Renting & Living
Storm Damage Left a Leak — Who Pays? A Renter's Guide to Repair Duties in Japan
On September 8, 2026, evacuation alerts were lifted for Oshima and Toshima in the Izu Islands while Niijima Village stayed at the highest warning level, and the JMA issued a half-day-ahead linear rain band forecast for the Tokai region. When a typhoon or heavy rain damages a rental unit, here's how repair responsibility and insurance generally work.
How Much Are the Upfront Costs? Understanding Japan's Rental Move-In Fees
Renting in Japan often means paying a deposit, key money, agent's fee, guarantor fee, and fire insurance all at once — commonly four to six months' rent in total. Here's what each item actually is, and what to check as a foreign resident.
Can You Check Flood Risk Before You Rent? Hazard Maps and Disclosure in Japan
On 27 August 2026, emergency heavy rain warnings were issued for Ishikawa and Toyama. This guide covers how far you can check flood risk before signing a lease, through three entry points: hazard maps, the statutory disclosure, and water damage cover in your insurance.
Will Rising Prices Push Up Your Rent in Japan? Reading a Rent Increase Notice
With Japan's July CPI released on August 21 still pointing to ongoing inflation, here's how to read a landlord's rent increase notice and what your options are under Japanese law.
Do You Owe a Month's Rent at Renewal? How Japan's Lease 'Renewal Fee' Works
We break down how Japan's lease renewal fee works, its legal basis, how it varies by region, and what to check when your lease comes up for renewal.
Is Your Rental Ready for a Typhoon? Disaster-Prep Checkpoints Before You Sign a Lease in Japan
With Typhoon No.13 causing widespread disruption in Okinawa, we look at what to check before renting in Japan — earthquake standards, hazard maps, and what your lease should tell you.
Will You Get Your Deposit Back? Restoration Rules in Japanese Rentals
Where normal wear ends and tenant liability begins, how the move-out inspection works, and the records that keep deposit settlements from becoming disputes.
Can Foreign Residents Rent in Tokyo? Guarantors and Friendly Listings
For newcomers and overseas applicants: what a guarantor company does, how to find listings open to foreign tenants, and the fees to check before signing.