Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

I moved into a sharehouse in March. I think the contract is full of illegal rules. For example: I have to live there a minimum of 6 months and I have to give 3 months advance notice to move out.

If I try to move out within 6 months, I will have to pay 3 month's rent penalty.

If I don't give at least 3 months notice, I will have to pay 1 month's rent penalty.

If I break both rules, I will have to pay both penalties 3 months + 1 month = 4 months rent.

Man! Can you believe that?
Only in Japan could a company write such a hostile contract for its customer.

But, is it legal? Can someone direct me to the housing laws? Japanese laws or Yokohama laws?

[dove]

Of course I believe that a share house would have rules that benefit them, especially if it caters to foreigners. Japnese contracts with foreigners often have illegal clauses built in because they figure gaijins won't protest. Definitely find an English speaking Japanese person who can help you determine if they are breaking any laws.

[TokyoLiz]

An article about renting https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/City-Cost/MqrXA-living_money

Take the contract to city hall and ask.

[taikibansei]

Going to City Hall is a good idea. At or near City Hall, there should be either a 国民生活センター or a 消費生活センター. Somebody in either place should be able to help you.

Also, there is a nationwide service providing free, initial legal consultation by phone. It is called 法テラス (Hou Terasu), and their contact information is as follows:

・法テラス（日本司法支援センター）　問い合わせ先：0570-078374（PHS・IP電話からは03-6745-5600）

Finally, there is a nationwide phone number to reach the 消費生活センター or 国民生活センター nearest you:

・消費生活センター・国民生活センター　問い合わせ先：0570-064-370（全国統一番号）

I don't think any of these options include English-language support, so you will need a Japanese-speaker with you to help. Good luck!

[Black_Beer_Man]

[TokyoLiz]

Black_Beer_Man wrote

[Black_Beer_Man]

Housing seems to be one area of Japanese business that is rife with unscrupulous business practices.

You would think that a so-called advanced country like Japan would do something to regulate the industry.

I was shown 2 apartments in Hon Atsugi, Kanagawa a few years ago by a representative of Able Real Estate Agency, a major company. The first apartment has cockroaches running around in the closet when she opened the door. I also saw them in the kitchen sink.

Then, after showing me the next apartment, she tried to make me sign a lease without confirming with me that I understood it was a lease. Only when she asked me for my banking info did I realize this. I tore up the document and left the office.

Share houses in Japan also routinely overcharge the tenants for utilities. I've seen ads saying 15,000 yen or more per month for utilities. How much electricity, gas and water is one person living in a small room going to use?

Japan is very disappointing in many respects. Money rules everything here. Morals are not important.