MAGAZINE

In Japan’s rental housing market, using a rent guarantor company has become a standard practice—particularly for applicants without a personal guarantor or for those of foreign nationality. For these individuals, passing the guarantor screening process is often a...

For those seeking a home where they can live with their pets, rental listings marked “pet-friendly” are often highly appealing. However, the designation does not guarantee that all types of pets—or all styles of pet ownership—are permitted. It is not uncommon for...

When renting a property in Japan, prospective tenants often focus primarily on the monthly rent. However, once the lease is signed and residency begins, many come to realize that additional monthly expenses—namely common area maintenance fees and management fees—are...

When renting a residential property in Japan, it is a legal requirement for both the tenant and the landlord to enter into a formal lease agreement This contract outlines essential details such as the rental amount, contract duration, and termination procedures. Among...

In Japanese rental properties, responsibility for the cost of repairing damaged or malfunctioning fixtures during the tenancy is determined by the terms of the lease agreement and the specifics of how the equipment was used. Even when tenants believe they are using...

In Japanese rental agreements, tenants generally enjoy the flexibility to vacate the property before the end of the lease term, whereas landlords are legally restricted from unilaterally terminating the contract, which offers tenants a sense of long-term security...

When moving into a rental property in Japan, it is common to find “key replacement fee” listed among the initial expenses. Replacing locks between tenants is considered a standard security measure. However, who bears the cost—landlord or tenant—can vary depending on...

One of the most well-recognized consumer protection mechanisms in Japan is the Cooling-Off System. This regulation grants consumers the right to unconditionally cancel certain contracts within a specified period, particularly in cases where the agreement was made...

In Japan’s rental housing market, lease renewals typically occur every two years. While it is well known that renewal fees and insurance renewals are common financial obligations at that time, fewer tenants are aware that rent adjustments may also occur. Many tenants...

For foreign nationals seeking to rent a property in Japan, most landlords and real estate agencies will request the presentation of a valid Residence Card. This often raises a common concern: Is it impossible to rent a home in Japan without one? Given the diversity of...

For foreign nationals seeking to rent a home in Japan, one of the most immediate and significant challenges is the language barrier. In the context of a legally binding lease agreement, insufficient understanding of Japanese can result in tenants signing contracts...

For foreign nationals living in Japan, selecting the right neighborhood is a decision that significantly influences overall lifestyle satisfaction. Factors such as access to public transportation, proximity to schools and shopping, language accessibility, and the...

For foreign nationals seeking to rent a residence in Japan, the leasing process can present a number of challenges. Beyond language barriers, one must also navigate the country’s unique contractual customs, documentation requirements, guarantor systems, and screening...

For foreign nationals living in Japan, comfort extends beyond the physical qualities of a residence—it is equally shaped by the quality of social interactions and the surrounding cultural environment. When navigating linguistic and cultural differences, the risk of...

Just as a prospective tenant completes their apartment search and prepares for the upcoming move, an unexpected notice may arrive: “We are unable to proceed with the lease.” Among the most common—and often overlooked—reasons for such last-minute cancellations is the...