A guarantor service launched by a credit guarantee firm based in Fukuoka is proving popular with foreigners and elderly people, who often encounter difficulty in renting housing.
S.H.I. Co. began the service in May, and as of Nov. 21, roughly 300 foreigners and about 420 others age 60 or over have signed up for it.
S.H.I. has been recognized by the Kanagawa Housing Support Center for Foreign People, a nonprofit organization based in Yokohama, and the Setagaya Community Design Center of Tokyo, both of which offer consultation services for people looking for housing to rent.
"As society rapidly ages, it is becoming more and more difficult for people, especially the elderly, to find people to serve as guarantors for their lease contracts," an S.H.I. spokesman said in explaining the reason why the firm started the service. "Also, more people appear to shun close human relationships, which traditionally lie at the base of the guarantor system, and are willing to settle issues (such as finding a guarantor) through money."