How to Apply for JKK Tokyo Housing: Corporation & Metropolitan
Last updated: April 13, 2026
JKK Tokyo (Tokyo Housing Supply Corporation) manages two types of housing: "corporation housing" (公社住宅) and "metropolitan housing" (都営住宅). Each has a different application process and eligibility requirements. This guide explains both pathways.
Corporation Housing Flow
First-come, first-served — apply anytime
Metropolitan Housing Flow
Lottery — 4 times per year
Corporation vs Metropolitan Housing
| Criteria | Corporation Housing | Metropolitan Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | General public (income cap) | Low-income households |
| Application | First-come, first-served | Periodic lottery |
| Rent | Near market rate | Income-based (subsidized) |
| Key Money / Renewal | None | None |
How to Apply for Corporation Housing
Corporation housing works similarly to UR — you can apply on a first-come, first-served basis whenever a unit is available.
- Search for vacancies on the JKK Tokyo website or komadori
- Contact a JKK Tokyo office about the property you're interested in
- Schedule and attend a property viewing
- Prepare required documents and submit your application
- Income screening
- Sign the contract and move in
Corporation Housing Eligibility
- Income: Monthly income of at least 4× the rent (varies by property and household size)
- Guarantor: May be required (some properties accept guarantor companies)
- Residency: Living or working in Tokyo may be required
How to Apply for Metropolitan Housing
Metropolitan housing (都営住宅) uses a lottery system with periodic application windows, typically four times per year.
- Check application periods (usually May, August, November, February)
- Obtain the application guidelines from the JKK Tokyo website
- Submit your application by mail or online
- Lottery drawing → notification of results
- Eligibility screening (income verification, document review)
- Unit assignment → viewing → move-in
Metropolitan Housing Eligibility
Metropolitan housing has strict income limits — not everyone qualifies.
- Income limit: Household income must be below a set threshold (e.g., ¥1,896,000/year for singles, ¥2,276,000 for two-person households)
- Tokyo residency: Must be living in Tokyo at the time of application
- Housing need: Must demonstrate housing hardship (homeowners are generally ineligible)
- Single applicants: Some lotteries are limited to seniors (60+), persons with disabilities, or DV survivors
Required Documents
For both types, you'll generally need:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, My Number card, etc. |
| Resident registration | Juminhyo for all household members |
| Income certificate | Tax certificate, withholding slip |
| Proof of housing hardship | Metropolitan housing only |
Check the official JKK Tokyo website for the latest document requirements.
Finding Corporation Housing on komadori
Corporation housing is first-come, first-served, so timing is everything. komadori updates JKK Tokyo vacancy data daily — check regularly to catch the best units before they're taken.