Key Points Foreign Tenants Should Always Check 

Before Signing a Rental Contract in Japan

Japanese rental contracts are often long and detailed.
However, the clauses that truly affect your length of stay, total costs, and move-out expenses are actually limited to a few key points.

Before signing, we strongly recommend that foreign tenants carefully confirm the following:

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① Lease Type, Renewal Rules & Cancellation Notice

1) Lease Type (Usually 2 Years)

Most rental properties in Japan are based on a two-year contract, but the type of lease is extremely important.

✅ Standard Lease Contract

• Renewal is generally possible

• In many cases, the contract renews automatically unless notice is given

⚠️ Fixed-Term Lease Contract

• Renewal depends on the landlord

• Renewal is not guaranteed

Always confirm before signing:
Is this a Standard Lease or a Fixed-Term Lease?

This determines whether you can continue living there after two years.

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2) Cancellation Notice Period

Please check how far in advance you must notify the landlord if you plan to move out:

• Usually 1 month in advance

• Some properties require 2 months’ notice

⚠️ This is extremely important.

We have seen many cases where tenants missed the cancellation deadline.
As a result, they passed the renewal date, were required to pay the renewal fee first, and then cancel afterward.

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3) Renewal Fees & Related Costs

At renewal, additional fees usually apply. Please confirm:

• Renewal fee amount
  → Commonly 1 to 1.5 months’ rent

• Whether rent may be adjusted based on market price

• Guarantor company renewal fee

• Fire insurance renewal fee (if applicable)

If you plan to stay long-term, include renewal costs in your financial planning.

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② Early Termination Penalty (Very Important)

Please confirm:

• Whether an early termination penalty applies

• Whether the penalty is waived after 1 or 2 years

• The penalty amount (usually 1 month’s rent)

  
  

This is especially important for:

• Students

• Short-term workers

• Anyone with uncertain future plans

⚠️ Many tenants only realize this clause when they try to move out.

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③ Important Terms Are Often Hidden in “Special Clauses”

In Japanese contracts, many critical conditions are written not in the main body, but under:

• “Notes”

• “Special Clauses”

Do not only check the first page.
Carefully review the special conditions section.

This is where extra fees and restrictions are often written.

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④ Move-Out Cleaning & Air Conditioner Fees

Before signing, confirm:

• Is the move-out cleaning fee fixed?

• Is air conditioner cleaning charged separately?

• Are fees predetermined or calculated at move-out?

If these are unclear, disputes often occur later.

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⑤ Restoration Costs (Returning to Original Condition)

Confirm clearly:

• What is considered normal wear and tear (no charge)

• What damages must be paid by the tenant

• Standard costs for wallpaper, flooring, and equipment

Restoration costs are one of the most common dispute areas for foreign tenants.

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⑥ Prohibited Activities & Usage Restrictions

Please confirm whether the following are allowed:

• Maximum number of occupants

• Shared living

• Pets

• Musical instruments

• Short-term rental / Airbnb

• Subleasing

⚠️ Violating these rules may result in contract termination, not just a fine.

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⑦ The Actual Monthly Cost (Total Rent)

Do not look at base rent alone.

Confirm whether the following apply:

• Management / common area fee

• Monthly guarantor company fee

• Fire insurance or 24-hour support service

• Other mandatory service fees

  
  

Some properties appear affordable at first glance,
But the total monthly cost may be significantly higher.

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✅ Summary

You do not need to read every line of a Japanese rental contract.

However, it is essential to clearly understand the clauses related to:

• Lease type

• Cancellation rules

• Renewal fees

• Early termination penalties

• Move-out costs

• Usage restrictions

  
  

By confirming these key points, you can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected costs or disputes.

If you have any questions about contract terms, please feel free to contact us.

Our mission is to provide transparent rental support and ensure that every client clearly understands all costs before signing.