Complete Guide to Earthquake Preparedness in Rental Apartments—Furniture Securing, Seismic Mitigation Products, and Evacuation Planning

Earthquake Preparedness in Rental Apartments—Balancing "Restoration to Original Condition" and "Safety"

Many people living in rental apartments assume "I can't secure furniture because I can't make holes in the walls." However, today there are many seismic mitigation products that don't damage walls, making it entirely possible to implement adequate earthquake preparedness in rentals. This article explains concrete steps for enhancing safety while living in a rental apartment.

First: Verify Your Building's Seismic Standards

Whether you're choosing a rental property or currently living in one, confirming its seismic resilience is essential.

Pre-1981 vs. Post-1981 Standards

A property's construction date can be verified through the registry, by contacting your building management, or through real estate portal sites. If you live in a pre-1981 building, it's especially important to thoroughly implement furniture-securing measures and prepare emergency kits.

Furniture-Securing Methods for Rental Apartments

Non-Damaging Securing Methods

Tension Rod-Type Seismic Braces

For tall furniture such as bookshelves, cabinets, and refrigerators, tension rod-type seismic braces that press between the ceiling and the furniture are highly effective. They can be installed without making holes in the walls and are easy to remove when you move out.

Tips for Choosing:

• •Measure the gap between your furniture's height and the ceiling, and confirm the correct size
• •Choose a product rated for your furniture's weight
• •Steel products are more reliable than plastic ones

Adhesive Mats and Seismic Gels

Adhesive mats and seismic gels—applied between appliances and their surfaces—are effective for televisions, microwaves, dishes inside cabinets, and small electronics. They don't damage walls and can be peeled off and removed when you move.

Installation Tips:

• •Choose a product with adhesive suitable for your appliance's base material (plastic or metal)
• •For heavier items, use industrial-grade seismic mats (with stronger adhesive)

Furniture Arrangement

More fundamentally, rearranging your space—such as removing tall furniture or avoiding placing unstable items in bedrooms and hallways—can be very effective.

High-Risk Areas if Furniture Falls:

• •Bedrooms (most dangerous if furniture falls while you're sleeping)
• •Entryway passage (risk of blocking your escape route)
• •Kitchen (near gas and heat sources)

When Pre-Approval from Building Management Is Needed

If you want to carry out seismic work (such as installing anchor bolts into walls), always get written approval from your building management and owner beforehand. They may permit it on the condition that you "restore the space" (remove the modifications when you move out).

Preparing Emergency Kits

Prepare an emergency kit in case you need to evacuate after an earthquake.

Essential Items (3-Day Supply)

Water and Food

• •Drinking water: 2L per person per day × 3 days = 6L
• •Emergency food: energy bars, canned goods, ready-to-eat meals, etc.

Information and Communication

• •Mobile phone charging (portable battery)
• •Radio (hand-crank or battery-powered)
• •Cash (including coins)

Personal Safety

• •Work gloves and helmet (foldable)
• •Whistle
• •Flashlight (battery or rechargeable)

Health and Medical

• •Over-the-counter and prescription medications (3–5-day supply)
• •First aid kit (adhesive bandages, disinfectant)
• •Masks, wet wipes, toilet paper

Documents and Records

• •Copies of health insurance card, bank passbook, and personal seal
• •Copy of rental lease (with landlord and management contact details)

Rental-Specific Items to Take

For rental apartments, certain items are particularly valuable to take during evacuation.

• •Lease copy: Proof of residency
• •Spare key: Needed to re-enter your apartment after evacuation
• •Move-in checklist and damage records: Protects you in disputes over earthquake-related damage claims

Pre-Confirming Evacuation Routes and Shelters

In-Building Evacuation Routes

• •Confirm alternate routes if your entry door becomes jammed (window exits, emergency stairs)
• •Know the location of common corridors and emergency stairs
• •If you live on a high floor, assume elevators will be out of service and plan for stair evacuation

Community Evacuation Shelters

• •Check your city or ward's "hazard map" for designated shelters
• •Identify 2–3 nearby temporary and area-wide evacuation shelters
• •Walk the route to an evacuation shelter in advance to familiarize yourself

Sharing Plans with Family and Housemates

If you live alone, inform family or friends of your evacuation destination in advance. If you live with others, decide on a meeting place.

Contacting Your Building Management After an Earthquake

It's important to contact your building management promptly after a significant earthquake.

What to Report

• •Building and unit damage (include photos)
• •Any issues with gas, water, or electricity
• •Areas needing repair

Earthquake damage is distinct from normal wear and tear, and restoration costs typically won't be charged to tenants. However, failing to document and report damage can cause problems later.

Summary

Earthquake preparedness in rental apartments rests on three pillars: using non-damaging securing products, preparing emergency kits, and pre-confirming evacuation routes. Even just tension rods and seismic mats can significantly reduce the risk of injury from falling furniture. Start with measures you can implement today, working through them step by step so you're ready to respond safely when an earthquake strikes.