Complete Guide to Smoking Rules in Rental Properties—The Rise of Non-Smoking Buildings and What Smokers Should Know

In recent years, Japan's rental market has seen a sharp increase in "no smoking indoors" or "building-wide non-smoking" properties. According to surveys by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, approximately 70% of newly built rental apartments have indoor non-smoking policies, with some newer buildings reaching over 90%.

Behind this trend are several key reasons.

• •Rising restoration costs: Removing tar stains and odors from smoking can cost ¥100,000–¥300,000 just for replacing wallpaper throughout the unit
• •Impact on future tenants: Lingering odors make it difficult to attract the next tenant, leading to longer vacancy periods
• •Enforcement of the Passive Smoking Prevention Law (2020): Growing health consciousness has led more landlords to adopt non-smoking policies
• •Fire risk: Smoking has long ranked among the top causes of residential fires in rental properties

While this narrows options for smokers, smoking-permitted properties tend to attract tenants more easily.

How to Distinguish Between Non-Smoking and Smoking-Permitted Properties

When checking property listings, smoking-related conditions are usually listed in "Remarks" or "Other Conditions" sections. If not listed, be sure to confirm with the real estate agent before viewing the property.

Common property listing descriptions

• •"No smoking indoors": Smoking prohibited inside the unit (balcony restrictions should be confirmed separately)
• •"Building-wide non-smoking": Complete smoking ban including balconies and common areas
• •"Smoking permitted": Properties allowing smoking inside the unit (currently rare)
• •"Not specified": Lease terms and house rules must be reviewed

If "non-smoking" is listed in the lease's "Special Terms," it has legal binding force. If smoking is discovered after signing, it could result in contract termination and liability for full move-out costs.

The "Gray Area" Problem with Balcony Smoking

Many tenants assume that if indoor smoking is prohibited, they can smoke on the balcony. However, balcony smoking comes with several issues.

Legal and contractual issues

Balconies are often treated as common areas, so in "building-wide non-smoking" properties, balcony smoking is also prohibited. Additionally, there is a court precedent (2012, Nagoya District Court) recognizing compensation for "passive smoking tort" when balcony smoking causes disputes with neighbors in multi-unit housing.

Neighbor disputes

• •Smoke and odor flow into neighboring units' laundry and indoor spaces
• •Complaints may reach the management company or landlord, leading to warnings or eviction notices

If you wish to smoke on the balcony, it is safest to explicitly confirm with the landlord or management company before moving in and obtain written permission.

How Much Will Tar Stains and Tobacco Odor Cost at Move-Out?

Tar stains and odors from smoking are distinguished from normal wear and tear (aging). According to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines, tenants are clearly responsible for wallpaper stains and odors caused by smoking.

Estimated cost breakdown (as of 2026)

When combined, several years of smoking can easily result in charges exceeding ¥300,000. If the security deposit doesn't cover these costs, you'll face additional bills.

Practical steps to reduce costs

• •Run an air purifier constantly to minimize tar accumulation
• •Have professional deodorization cleaning done once per year during your tenancy
• •Clean thoroughly before moving out and document the condition with photos

How Smokers Can Pass Rental Application Reviews

It's not just a myth that smokers have a harder time passing rental approval. Landlords and management companies are genuinely cautious about smokers due to the increased risk of move-out costs.

How smokers can improve their application chances

1. Be honest about smoking: Hiding this fact damages trust and raises the risk of contract termination
2. Demonstrate commitment to quitting: Show specific commitments such as "I won't smoke even on the balcony" or "I've switched to e-cigarettes"
3. Offer increased security deposit: If the standard deposit is 1–2 months, offer 3–4 months to address the landlord's concerns
4. Provide a strong guarantor or guarantor company: Demonstrate creditworthiness
5. Target smoking-permitted or older properties: Many owners of buildings from the 1980s–1990s are more tolerant of smoking

Are E-Cigarettes and Heat-Not-Burn Products Covered by "Non-Smoking" Policies?

The status of heat-not-burn products like IQOS, glo, and Ploom, as well as nicotine-free e-cigarettes, in non-smoking properties remains ambiguous.

Current common interpretations

• •If the non-smoking clause is interpreted as applying only to traditional cigarettes, heat-not-burn products may be allowed in some cases
• •However, heat-not-burn products also release odors and oils that can cause tar-like staining
• •Many management companies now explicitly state that heat-not-burn products are also prohibited

The safest approach is to ask clearly before moving in whether heat-not-burn products are also prohibited, and keep the answer in writing or email.

Summary: Principles for Smokers to Live Comfortably in Rental Properties

Here are the key points smokers should remember to avoid problems in rental living.

1. Always confirm smoking policies when selecting a property, and generally avoid non-smoking buildings
2. Read the lease's special terms, and strictly follow any non-smoking clauses
3. Get written permission from the landlord before smoking on the balcony
4. Anticipate tar stain costs at move-out and perform regular cleaning during your tenancy
5. Confirm whether e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products are also prohibited

Being a smoker doesn't necessarily make rental living difficult. By using accurate information and honest communication, smokers can build trust with landlords, leading to comfortable long-term tenancy.

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