Moving is greatly influenced by life events such as starting school, entering the workforce, changing jobs, being transferred, getting married or having a baby and there really isn't a best time to move. That being said, the availability of rental properties is greater between January and April in Japan.

March in particular, being the end of both the fiscal and academic year, sees the most active movement of people, with many starting at a new school or job or being transferred to a new workplace. The largest number of new contracts is signed at real estate agents in March.

The larger number of vacant properties naturally means that there is a higher possibility of finding a property that you like. It also means, however, that there are many people looking for a new place at this time of year and the competition can be fierce. Since properties with better terms and conditions are likely to be snapped up earlier, it's necessary to act and make a decision quickly. Recently, many people planning to move in February or March start looking for properties from around the end of the year, well in advance of the actual moving date. As a result, it is often the case that you have to sign a contract and start paying rent before you actually move in.

Making an application for a property means that you have to start paying rent and accordingly it is important that you think about having to pay rent for both your current and new lease when you are looking for a new place. As a guideline, you should start looking for a new property at least two or three weeks prior to the date that you hope to move in.  

Incidentally, rental properties are the scarcest around summer time. This is because landlords and real estate agents try to fill vacancies by the end of April, since they might end up remaining vacant for the rest of the year if not taken at the end of the month when the movement of people settles down. As a result, rents might be lowered or key money may be waived in April, which makes it a great month to look for a property.  

September to October is also considered the second "high season" of the year in the rental market. Although it is not as active as January to April, there may be a surprisingly large number of properties in the market during this season, as properties for singles become available in time with the autumn wedding season, while properties for both singles and families hit the market as a result of regular personnel transfers at companies.      

For most non-Japanese, finding a rental property in Japan is by no means an easy task. With so many uncertainties, many people must be eager to receive good advice from a real estate agent.

Real estate agents are likely to find it difficult to spare enough time for consultation and may offer poor support during these busy high seasons, regardless of whether or not you are Japanese. In that sense, things may turn out better if you intentionally avoid these high seasons.