In my experience with foreign clients, a common request is to secure rental housing in Japan a year before their arrival. They often seek assistance with property searches and wish to finalize rental agreements well in advance.
However, in Japan, it’s not feasible to enter into a rental agreement a year prior due to the Tenant-Landlord Law借地借家法. Under Japanese law, for a landlord to terminate a rental agreement, a “just cause正当事由” is required.
Meeting the criteria for “just cause正当事由れ” is incredibly challenging, often requiring landlords to pay exorbitant sums to tenants to legally end the lease. Practically, it’s almost impossible for landlords to initiate a termination under normal circumstances.
Therefore, we can only finalize contracts for properties that are currently vacant. This limitation can be frustrating for those planning ahead, but it’s an essential aspect of the Japanese rental market to understand.
Navigating these challenges requires expertise and patience, and I strive to guide my clients through this process, ensuring they find a suitable home upon their arrival in Japan.
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