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When renting a home in Japan for the first time, many newcomers—particularly foreign residents—may feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar terminology and unique rental practices. From required documents and upfront fees to daily living rules, many aspects of the leasing...

When renting a property in Japan, one of the most common—and often unavoidable—requirements is the use of a guarantor or a rental guarantee company. While not legally mandated, this system functions as a form of financial protection for landlords in the event of rent...

When renting a property in Japan, many tenants focus primarily on upfront costs and room features. However, the clauses in the lease agreement concerning the lease term and renewal conditions are critical to long-term residential planning. For those entering a...

When renting a property in Japan, it is essential to clearly understand when and how rent payments are expected. Since rent represents an ongoing financial obligation, any misunderstanding about payment methods or due dates after moving in can lead to unexpected...

In Japan, when renting a residential property, fire insurance is almost always introduced as part of the lease process. For many prospective tenants, especially those new to the Japanese rental system, this requirement—alongside factors like rent, initial costs, and...

For those seeking to rent a residence in Japan, the first obstacle is often a sense of uncertainty: “Where do I begin?” This is especially true for first-time renters, who may find themselves overwhelmed by complex terminology and unfamiliar procedures. Without a...

For many foreign nationals beginning a new life in Japan, securing suitable housing is often one of the first and most significant challenges. Beyond language and cultural differences, navigating Japan’s unique rental system can be daunting. Property listings are...

In Japan’s residential rental market, the term “restoration to original condition” is a common clause found in nearly every lease agreement. Though unfamiliar in everyday language, this concept plays a crucial role in defining the condition in which a tenant is...

When renting a residence in Japan, prospective tenants often focus on upfront elements such as security deposit, key money, layout, and amenities. However, one often-overlooked yet critical aspect of the leasing lifecycle is the rule surrounding lease termination...

When renting a home in Japan, one of the first cultural nuances that often confuses newcomers is the distinction between security deposit and key money. These fees represent a significant portion of the initial costs required at the time of signing a lease. Without a...

In Japan’s rental market, it is customary for tenants to undergo a “renewal” process each time the lease term expires. This process is typically accompanied by a charge known as a renewal fee—a cost borne by the tenant. Often overlooked at the time of signing, the fee...

In Japan’s rental market, the term “free rent” has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. This refers to properties that offer a rent-free period at the beginning of the lease—an appealing incentive that can significantly reduce initial move-in costs for...

When renting a property in Japan, tenants and landlords enter into a lease agreement. In addition to fundamental terms such as rent amount and lease duration, the contract may also contain a section labeled “special clauses”. These clauses represent additional or...

In Japan’s rental housing market, a certain portion of properties are operated under a “sublease” model. This arrangement involves the property owner entering into a master lease agreement with a real estate company or management firm, which in turn subleases the...

In Japan, some rental properties come fully furnished with essential items such as a refrigerator, washing machine, bed, desk, and curtains. These furnished units are especially appealing for tenants looking to minimize initial moving costs or those planning...