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A 6-tatami dining kitchen can still feel comfortable with the right layout choices. Learn practical tips on compact table selection, visual openness, and circulation to create a more functional space.
What the rent increase/decrease claim under Article 32 covers. The conditions for a valid claim, ordinary vs fixed-term leases, and the path from notice to mediation.
In Japan, demolition contractors price jobs by the tsubo (坪, a 3.3 m² unit unique to Japanese real estate that has no equivalent in Western property markets), with wood-frame houses running ¥30,000–50,000 per tsubo (approx. USD 200–333) against a government-set subsidy ceiling of ¥36,000/m² (approx. USD 240/m²). This guide translates Japan's demolition-cost system for international investors: full cost tables for 20–70 tsubo homes, apartment and condominium comparisons, the tenant-eviction costs that can exceed the demolition bid itself, Japan's 2026 condominium-law reform on demolition votes, real municipal subsidy amounts, and the property-tax jump that follows clearing a lot to bare land — with all yen figures converted to approximate US dollars.
This article explains five trouble cases involving delivery boxes, including theft, PIN-related issues, misdelivery, and child entrapment accidents, as well as the installation and operational measures that property management companies should implement.
This article explains how small claims court can be used for rental disputes such as unpaid rent and security deposit returns. It covers filing costs in summary court, ways to reduce legal fees, and the risk of transfer to ordinary litigation for property owners.
A property management professional explains who bears move-out cleaning costs, the difference between house cleaning and restoration, and how to keep expenses under control. Essential knowledge that landlords, property managers, and tenants should all understand.
A detailed explanation of a condominium concierge's duties, the skills required, and the advantages and disadvantages for residents. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the added value of property management services.
Typical office move-out costs range from roughly JPY 80,000 to JPY 200,000 or more. This article explains four major cost items, including restoration work, overlapping rent, and penalties, and presents three practical ways to reduce expenses.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of north-facing rooms with other orientations. This article explains who they suit, what to check when choosing a property, and practical ways to live comfortably.
This guide explains how ZEH homes work through energy saving, on-site power generation, and insulation. It also covers the benefits of higher asset value, lower utility costs, and blackout resilience, along with drawbacks such as higher costs and roof constraints, plus available subsidy programs.
This practical guide covers taxes, choosing a property management company, upfront costs, and tax filing when renting out your condominium due to relocation or a move. It explains how owners can maximize rental income while reducing risk.
This guide explains the usual refund timing for a security deposit, typically one to two months, and the common refund range of 30,000 to 70,000 yen. It also covers practical steps at contract signing, move-in, and move-out to avoid unnecessary losses and improve the chance of a full refund.
A detailed guide to barrier-free housing design by room and facility. It covers core measures such as step-free layouts, temperature-gap reduction, and fall prevention to create a safer, more comfortable home.
This guide explains the typical move-out costs after 10 years in a rental and clarifies the line between normal wear and tear and tenant responsibility. Based on Japan’s Ministry of Land guidelines, it summarizes criteria for walls, floors, and equipment, along with cost negotiation tips.
This article explains the features of shop-with-residence properties, also known as mixed-use assets, and the advantages they offer rental property owners. It covers no-fit-out business models, security deposit amortization, vacancy countermeasures, and key benefits and cautions for tenants.
The sound insulation of light-gauge steel apartments is roughly comparable to wood-frame buildings. This guide explains how they differ from RC and heavy steel structures, their key pros and cons, and practical soundproofing measures to help you choose a property with confidence.
When renewing your rental housing contract, you may be notified of a rent increase by the management company or landlord. This is not uncommon during times when prices, property taxes, and surrounding market prices are rising, but this does
Japan's lease renewal fee (更新料, kōshinryō) is a one-time payment to landlords with no direct equivalent in US, UK, or Australian leases — ranging from ¥0 to 1.4 months' rent depending on the prefecture, and backed by a public dataset that has not been updated in nearly two decades. Using official government data, this guide breaks down the true two-year cost on a ¥83,381 (approx. USD 556) average rent, covers consumption tax rules, a tenant's statutory rent-negotiation rights, and what to do if you can't pay.
In principle, tatami replacement costs in rental housing are borne by the owner. This article explains cost allocation based on Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines, typical costs for turning, resurfacing, and full tatami replacement, and practical knowledge to prevent tenant disputes.
An explanation of how to respond to common tenant problems in rental property management, including rent arrears, noise complaints, and unauthorized pet ownership. It also covers prevention measures and key points for making effective use of a management company.
Understand why 24-hour ventilation systems are used in apartments, along with their benefits, drawbacks, electricity costs, and filter cleaning tips. A practical guide to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. INA&Associates.
Explains the differences between A, B, and C construction categories in shop and office interior work. Covers who places the order, who bears the cost, how contractors are selected, and how to avoid common B-construction problems.
In Japan a regular lease renews near-automatically and can only be ended for statutory "just cause," while a fixed-term lease ends definitively at expiry. This Japan-specific guide, based on the Act on Land and Building Leases and MLIT and Ministry of Justice primary sources, explains renewal, just cause, renewal fees, early termination, rent revision, and re-contracting, with comparison and decision tables for owners and tenants and contrasts with US and UK lease norms.
This article explains the structure, procedure, advantages, and drawbacks of small claims court for rental property disputes. It summarizes, from a practical perspective, how to pursue monetary claims of up to 600,000 yen on your own.
A thorough guide to job duties at real estate companies, typical salary ranges, and qualifications that support career advancement. We introduce income levels for both sales and administrative roles, along with qualification information useful in the real estate industry, including the Real Estate Transaction Specialist license.
This guide introduces typical move-out costs for rental properties by floor plan. Based on official restoration guidelines, it explains the allocation of costs between landlord and tenant and practical ways to keep expenses under control.
In Japan-specific real-estate practice, “relocation” often means renting out your own home while you are away for a domestic transfer or overseas assignment, so the property does not sit vacant. It can help offset fixed ownership costs thro
This article explains the work of real estate sales professionals, the types of properties they handle, the traits that make someone well-suited to the role, the rewards of the job, and techniques for improving closing rates. It offers practical information for those considering employment or a career change into the real estate industry.
This guide explains what designer rental properties are, their defining features, typical rent levels, and recommended listing sites. It also covers how to choose a stylish rental that fits your needs.
This guide explains why move-out cleaning matters in a rental property, which areas need the most attention such as floors, walls, water areas and windows, and which tools are useful. It also covers how to protect your deposit and avoid unnecessary extra charges.