More and more people are moving to Fukuoka with their beloved furry family members, but in the Japanese rental market the words "pets allowed" (petto-ka, ペット可) hide many details that cost both money and time. If you plan to look for a home with your pet, this article will help you prepare yourself in advance.
First, let's dispel a myth: a property marked "pets allowed" does not mean you can keep any animal you like. There is a clear "pyramid of difficulty".
1. Pet types ranked by difficulty
In Fukuoka's rental market, acceptance usually runs like this:
Small dogs (easiest) → medium dogs → cats → large dogs (extremely difficult)
- Small dogs: The mainstream option on the market. But every management company defines "small" differently, mostly by weight and breed (for example, a limit of 10kg or under). Be sure to ask before a viewing — even 1kg over can lead to a rejection.
- Cats: Many people assume cats are quiet and should be easier to place than dogs. In fact, properties that accept cats are surprisingly few! Management companies mainly worry that cats will scratch the wallpaper (kabegami, 壁紙) and wooden floors, and that the smell of their waste is extremely hard to remove completely.
- Large dogs: In the ordinary apartment market, properties that accept large dogs are genuinely "extremely rare" — almost non-existent!
2. The price of keeping a pet: more than just an extra deposit
In Fukuoka, the extra financial burden of having your pet move in legally is usually greater than you might expect. It is not as simple as "one more month's deposit"; common forms of compensation include:
- Higher key money: The most common is "key money raised by 1–2 months' rent". Some properties that allow several pets charge extra for each animal.
- Higher monthly rent: Some properties raise the monthly rent by ¥5,000–10,000, which you can think of as your pet's "season ticket".
- Pet cleaning fee paid in advance: On top of the standard cleaning fee, some contracts require a separate "pet deodorising/cleaning fee" to be paid at signing. Depending on the type of pet, it is usually ¥30,000–100,000.
These costs may hurt, but they are the landlord's way of managing the risk of "special repairs" for pet damage beyond normal wear and tear.
3. The essential "pet CV": the screening threshold
When you submit a rental application, a detailed "pet CV" is almost always required in addition to your own details. The management company decides whether to rent the property to you based on this information.
You usually need to prepare:
- Photo: A front-facing photo of your pet (to confirm the breed and size).
- Basic details: Name, breed, weight and age.
- Health certificates: Vaccination certificates for rabies and combination vaccines.
💡 Local insight: finding a pet-friendly home is a race between luck and time
If you have a pet and are looking for a home in Fukuoka, you must be mentally prepared for a "long campaign".
- Allow extra time: Because fewer properties meet the conditions and screening is stricter than for ordinary properties, I recommend allowing at least 2 months more than other people for your search.
- Good properties are hard to come by: Good pet-friendly properties are usually snapped up the moment they are listed. If you find a home where the conditions and location suit you and your pet is accepted, please don't hesitate too long — it really is a matter of timing and luck.
- Never keep a pet "secretly": In strictly managed Japanese apartments, neighbours are very quick to report. If you are found to be in breach of contract, you will not only be forced to move out but will also face hefty compensation, which does great damage to the standing of both you and your pet.
Living with a pet may mean higher initial costs and a harder search, but as long as you prepare this "reality checklist" in advance, I'm sure you will find a corner of Fukuoka where you and your pet can both live with peace of mind.