’re here to support you—from first inquiry to move-in day - Mashrif
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