#Japan #Tokyo #AtHome #Smart Application #Tenant Guarantee

AtHome Expands Online Rental Application System

In a significant move to streamline the rental application process, AtHome Co., Ltd., based in Ota-ku, Tokyo, has announced a partnership with Tenant Guarantee Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. This collaboration, initiated in September 2025, increases the number of tenant guarantee companies partnered with AtHome to 58, showcasing a decisive shift towards digitalization and efficiency in the real estate sector.

Revolutionizing Rental Applications with Smart Application

AtHome's online application service, known as "Smart Application," allows prospective tenants to apply for rental properties digitally. The integration with Tenant Guarantee enables applicants to submit crucial information such as their name, address, workplace, and emergency contact swiftly and efficiently. This digitization reduces reliance on traditional methods where paper forms needed to be faxed or mailed, thus lessening operational burdens and minimizing errors in the application process.

Prior to this integration, applicants faced tedious verification procedures that could lead to delays. With the new system, the time from application submission to start of the screening process is significantly decreased, providing a smoother experience for both tenants and real estate professionals.

Addressing the Needs of Modern Tenants and Real Estate

The need for efficient systems has become increasingly apparent since the civil law amendments in April 2020 mandated clearer guidelines on joint guarantor agreements. As a result, the use of tenant guarantee companies has skyrocketed, with surveys suggesting that nearly 70% of rental transactions now incorporate these services. Many real estate agencies traditionally managed applications through slow, outdated methods involving fax and postal submissions, which could be cumbersome and inefficient.

In light of rising postal costs—which have increased since the hike in October 2024—AtHome’s strategic partnership aims to alleviate the workload of real estate companies while enhancing the speed of tenant screening. The Smart Application system will allow realtors to transition towards a paperless environment, thereby contributing to an overall increase in productivity and effectiveness throughout the rental process.

Expanding the Service Portfolio

AtHome’s Smart Application service not only connects users with tenant guarantee providers but also integrates short-term insurance companies and utilities coordination services. This creates a comprehensive platform for all aspects of moving and settling into a new home, making the process less burdensome for tenants and real estate agents alike.

Feedback from partner real estate businesses indicates substantial gains in efficiency and client management due to the digitalisation of these processes. Since introducing the Smart Application system, AtHome has been committed to enhancing the user experience and operational streamlining in the rental market.

Commitment to Technological Advancement

Going forward, AtHome is devoted to utilizing state-of-the-art technology to bolster the efficiency and smooth operation of real estate businesses. From property inquiries to viewings, applications, disclosure of important matters, and contracts, AtHome's services collectively aim to modernize the real estate industry.

With over 62,000 affiliate stores nationwide, AtHome continues to invest in products and services that contribute to the technological advancement and digital transformation (DX) of the real estate sector.

In summary, this alignment between AtHome and Tenant Guarantee marks a promising development in the rental application landscape, setting a precedent for the integration of innovative solutions in real estate, all aimed at enhancing the customer journey in finding homes.