[2025: Significant Rent Increases?] Over 40% of Rental Contract Renewers Face Price Hikes! Is the Solution "Moving" Rather Than "Saving"?
A survey by Crekari Inc. found that over 40% of young renters in 2025 faced rent increases, with most experiencing hikes of 5,000-10,000 yen, significantly impacting their finances. Faced with rising costs, a majority are considering moving to cheaper properties over simply cutting expenses. The survey also highlighted a strong demand for more flexible payment options, with over 70% desiring credit card payments for rent to earn points and better manage their budgets.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 18:34 (6h 2m after Collected)
Crekari Inc. (Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Takahiko Masuda) conducted a survey on 'The Reality of Rent Increases in 2025 and Renters' Real Responses' targeting individuals in their 20s and 30s who pay their own rent and renewed their rental contracts in 2025.
In 2025, due to soaring prices and rising fixed asset taxes, many people may have suddenly received notice of rent revisions at the timing of their contract renewal, even for rents that had previously been kept the same. In addition to the recent soaring construction and repair costs, the increase in fixed asset taxes is squeezing the costs of rental property management, making rent revisions seem unavoidable. In particular, even for properties where rents have been maintained considering the burden on tenants, revisions are becoming more prominent with changes in the social landscape. So, how many people have actually experienced a rent increase? And what kind of impact did rent increases have on their lives and expenditures?
Therefore, Crekari Inc. (https://crecari.com/) conducted a survey on 'The Reality of Rent Increases in 2025 and Renters' Real Responses' targeting individuals in their 20s and 30s who pay their own rent and renewed their rental contracts in 2025.
Detailed materials for this survey can be downloaded from below.
Download Survey Report
Survey Overview: Survey on 'The Reality of Rent Increases in 2025 and Renters' Real Responses'
[Survey Period] February 4, 2026 (Wednesday) – February 6, 2026 (Friday)
[Survey Method] Internet survey conducted by PRIZMA (https://www.prizma-link.com/press)
[Number of Respondents] 1,016 people
[Survey Target] Monitors who responded that they pay their own rent and renewed their rental contract in 2025, aged 20s and 30s.
[Survey Source] Crekari Inc. (https://crecari.com/)
[Monitor Provider] PRIZMA Research
In 2025, Over 40% Saw Rent Increases! What Was the Actual Rise…?
When asked, 'Was the rent for the property you live in increased in 2025?', over 40% responded, 'It was increased (42.1%)'.
This suggests that rent increases are becoming normalized not only in some luxury properties or urban areas but also in the general rental market.
Until now, rent was considered 'difficult to change among fixed costs,' but recent social conditions seem to be overturning that common sense.
The following questions are for those who answered 'It was increased' in the previous question.
When asked, 'How much did your rent increase?', the most common response was 'Less than 5,000 to 10,000 yen (42.5%)', followed by 'Less than 3,000 to 5,000 yen (24.1%)' and 'Less than 1,000 to 3,000 yen (19.2%)'.
An increase of less than 5,000 to 10,000 yen per month directly translates to an annual burden increase of less than 60,000 to 120,000 yen, which could easily cancel out the average salary increase for individuals in their 20s and 30s.
This fixed cost increase of this magnitude may exceed what can be covered by 'saving,' requiring many to re-examine their daily lives.
When asked, 'Did the rent increase affect your overall living expenses?', approximately 90% responded, 'It had a significant impact (42.8%)' or 'It had some impact (47.4%)'.
This suggests that some households are in a dire financial situation where even minor adjustments to food or entertainment expenses are not enough to cover the increase.
Changes in rent, one of the largest expenditures among fixed costs, can suppress other consumption activities and potentially lower the life satisfaction of young people.
The Most Common Response for Handling Future Rent Increases is "Considering Moving to a Cheaper Property."
Continuing, we asked those who responded that their rent was increased.
When asked, 'How did you feel when you received the notice of a rent increase?', the most common response was 'My household finances are likely to become strained (49.3%)', followed by 'I need to negotiate the rent (30.6%)' and 'I need to consider moving (30.4%)'.
Nearly half expressed anxiety about their finances becoming strained, and about 30% indicated they considered rent negotiation or moving to protect their lifestyles. A rent increase appears to be a significant trigger for tenants to consider leaving their current residence.
When asked, 'If your rent were to increase further, what kind of action are you considering?', 'Considering moving to a cheaper property (39.3%)' was the most frequent response, followed by 'Reviewing and strengthening living expense cuts (29.2%)' and 'Considering side jobs to increase income (27.3%)'.
The result where 'moving' ranked higher than 'saving' suggests a tendency to prioritize reducing housing costs themselves rather than maintaining the current living environment. Additionally, about 30% chose 'side jobs' as an option, suggesting that some individuals are trying to maintain their current standard of living not only by reducing expenses but also by increasing income.
Over 80% Felt It Would Be Helpful If Rent Payment Methods Were More Flexible.
When asked, 'Did you feel it would be helpful if rent payment methods were more flexible?', over 80% responded 'I strongly felt so (40.7%)' or 'I somewhat felt so (43.2%)'.
This indicates a current situation where many people are feeling the limitations and inconvenience of continuing to pay such a large fixed cost as rent through methods like cash or bank transfer, which are 'simply debited'.
Rent Payments Also Moving Towards "Cashless"! The Reason Why Paying by Credit Card Would Be Helpful is Most Common?
Now, how are rent payments currently being made?
We asked all respondents.
When asked, 'How are you currently paying your rent?', the most common method was 'Bank transfer (44.4%)', followed by 'Bank remittance (30.4%)' and 'Credit card payment (16.8%)'.
Combining bank transfer and bank remittance accounts for about 80%, indicating that these methods remain mainstream.
While cashless payments are becoming commonplace, a structural issue is highlighted: digitalization is significantly lagging in rent payments, which are the largest fixed cost.
Regarding rent payment methods, what became available from 2026 onwards would be desirable?
When asked, 'What kind of payment methods would you like to be available for rent payments from 2026 onwards?', 'Credit card payment (74.7%)' was the most popular, followed by 'QR code payment (like PayPay) (34.3%)' and 'Electronic money (Suica, WAON, etc.) (13.5%)'.
Currently, credit card payment for rent is only about 20%, but the desired rate exceeds 70%.
This suggests that a large portion of people view credit card payment as 'a standard method that should ideally be available'. Furthermore, the expectation for 'QR code payment' exceeding 30% indicates a high latent demand for cashless rent payments.
The following questions are for those who answered 'Credit card payment' in the previous question.
When asked, 'In what way would it be helpful if you could pay rent by credit card?', 'Earning points or miles (81.2%)' was overwhelmingly the most common answer, followed by 'Saving the trouble of preparing cash (33.1%)' and 'Making household finances easier to manage (26.9%)'.
The 'earning points or miles' response stands out, indicating a desire to utilize high fixed rent payments for efficient household financial management. Since rent constitutes a large portion of expenditures, point rewards offer practical benefits for many.
Regarding concerns or anxieties about using credit cards for rent payments, the most common answer was 'No particular anxiety or concern (37.9%)', followed by 'Concerns about security (28.7%)' and 'Anxiety about credit card spending amount (21.2%)'.
The fact that 'no anxiety or concern' was the most frequent response suggests that psychological resistance to credit card payments for rent is diminishing. However, some people do have concerns about security and spending amounts, indicating that when introducing credit card payments, it is important to provide information about the safety of the payment system and to offer reminders about usage limits for high-value payments to address tenants' concerns.
Detailed materials for this survey can be downloaded from below.
Download Survey Report
Conclusion: In the Era of Rising Rents, Will 20- to 30-Year-Olds Choose "Relocation" or "Payment DX"?
This survey revealed that rent increases are becoming normalized in the 2025 rental market.
Among those who experienced a rent increase, over 40% saw an increase of '5,000 to 10,000 yen未満', and approximately 90% felt the impact on their living expenses.
And, when considering actions for further rent increases, 'moving' ranked higher than 'saving'. This suggests that many believe that further rent increases cannot be covered by merely cutting living expenses, and they are forced to reconsider their living environment itself.
From this situation of increasing rent burden, expectations are rising for the 'cashlessization' of payment methods.
Currently, the usage rate of credit card payments for rent is about 20%, but future desired rates are over 70%, showing overwhelming support. This reflects a modern awareness of financial self-preservation, where people want to alleviate psychological burdens by using high rent payments as a means to manage their household finances through 'point rewards'.
The digitalization of rent payments is not just about improved convenience. In the context of continuing price hikes, it is becoming an important option for tenants to maintain their quality of life by finding added value in fixed costs that they simply 'used to just pay'.
Pay Rent by Credit Card! "Crekari Chintai"
Crekari Inc. (https://crecari.com/), which conducted the survey on 'The Reality of Rent Increases in 2025 and Renters' Real Responses', offers a service called 'Crekari Chintai' that allows rent payments by credit card.
■What is Crekari Chintai?
A rent credit card automatic payment system that is not limited by property.
To pay monthly rent by credit card, the property you live in needed to support credit card payments.
However, with Crekari Chintai, even if the property does not support credit card payments, Crekari Chintai will pay the rent to the designated bank account on your behalf, so it's okay even if your property doesn't support it!
Paying monthly rent by credit card is very convenient as it allows you to accumulate a lot of card points or miles, and you don't have to line up at the bank ATM at the end of the month.
[How Crekari Chintai Works]
One-time procedure to pay rent on your behalf!
You can pay rent for any property by credit card.
- The remitter's name will be your name (the tenant's), so there is no problem for the real estate management company or landlord.
- It is not compatible with properties that require direct bank debit, but if you contact the payment recipient (real estate management company or landlord) and it is possible to change to bank transfer, you can use it.
[4 Benefits of Crekari Chintai]
① By paying rent by credit card, you can earn a lot of card points and miles!
② By switching to credit card payment, you can delay the actual payment and pay your rent without strain.
③ You can pay initial rental costs and renewal fees by credit card.
④ With Crekari Chintai, you can easily apply from your smartphone. There are no bank transfer fees!
[About Security]
It supports the latest 3DS2.0 for protection against fraudulent card use.
It also implements SSL, a protocol (communication standard) for encrypting and transmitting information over the internet. This protects important information such as personal data exchanged during internet communication from eavesdropping, tampering, and impersonation by third parties.
Furthermore, by not retaining credit card information at Crekari and only having the payment company hold it, the risk of information leakage is minimized.
[Two Payment Methods]
▼ Automatic Rent Payment
Pay rent by credit card automatically every month with a single procedure!
Once set up, rent will be automatically paid from your registered credit card each month, eliminating the need to visit an ATM.
Even if you are on an overseas business trip at the end of the month and cannot go to make a payment, you can easily pay rent from your smartphone, so you can rest assured.
Service Fee: 3.6%
▼ One-time Payment
Peace of mind even with sudden moving! Pay initial costs without strain!
Can be used for initial rental contract expenses and renewal fees.
With the "one-time payment" via Crekari Chintai for initial costs that require several months of rent, you can also make installment payments without strain by using services like "revolving conversion service" from your credit card company.
Service Fee: 4.6%
- Details here: https://crecari.com/service/
[Information on Business Partnerships]
Crekari Inc. has partnered with SB Payment Service Corporation (https://www.sbpayment.jp/).
■Background of Partnership
To launch a corporate invoice credit payment service (BPSP) as a new business, discussions have been ongoing with credit card brands, payment service providers, etc., for about a year.
During this time, SBPS Corporation was launching its BPSP business, leading to this partnership.
■What is Invoice Card Payment?
Invoice Card Payment is a service that allows you to pay bills from business partners using a credit card.
It enables you to improve cash flow and accelerate your business without taking out loans.
[Reasons for Choosing SBPS Invoice Card Payment]
① Peace of mind as it's part of the SoftBank Group.
Fee: 3% (excluding tax)
We offer a secure fee structure made possible by our role as the SoftBank Group's payment business operator.
Compared to factoring services for small amounts, which often have fees of 5-10%, this service is characterized by its lower cost.
② Remitter name is your name.
The remitter name can be specified by you, allowing you to use the service without your business partners knowing.
③ Payments to business partners can be made on the same day at the earliest.
You can use it from the application date at the earliest.
There is no time wasted on tedious document preparation or waiting for approval.
- Initial cost, monthly fee: Free
- Supports major credit card brands
(Usable credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, JCB brands)
- Payment of social insurance premiums, outsourced costs, and rent is also possible.
- Details here: https://www.sbpayment.jp/service/b2b/invoice-creditcard/crecari/
- Crekari Inc.: https://crecari.com/
- Contact URL: https://crecari.com/contact/
In 2025, due to soaring prices and rising fixed asset taxes, many people may have suddenly received notice of rent revisions at the timing of their contract renewal, even for rents that had previously been kept the same. In addition to the recent soaring construction and repair costs, the increase in fixed asset taxes is squeezing the costs of rental property management, making rent revisions seem unavoidable. In particular, even for properties where rents have been maintained considering the burden on tenants, revisions are becoming more prominent with changes in the social landscape. So, how many people have actually experienced a rent increase? And what kind of impact did rent increases have on their lives and expenditures?
Therefore, Crekari Inc. (https://crecari.com/) conducted a survey on 'The Reality of Rent Increases in 2025 and Renters' Real Responses' targeting individuals in their 20s and 30s who pay their own rent and renewed their rental contracts in 2025.
Detailed materials for this survey can be downloaded from below.
Download Survey Report
Survey Overview: Survey on 'The Reality of Rent Increases in 2025 and Renters' Real Responses'
[Survey Period] February 4, 2026 (Wednesday) – February 6, 2026 (Friday)
[Survey Method] Internet survey conducted by PRIZMA (https://www.prizma-link.com/press)
[Number of Respondents] 1,016 people
[Survey Target] Monitors who responded that they pay their own rent and renewed their rental contract in 2025, aged 20s and 30s.
[Survey Source] Crekari Inc. (https://crecari.com/)
[Monitor Provider] PRIZMA Research
In 2025, Over 40% Saw Rent Increases! What Was the Actual Rise…?
When asked, 'Was the rent for the property you live in increased in 2025?', over 40% responded, 'It was increased (42.1%)'.
This suggests that rent increases are becoming normalized not only in some luxury properties or urban areas but also in the general rental market.
Until now, rent was considered 'difficult to change among fixed costs,' but recent social conditions seem to be overturning that common sense.
The following questions are for those who answered 'It was increased' in the previous question.
When asked, 'How much did your rent increase?', the most common response was 'Less than 5,000 to 10,000 yen (42.5%)', followed by 'Less than 3,000 to 5,000 yen (24.1%)' and 'Less than 1,000 to 3,000 yen (19.2%)'.
An increase of less than 5,000 to 10,000 yen per month directly translates to an annual burden increase of less than 60,000 to 120,000 yen, which could easily cancel out the average salary increase for individuals in their 20s and 30s.
This fixed cost increase of this magnitude may exceed what can be covered by 'saving,' requiring many to re-examine their daily lives.
When asked, 'Did the rent increase affect your overall living expenses?', approximately 90% responded, 'It had a significant impact (42.8%)' or 'It had some impact (47.4%)'.
This suggests that some households are in a dire financial situation where even minor adjustments to food or entertainment expenses are not enough to cover the increase.
Changes in rent, one of the largest expenditures among fixed costs, can suppress other consumption activities and potentially lower the life satisfaction of young people.
The Most Common Response for Handling Future Rent Increases is "Considering Moving to a Cheaper Property."
Continuing, we asked those who responded that their rent was increased.
When asked, 'How did you feel when you received the notice of a rent increase?', the most common response was 'My household finances are likely to become strained (49.3%)', followed by 'I need to negotiate the rent (30.6%)' and 'I need to consider moving (30.4%)'.
Nearly half expressed anxiety about their finances becoming strained, and about 30% indicated they considered rent negotiation or moving to protect their lifestyles. A rent increase appears to be a significant trigger for tenants to consider leaving their current residence.
When asked, 'If your rent were to increase further, what kind of action are you considering?', 'Considering moving to a cheaper property (39.3%)' was the most frequent response, followed by 'Reviewing and strengthening living expense cuts (29.2%)' and 'Considering side jobs to increase income (27.3%)'.
The result where 'moving' ranked higher than 'saving' suggests a tendency to prioritize reducing housing costs themselves rather than maintaining the current living environment. Additionally, about 30% chose 'side jobs' as an option, suggesting that some individuals are trying to maintain their current standard of living not only by reducing expenses but also by increasing income.
Over 80% Felt It Would Be Helpful If Rent Payment Methods Were More Flexible.
When asked, 'Did you feel it would be helpful if rent payment methods were more flexible?', over 80% responded 'I strongly felt so (40.7%)' or 'I somewhat felt so (43.2%)'.
This indicates a current situation where many people are feeling the limitations and inconvenience of continuing to pay such a large fixed cost as rent through methods like cash or bank transfer, which are 'simply debited'.
Rent Payments Also Moving Towards "Cashless"! The Reason Why Paying by Credit Card Would Be Helpful is Most Common?
Now, how are rent payments currently being made?
We asked all respondents.
When asked, 'How are you currently paying your rent?', the most common method was 'Bank transfer (44.4%)', followed by 'Bank remittance (30.4%)' and 'Credit card payment (16.8%)'.
Combining bank transfer and bank remittance accounts for about 80%, indicating that these methods remain mainstream.
While cashless payments are becoming commonplace, a structural issue is highlighted: digitalization is significantly lagging in rent payments, which are the largest fixed cost.
Regarding rent payment methods, what became available from 2026 onwards would be desirable?
When asked, 'What kind of payment methods would you like to be available for rent payments from 2026 onwards?', 'Credit card payment (74.7%)' was the most popular, followed by 'QR code payment (like PayPay) (34.3%)' and 'Electronic money (Suica, WAON, etc.) (13.5%)'.
Currently, credit card payment for rent is only about 20%, but the desired rate exceeds 70%.
This suggests that a large portion of people view credit card payment as 'a standard method that should ideally be available'. Furthermore, the expectation for 'QR code payment' exceeding 30% indicates a high latent demand for cashless rent payments.
The following questions are for those who answered 'Credit card payment' in the previous question.
When asked, 'In what way would it be helpful if you could pay rent by credit card?', 'Earning points or miles (81.2%)' was overwhelmingly the most common answer, followed by 'Saving the trouble of preparing cash (33.1%)' and 'Making household finances easier to manage (26.9%)'.
The 'earning points or miles' response stands out, indicating a desire to utilize high fixed rent payments for efficient household financial management. Since rent constitutes a large portion of expenditures, point rewards offer practical benefits for many.
Regarding concerns or anxieties about using credit cards for rent payments, the most common answer was 'No particular anxiety or concern (37.9%)', followed by 'Concerns about security (28.7%)' and 'Anxiety about credit card spending amount (21.2%)'.
The fact that 'no anxiety or concern' was the most frequent response suggests that psychological resistance to credit card payments for rent is diminishing. However, some people do have concerns about security and spending amounts, indicating that when introducing credit card payments, it is important to provide information about the safety of the payment system and to offer reminders about usage limits for high-value payments to address tenants' concerns.
Detailed materials for this survey can be downloaded from below.
Download Survey Report
Conclusion: In the Era of Rising Rents, Will 20- to 30-Year-Olds Choose "Relocation" or "Payment DX"?
This survey revealed that rent increases are becoming normalized in the 2025 rental market.
Among those who experienced a rent increase, over 40% saw an increase of '5,000 to 10,000 yen未満', and approximately 90% felt the impact on their living expenses.
And, when considering actions for further rent increases, 'moving' ranked higher than 'saving'. This suggests that many believe that further rent increases cannot be covered by merely cutting living expenses, and they are forced to reconsider their living environment itself.
From this situation of increasing rent burden, expectations are rising for the 'cashlessization' of payment methods.
Currently, the usage rate of credit card payments for rent is about 20%, but future desired rates are over 70%, showing overwhelming support. This reflects a modern awareness of financial self-preservation, where people want to alleviate psychological burdens by using high rent payments as a means to manage their household finances through 'point rewards'.
The digitalization of rent payments is not just about improved convenience. In the context of continuing price hikes, it is becoming an important option for tenants to maintain their quality of life by finding added value in fixed costs that they simply 'used to just pay'.
Pay Rent by Credit Card! "Crekari Chintai"
Crekari Inc. (https://crecari.com/), which conducted the survey on 'The Reality of Rent Increases in 2025 and Renters' Real Responses', offers a service called 'Crekari Chintai' that allows rent payments by credit card.
■What is Crekari Chintai?
A rent credit card automatic payment system that is not limited by property.
To pay monthly rent by credit card, the property you live in needed to support credit card payments.
However, with Crekari Chintai, even if the property does not support credit card payments, Crekari Chintai will pay the rent to the designated bank account on your behalf, so it's okay even if your property doesn't support it!
Paying monthly rent by credit card is very convenient as it allows you to accumulate a lot of card points or miles, and you don't have to line up at the bank ATM at the end of the month.
[How Crekari Chintai Works]
One-time procedure to pay rent on your behalf!
You can pay rent for any property by credit card.
- The remitter's name will be your name (the tenant's), so there is no problem for the real estate management company or landlord.
- It is not compatible with properties that require direct bank debit, but if you contact the payment recipient (real estate management company or landlord) and it is possible to change to bank transfer, you can use it.
[4 Benefits of Crekari Chintai]
① By paying rent by credit card, you can earn a lot of card points and miles!
② By switching to credit card payment, you can delay the actual payment and pay your rent without strain.
③ You can pay initial rental costs and renewal fees by credit card.
④ With Crekari Chintai, you can easily apply from your smartphone. There are no bank transfer fees!
[About Security]
It supports the latest 3DS2.0 for protection against fraudulent card use.
It also implements SSL, a protocol (communication standard) for encrypting and transmitting information over the internet. This protects important information such as personal data exchanged during internet communication from eavesdropping, tampering, and impersonation by third parties.
Furthermore, by not retaining credit card information at Crekari and only having the payment company hold it, the risk of information leakage is minimized.
[Two Payment Methods]
▼ Automatic Rent Payment
Pay rent by credit card automatically every month with a single procedure!
Once set up, rent will be automatically paid from your registered credit card each month, eliminating the need to visit an ATM.
Even if you are on an overseas business trip at the end of the month and cannot go to make a payment, you can easily pay rent from your smartphone, so you can rest assured.
Service Fee: 3.6%
▼ One-time Payment
Peace of mind even with sudden moving! Pay initial costs without strain!
Can be used for initial rental contract expenses and renewal fees.
With the "one-time payment" via Crekari Chintai for initial costs that require several months of rent, you can also make installment payments without strain by using services like "revolving conversion service" from your credit card company.
Service Fee: 4.6%
- Details here: https://crecari.com/service/
[Information on Business Partnerships]
Crekari Inc. has partnered with SB Payment Service Corporation (https://www.sbpayment.jp/).
■Background of Partnership
To launch a corporate invoice credit payment service (BPSP) as a new business, discussions have been ongoing with credit card brands, payment service providers, etc., for about a year.
During this time, SBPS Corporation was launching its BPSP business, leading to this partnership.
■What is Invoice Card Payment?
Invoice Card Payment is a service that allows you to pay bills from business partners using a credit card.
It enables you to improve cash flow and accelerate your business without taking out loans.
[Reasons for Choosing SBPS Invoice Card Payment]
① Peace of mind as it's part of the SoftBank Group.
Fee: 3% (excluding tax)
We offer a secure fee structure made possible by our role as the SoftBank Group's payment business operator.
Compared to factoring services for small amounts, which often have fees of 5-10%, this service is characterized by its lower cost.
② Remitter name is your name.
The remitter name can be specified by you, allowing you to use the service without your business partners knowing.
③ Payments to business partners can be made on the same day at the earliest.
You can use it from the application date at the earliest.
There is no time wasted on tedious document preparation or waiting for approval.
- Initial cost, monthly fee: Free
- Supports major credit card brands
(Usable credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, JCB brands)
- Payment of social insurance premiums, outsourced costs, and rent is also possible.
- Details here: https://www.sbpayment.jp/service/b2b/invoice-creditcard/crecari/
- Crekari Inc.: https://crecari.com/
- Contact URL: https://crecari.com/contact/