What Happens When a Landlord Calls Your Emergency Contact in Japan?

If you’re applying for an apartment in Japan, you may be told, “We will call your emergency contact.” For many foreigners, this sentence causes immediate anxiety. What will they ask? Is it a serious interview? Can your application be rejected because of this call?

In reality, the verification call is usually simple. But it does matter. Here’s what typically happens and what landlords are looking for.

Why Landlords Make the Call

An emergency contact (緊急連絡先) is not financially responsible like a guarantor. However, landlords want reassurance that if they cannot reach you, there is someone in Japan who can answer the phone and help communicate.

The call is mainly about confirming that:

• The person actually exists
• They know you
• They agree to be listed as your emergency contact
• They can communicate in Japanese

What They Usually Ask

While every agency is slightly different, most calls are short and straightforward. Typical questions include:

• “Do you know [Tenant’s Name]?”
• “What is your relationship?”
• “Do you understand you are listed as their emergency contact?”
• “If we cannot reach them, may we contact you?”

The tone is usually polite and procedural. It is not an interrogation. They are simply confirming basic information.

What Landlords Care About Most

The most important factors are clarity and reliability. If the person answers confidently in Japanese, confirms the relationship, and responds smoothly, that is typically enough.

Problems can arise if:

• The phone is not answered
• The person sounds confused
• They say they were not informed beforehand
• They cannot communicate in Japanese

In those cases, the landlord may see it as a red flag.

How to Prepare Your Emergency Contact

If you’re using a friend, coworker, or teacher, make sure to tell them in advance:

• Which apartment you are applying for
• That they may receive a phone call during the day
• What their role actually means (no financial responsibility)

Clear communication avoids awkward situations and helps your application move forward smoothly.

Why Some Renters Use a Professional Service

Because this call can influence the outcome of your application, some renters prefer not to rely on friends. A professional emergency contact service ensures the phone is answered properly, communication is clear, and expectations are understood.

While many friend-based contacts work perfectly fine, the key factor landlords care about is reliability.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, the emergency contact verification call is simple and short. It’s not something to fear, but it is something to take seriously.

Make sure whoever you list is prepared, reachable, and able to communicate clearly. That small detail can make a big difference in whether your rental application moves forward smoothly.

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ section to learn more about how emergency contacts work in Japan.