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Columns about Contracts & Procedures
13–24 of 215
When a parent moves into a nursing home or care facility, how do you handle the rental property they're leaving behind? This guide explains all the procedures families need to know—from cancellation notice timing and belongings organization to restoration to original condition and cost responsibility.
Learn how to negotiate lower or waived renewal fees when your lease renews. This practical guide covers effective timing, communication strategies, and alternative proposals to increase your success rate.
The two-month key money is a custom unique to the Greater Tokyo Area. How does it differ from the Kansai system of guarantor deposits and return-amount deductions? This article unravels the historical origins of key money that emerged from postwar housing shortages, and explains the regional differences tenants should know about and practical negotiation strategies.
The Real Estate Registration Law Amendment, effective April 2026, makes address change registration mandatory for property owners. While tenants have no direct obligation, this reform offers indirect benefits such as improved transparency of landlord information.
The 2026 amendments to the Housing Safety Net Act will introduce a new certification system for guarantor companies. We explain how this improves audit transparency, the benefits for tenants, and how to choose a guarantor company wisely.
The Building Lot Ownership Act reform, effective in April 2026, makes it easier to rebuild aging condominiums or sell their land. Here's what renters need to know about the impacts, risks, and rights involved.
## Why Security Deposit and Key Money Refund Disputes Are Widespread When tenants move out after ending a rental agreement, disputes over security deposit refunds with landlords and management companies are common. The reason is that the treatment of security deposits and key money is legally complex, and misunderstandings easily arise between tenants and landlords. As a basic point, a security deposit is money that a tenant should receive back when a contract ends, and it has the nature of a "deposited sum." Key money, on the other hand, is gratitude money that belongs to the landlord and is not subject to refunds. However, in practice, some properties are contracted with this distinction left unclear, and many tenants who receive explanations like "key money will not be returned" upon move-out question the legitimacy of such claims.
Comprehensive guide to the rental application process for foreign nationals in Japan, covering the screening procedure, required documents, how to choose a guarantor company, and important considerations after moving in. We also share common screening obstacles and strategies to overcome them.
A comprehensive comparison of "Should I choose a large or small real estate company?" when searching for rental properties. We explain rent negotiation power, service quality, and dispute resolution across three dimensions, and introduce strategies for selecting an agent that even beginners won't regret.
A comprehensive explanation of tenant responsibility for wall holes in rental housing. Covers typical repair costs based on official restoration guidelines, depreciation principles, and pre-move-out repair options — from small push-pin holes to major damage.
Don't want to ask your parents to be your guarantor? Prefer not to use a guarantor company? Here's what you can do. Renting without a guarantor is possible. We explain in detail how to pass screening even from a disadvantaged position, and the systems tenants should know about.
A comprehensive guide to preventing security deposit refund disputes through receipt management, video documentation, and proper use of official guidelines.
