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The Significance of Rental Property Manager Becoming a National Qualification | Career Advancement and Changes in Industry Value

An explanation of the significance of the Rental Property Manager becoming a national qualification in 2021 and its impact on career development. Introducing the information real estate professionals should know, including the expansion of work scope, application to real estate investment, and stronger appeal in job changes.

Last updated: About 2 min read

Rental Property Manager became a national qualification in 2021, drawing even greater attention across the real estate industry. From an industry professional's perspective, this article explains the background behind its elevation to a national qualification, the benefits of obtaining it, and its impact on career development.

Why Did Rental Property Manager Become a National Qualification?

There are two social issues behind the Rental Property Manager becoming a national qualification in April 2021.

  1. The worsening sublease issue: disputes surrounding bulk lease contracts became a nationwide social problem
  2. Improper rental management practices: when properties were not properly managed, complaints between landlords and tenants became more complex

In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism established the Act on the Proper Management of Rental Housing, positioning Rental Property Manager as a required qualification for operations managers. Rental Property Manager is a national qualification required to register as an operations manager (with one person required at each office).

Three Benefits of Obtaining the Rental Property Manager Qualification

1. Broader Opportunities to Contribute Within the Industry

Obtaining the qualification expands the range of work you can take on and enables clear differentiation from those without qualifications. Because you can demonstrate specialized knowledge in laws, facilities, and repair planning, it also helps strengthen trust from both residents and owners.

2. It Can Be Applied to Your Own Real Estate Investment

You can systematically acquire the knowledge needed for investment, including building management, vacancy countermeasures, and advertising activities. Improving the quality of management of owned properties directly contributes to more stable returns. It is an effective qualification for improving your capabilities as a real estate investor.

3. Strong Appeal in Employment and Career Changes

When combined with the Real Estate Transaction Agent qualification, it allows even those without prior experience to strongly demonstrate their commitment to the industry and their professional knowledge. It is valued not only in the real estate industry, but also by general companies in areas such as asset management and facility management.

How to Obtain It and Exam Schedule

To obtain it, you must pass the exam and satisfy the practical experience requirement (or complete the practical training course). The exam is held every November, and applications are generally accepted from mid-August to late September. Those who passed the private qualification before 2020 were able to register for the national qualification after completing a transition course.

If you are considering taking the exam, we recommend checking the official website for the latest application information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What kind of qualification is Rental Property Manager?
A. It is a national qualification that certifies specialized knowledge related to the management of rental housing. In April 2021, it changed from a private qualification to a national qualification.
Q. What is the difference between Rental Property Manager and an operations manager?
A. Rental Property Manager refers to a person who has passed the examination, while an operations manager is a registered management supervisor who holds the Rental Property Manager qualification and has satisfied the practical experience requirements.
Q. When can I take the exam?
A. It is held every November. Applications are generally accepted from mid-August to late September. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Q. Which should I obtain first, the Real Estate Transaction Agent qualification or Rental Property Manager?
A. If your goal is employment or a career change in the real estate industry, the common route is to prioritize the Real Estate Transaction Agent qualification first and then obtain Rental Property Manager afterward.
Q. What can I do if I have this qualification?
A. In addition to taking responsibility for office management as an operations manager, you can apply your specialized knowledge of rental management to a wide range of work, including legal compliance, vacancy countermeasures, and proposals to owners.
Daisuke Inazawa, President & CEO of INA&Associates Inc.

Author

President & CEOINA&Associates Inc.

President & CEO of INA&Associates Inc. Leads real estate brokerage, rental leasing, and property management across Greater Tokyo and the Kansai region. Specialises in income-property investment strategy and advisory for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Daisuke Inazawa is the President and CEO of INA&Associates Inc., a Japanese real estate firm headquartered in Osaka with a Tokyo branch. He leads the company's three core businesses — real estate sales brokerage, rental leasing, and property management — across the Greater Tokyo Area and the Kansai region.

His areas of expertise include investment strategy for income-generating real estate, profitability optimisation of rental operations, real estate advisory for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and institutional investors, and cross-border real estate investment. He provides data-driven, long-horizon advisory to investors in Japan and overseas.

Under the management philosophy "a company's most important asset is its people," he positions INA&Associates as a "people-investment company" and is committed to sustainable corporate-value creation through talent development. He also writes and speaks publicly on leadership and organisational culture in times of change.

He has passed eleven Japanese professional qualification examinations: Licensed Real Estate Broker (Takken), Certified Real Estate Consulting Master, Licensed Condominium Manager, Licensed Building Management Supervisor, Certified Rental Housing Management Professional, Gyōseishoshi Lawyer (administrative scrivener), Certified Personal Information Protection Officer, Class-A Fire Prevention Manager, Certified Auctioned Real Estate Specialist, Certified Condominium Maintenance Engineer, and Licensed Moneylending Operations Supervisor.

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker (Takken)
  • Certified Real Estate Consulting Master
  • Licensed Condominium Manager
  • Licensed Building Management Supervisor
  • Certified Rental Housing Management Professional
  • Gyōseishoshi Lawyer (Administrative Scrivener)
  • Certified Personal Information Protection Officer
  • Class-A Fire Prevention Manager
  • Certified Auctioned Real Estate Specialist
  • Certified Condominium Maintenance Engineer
  • Licensed Moneylending Operations Supervisor