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A property that exceeds Japan’s building coverage ratio is not automatically unsellable. However, in the Japanese context, misjudging whether it is a legal nonconforming building or an actual code-violating structure can put the seller at a
This article explains the conditions, costs, and procedures for resolving rent delinquency through litigation. It also introduces the benefits of working with legal counsel in day-to-day property management practice.
This article explains the basics of zoning, including the 13 use districts across three systems, and outlines the features and advantages that make Category I Residential Zones well suited to land utilization and real estate investment.
This guide explains the procedures and complaint drafting needed to recover unpaid rent and security deposits through small claims court. For property owners, it outlines costs, process, and practical points to watch.
A land trust is a real-estate utilization method in which land is entrusted to a trust company to generate income. This guide explains the differences between rental-type and disposal-type structures, along with the risks and advantages investors should understand.
Real estate advertising is not just a tool for generating inquiries. It is also part of the information consumers rely on to make decisions. In Japan, if you fail to comply with the Real Estate Brokerage Act (*Takuchi Tatemono Torihiki Gyoh
A fixed-term lease generally cannot be terminated mid-contract. This guide explains four options, including cancellation clauses, penalty payments, exercise of termination rights, and mutual termination, along with precautions and responses when termination is not possible.
The statute of limitations on rent arrears is five years. This article explains, based on legal principles, how landlords can prevent claims from expiring through collection procedures, certified notices, and court action, as well as the conditions for forced eviction after three or more months of nonpayment.
If a rental agreement is lost, reissuance is generally not possible, but obtaining a copy usually is. The lease itself remains valid even if the document is missing. This article also explains best practices in document management that property managers should know.
This guide explains Tokyo's Rental Housing Dispute Prevention Ordinance, including its scope, cost-sharing rules, and how to respond when trouble arises. It is essential for owners and property management companies involved in rental operations.
This guide explains application fees for long-life quality housing certification, typically around 20,000 to 70,000 yen, agency fees of roughly 200,000 to 300,000 yen, as well as tax benefits and subsidy programs. Understand both the advantages and the costs accurately before deciding.
Article 32 of Japan’s Land and Building Lease Act (*Shakuchi Shakka Hō*, 借地借家法) allows a landlord or tenant to request an increase or decrease in agreed rent when tax burdens, economic conditions, or local market rents have materially chang
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.
This guide explains how land value exchange works. It covers the benefits of zero upfront cost, tax advantages, and easier estate division, while also introducing the drawbacks and the land conditions best suited to this approach.
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 guide explains what happens when you cannot keep up with your home loan, from collection notices to auction and eviction, and compares four response options: leaseback, revised repayment terms, refinancing, and voluntary sale.
Explains why selling property fronting a private road can be difficult, focusing on ownership and usage rights. Also covers how to prevent issues such as unauthorized parking, road blockages, and private road burden disputes, plus a pre-sale checklist to protect value.
A practical investment-focused guide to long-term quality housing certification, covering the seven evaluation criteria, tax benefits such as mortgage and property tax relief, available subsidies, and potential drawbacks including higher costs and construction risk.
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.
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.
Renewal fees for a leasehold right in Japan are not charges that arise automatically under law in every case. Whether a lessee must pay depends on the contract language, whether the renewal is by agreement or by statutory renewal, any prior
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.
This guide for investors explains four key risks of a master lease (sublease): rent revision disputes, difficulty with early termination, management company insolvency, and how income can decline. Understanding these points in advance helps you approach the contract with clarity.
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.
A detailed guide to how vacant house banks work, how to use them, and their cost advantages and procedural risks. Designed for real estate owners considering the sale or rental of vacant homes in regional areas.
# Real estate fraud techniques and countermeasures | 7 items to check before signing a contract
A detailed explanation of the features, rules, and risks of subletting a rental property. We also cover how to draft a sublease agreement, what to do if it is discovered, and how it differs from an agency contract.
This guide explains the building coverage ratio basics to check before installing a carport. It covers whether a building confirmation application is required, how to calculate the ratio, local government relief measures, and how fixed asset tax may apply.