It's common for couples to start living together in a rental apartment after marriage or registration, or to move in with one person's existing lease. However, many people are unsure about questions like "Do I need to change the contract holder?" or "What should I tell the management company?" This article breaks down the rental procedures needed after marriage in an easy-to-understand way.
<h2 id="notifying-management-before-moving-in-together">Notifying the Management Company Before Moving in Together Is Required</h2>
Rental contracts contain provisions about co-occupants. Most contracts state that "changes or additions to occupants require the landlord's approval," and starting to live together without notifying the management company can be a breach of contract.
First, inform the management company that you plan to live together with your spouse (or fiancé) and confirm what procedures are needed. Generally, you'll fill out a "co-occupant registration application" with the new occupant's information (name, date of birth, workplace, etc.) and submit it.
<h2 id="when-name-change-is-needed">Cases Where Name Changes Are Needed and Cases Where They Aren't</h2>
<h3 id="cases-requiring-name-change">Cases Where Name Change Is Needed</h3>
- If the wife moves into a husband's apartment (or vice versa): The original contract holder can continue, but the spouse must be registered as a co-occupant.
- If you want to change the name to the spouse's: If you're changing only the contract holder's name without moving, you'll need the management company's and landlord's approval, and they may conduct a review similar to a new lease.
<h3 id="cases-not-requiring-name-change">Cases Where Name Change Is Not Needed</h3>
- •If the same contract holder continues living there (only adding the spouse as a co-occupant)
- •Some management companies may consider just filing the marriage notification sufficient
Since the actual procedures vary by case, be sure to check with the management company in advance.