MAGAZINE

In Japanese rental housing—particularly in apartment and condominium complexes—there are designated “common areas” that all residents share for access and use. These include spaces such as the building entrance, elevators, corridors, stairways, garbage collection...

Living together as a couple—commonly referred to as “cohabitation”—marks a significant milestone in life. While the beginning of a shared home is filled with excitement and promise, mishandling the lease agreement, particularly regarding the contract holder’s name,...

In Japan’s rental housing market, it is not uncommon for tenants to encounter difficulties when attempting to move out—even after clearly expressing their intention to do so. While vacating a property is generally considered a tenant’s right, complications can arise...

One of the most common concerns for foreign nationals seeking to rent a property in Japan is whether their visa type will allow them to sign a lease. In fact, many real estate agencies and property management companies assess tenancy eligibility based on the...

For many foreign nationals seeking to rent a residence in Japan, one of the most significant challenges is the language barrier. From searching for a suitable property, to reviewing lease agreements, to receiving explanations of key contractual terms—these steps are...

While searching for housing in Japan, some foreign nationals may come across listings or agencies that include phrases such as “No foreign tenants” or “Foreigners must be approved on a case-by-case basis.” Understandably, this can be confusing—especially in a market...

In Japan, it is not uncommon for landlords to request a joint guarantor when signing a lease. This traditional arrangement ensures that if the tenant fails to pay rent or breaches the contract, a guarantor will assume financial responsibility. However, for many...

For foreign nationals beginning a new life in Japan, one of the first and most significant challenges is often the rental screening process. This can be particularly daunting for those with no prior residential history in the country—meaning no previous addresses, no...

While searching for a rental property in Japan, prospective tenants are often informed that a “credit check” will be part of the application process. For foreign nationals who have never used a credit card, taken out a loan, or established a credit history in Japan,...

For many foreign nationals beginning a new chapter in Japan, one of the first major hurdles is finding a place to live—and determining who can legally sign the lease. In situations where the resident's income is still uncertain or their visa is short-term, it's common...

When renting a property in Japan, tenants often encounter lease agreements and disclosure documents filled with specialized terminology and culturally specific language. Even foreign residents with advanced Japanese skills may find legal and industry-specific...

For many foreign nationals seeking housing in Japan for the first time, the language barrier, cultural differences, and the complexities of the rental process can be significant sources of stress. Lease agreements often contain specialized terminology, are typically...

In Japan, most residential leases are set for a two-year term, and upon expiration, tenants must go through a lease renewal process to continue residing in the property. While many assume that renewal simply involves paperwork and a fee, some properties and lease...

When renting a property in Japan, it’s not uncommon to hear a real estate agent say,“You’ll need to use a rent guarantor company.”For many—especially first-time tenants or foreign nationals—this may be an unfamiliar concept. Yet, guarantor companies have become a...

Many foreign residents in Japan are surprised to learn that a guarantor is often required when signing a rental agreement. For those without family or acquaintances in Japan—or who simply cannot find someone to act as a guarantor—this can be a significant challenge....