When moving into a rental property, anyone who owns a car needs to obtain a parking certificate (vehicle storage location certificate). The key document required at that time is the "Certificate of Consent for Use of Storage Location." This is also important knowledge for owners and property management companies so they can support tenant procedures smoothly.
What is a parking certificate, and why is it required?
A parking certificate is a document that proves you have secured a storage location for your vehicle. Under Japan's Garage Act, which prohibits parking on public roads, it must be obtained when purchasing a vehicle or changing your address. After issuance, the "storage location sticker" is affixed to the rear window of the car.
When is a parking certificate required?
- When purchasing a vehicle: required for both new and used cars (for kei cars, only in designated areas)
- When changing address (moving): reapplication is required within 15 days of the change
- When changing your contracted parking space: reapplication is required within 15 days of the change
Also, a parking certificate cannot be obtained unless the straight-line distance from your home to the storage location is within 2 km.
How to apply for a parking certificate
The following four documents are required for submission to the police station.
- Application for Vehicle Storage Location Certificate
- Application for Storage Location Sticker Issuance
- Certificate of Consent for Use of Storage Location (when using a parking space owned by another party)
- Location map and layout plan of the storage location
After application, the documents are issued in about 3 to 7 days. Fees vary by municipality.
What is the Certificate of Consent for Use of Storage Location?
When using a parking space at a rental property, this is a document in which the landowner or management company certifies that you have the right to use the parking space. It is required when using parking spaces at apartments, condominium buildings, or contracted parking lots. In general, the owner or management company prepares it, and in many cases the tenant does not need to sign it.
Where to obtain it
- Management company: in many cases, it is issued at the same time as the lease or parking contract
- Police station: the form may be obtained at the counter
- Municipal or prefectural police website: in some cases, the form can be downloaded
Using a lease agreement instead
In some cases, a lease agreement can be used in place of the Certificate of Consent for Use of Storage Location, but only if the required information (parking space location, usage period, and size of the storage location) is included. You should confirm this in advance with the management company or police station.
For contract management in rental property operations, please also see the importance of lease agreements and how to handle problems.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is a parking certificate required even for kei cars?
In prefectural capitals, municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more, and areas within a 30 km radius of major urban centers, a parking certificate (storage location notification) is required even for kei cars.
Q2. By when do I need to obtain a parking certificate after moving?
Within 15 days of changing your address. If you miss the deadline, it becomes a violation of the Garage Act, so you should complete the procedure promptly.
Q3. Can a management company refuse to prepare the consent certificate?
Yes. It may be refused if there is no parking use contract or if the parking space cannot be confirmed. You should check the status of your parking contract when moving in.
Q4. Can I use a parking space located more than 2 km from my home?
Because it does not meet the requirement for obtaining a parking certificate (within a 2 km straight-line distance), you cannot obtain a parking certificate for that parking space. You will need to find another parking space.
