Public Housing Costs Compared: UR & JKK vs Private Rentals
Last updated: April 13, 2026
When renting in Japan, upfront costs can be a significant burden beyond just the monthly rent. Public housing options like UR and JKK eliminate key money and agent fees, making them substantially cheaper to move into compared to private rentals. This guide provides concrete cost comparisons.
Up to ~¥400,000
Saved on upfront costs
Over ¥900,000
Total savings over 10 years
Upfront Cost Breakdown
Here's a comparison assuming a ¥100,000/month apartment:
| Cost Item | Private Rental | UR / JKK |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | ¥100,000–200,000 | ¥200,000 |
| Key Money | ¥100,000–200,000 | ¥0 |
| Agent Fee | ¥50,000–100,000 | ¥0 |
| First Month's Rent | ¥100,000 | ¥100,000 |
| Fire Insurance | ¥10,000–20,000 | ¥10,000–20,000 |
| Guarantor Company | ¥50,000–100,000 | ¥0 |
| Total | ¥410,000–720,000 | ¥310,000–320,000 |
Save Up to ¥400,000
As the table shows, for a ¥100,000/month apartment, public housing can save you up to about ¥400,000 in upfront costs compared to a private rental.
This difference comes from three fees you don't have to pay:
- Key money: Typically 1–2 months' rent in private rentals, but ¥0 for UR/JKK
- Agent fee: You apply directly through official channels, so no real estate agent commission
- Guarantor company: UR doesn't require a guarantor, and there's no guarantor company fee either
Long-Term Savings
The benefits go beyond upfront costs. Over time, the savings compound significantly:
- No renewal fees: Private rentals typically charge 1 month's rent every 2 years. Over 10 years, that's 5 renewals (¥500,000 saved)
- No annual guarantor fees: Private rentals often charge ¥10,000–20,000 per year for guarantor company renewal
Living in a ¥100,000/month property for 10 years, the total difference in upfront costs and renewal fees can exceed ¥900,000.
| Timeline | Private Rental Extra Costs | Cumulative Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Move-in | Key money + agent + guarantor = up to ¥400,000 | ~¥400,000 |
| Year 2 | + Renewal fee ¥100,000 | ~¥500,000 |
| Year 4 | + Renewal fee ¥100,000 | ~¥600,000 |
| Year 6 | + Renewal fee ¥100,000 | ~¥700,000 |
| Year 8 | + Renewal fee ¥100,000 | ~¥800,000 |
| Year 10 | + Renewal fee ¥100,000 | ~¥900,000 |
Things to Keep in Mind
While the cost advantages are significant, be aware of these trade-offs:
- Deposits are typically 2 months' rent (some private rentals only require 1 month)
- Fewer properties and locations available compared to private rentals
- Income requirements must be met to qualify
- Renovation freedom varies by property (restoration required at move-out)