#Japan #Tokyo #At Home #Smart Application #e-RENT

At Home's Innovative Steps in Online Rental Applications

In a significant development in the real estate sector, At Home Inc., based in Ota, Tokyo, has announced its expansion of the online rental application system, 'Smart Application', by collaborating with a new rent guarantee company, e-RENT, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This partnership marks an important milestone as the number of companies integrated with the 'Smart Application' has reached a total of 59 as of the end of June 2026.

The 'Smart Application' allows prospective renters to submit their rental applications seamlessly online. The newly formed alliance with e-RENT is expected to enhance the service further, providing a more comfortable environment for consumers searching for homes, while simultaneously promoting efficiencies within the real estate industry, particularly in digital transformations.

Details of the Collaboration

The addition of e-RENT to the list of collaborators helps facilitate faster and simpler verification processes for rental applications. The system allows applicants to input their information—such as name, address, employer, and emergency contact directly into the platform—which is then forwarded to the rent guarantee companies for prompt assessment. This transition from traditional paper-based applications, which often require face-to-face interactions and postal communications, significantly reduces errors and expedites the application review timelines.

Background of the Service Expansion

A survey conducted in April 2024 by At Home revealed that more than 69.8% of real estate companies reported that over 80% of their transactions involved rent guarantee companies. Many real estate agencies still rely on outdated fax and postal methods to communicate with these companies, leading to increased workloads as the reliance on these services grows. Additionally, a postal rate hike scheduled for October 2024 heightened concerns surrounding postal costs. In response to these challenges, the 'Smart Application' has been released to ease these burdens, providing a more efficient workflow and faster processing times for tenant applications.

About 'Smart Application'

The 'Smart Application' is an innovative service offered by At Home that allows users to complete rental applications by simply filling out an online form with the necessary details. This virtual platform connects applicants with various companies, including rent guarantee firms, short-term insurance providers, and utility service brokers, streamlining communication and enhancing operational efficiency for real estate companies. Participants in the program have expressed satisfaction, noting improvements in application processing and data management capabilities.

After implementing the 'Smart Application', real estate agents can experience significant improvements in their operational workloads by minimizing paperwork during the tenant approval process.

On the Horizon: 'Smart Solutions'

Alongside the 'Smart Application', At Home is focused on innovation through its 'Smart Solutions' framework. This initiative incorporates cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies within the real estate industry, enabling companies to focus more on core services such as customer interactions. By offering comprehensive support throughout the entire rental process—including inquiries, property viewings, applications, crucial disclosures, and contracts—At Home aims to help businesses streamline their day-to-day operations, promoting a smarter way of doing business.

At Home remains committed to supporting more than 63,000 affiliated agencies nationwide, continually developing products and services that facilitate efficiency and productivity to revitalize the real estate sector while accelerating IT advancements and digital transformation initiatives.