Locating a suitable private rental in the Yokosuka was somewhat of a frustrating experience due to the differences in language and custom. The JapanBases.com housing directory has made this process so much simpler by allowing you to search through agencies available properties from the comfort of your home.  Reporting personnel can even begin looking for properties before they even reach Japan, which is a great feeling for newly arriving personnel.

If you have not found a quality home on JapanBases.com you can visit the Yokosuka Housing Welcome Center and they will assist you in your efforts to find an off base rental; however, you are responsible for finding the rental. The Housing Welcome Center's bilingual employees can assist by answering questions and making phone calls. Addresses written in English or Japanese can be provided for taxi drivers to take you either to houses or to agents. Most agents are near train stations and we can also provide train directions.

There are approximately 400 agents located on the Miura Peninsula and 100 registered agents are shown in the "Location Map for House Agents" booklet provided by the Housing Welcome Center. You are not limited to using only these; however, we do recommend them since they are familiar with military leasing procedures. When you visit an agent, there will be many advertisements for rental houses posted on front windows which shows: type of housing, style, rental amount, floor plan, etc. If you explain your requirements (rent, size, facilities, area, pets, location, etc.), the agent will look for housing which meet those requirements.

In order to convey your requirements without any misunderstanding, use the bilingual "Customer Information" form provided by the Housing Welcome Center. The real estate agent will show you the floor plan and detailed sheet; check both. Even if you find something you like at the agency, DO NOT base your decision on that; ask the agent to see the house. There is no charge for this service.

Remember, you are competing for a house and first impressions are very important. Dress for business, no jeans or sweats. Be polite and attentive since there will be a language barrier. Noisy, unruly children could create concern in the agent's mind, so try to arrange for child care.

There are various styles of housing ranging from Japanese, semi-western, and western style. No matter what the style, each house will fall into one of two categories: approved or non-approved. An approved private rental meets the minimum U.S. Forces, Japan safety, sanitation, and fair market rental rates which have been established to safeguard the interests of U.S. Forces personnel. A non-approved private rental may or may not meet the minimum standards. Upon request, the Housing Welcome Center will inspect any unit not included on the approved list against the minimum standards for approval to identify what corrective measures need to be taken, so you can rent it.