Renting in Japan · Practical guide
Find the right contact, explain one clear request and confirm what happens next. Use a written message first—or get help if a Japanese phone call is holding you up.
Direct answer
Use the contact route in your lease or resident documents.
Check your rental agreement, move-in pack or resident app for the management company’s contact details. Identify your building and room, explain the issue or request, and ask for a specific next step. Keep the message and their reply.
Moving out? Check the notice period, recipient and required submission method in your lease. A phone enquiry or a draft message does not itself confirm that formal notice has been accepted.
01 · Prepare
Before you contact them
- Find the right desk. Look for 管理会社 (management company), 入居者窓口 (resident desk) or the contact named in your lease. If you are unsure, ask your rental agent which organization handles this request.
- Choose one purpose. Report a repair problem, ask how to submit move-out notice, confirm an appointment or follow up on an existing request.
- Prepare identifying details. Have the leaseholder’s name, full address, building and room number, and a working reply contact.
- Add the useful facts. For a repair, include when it started and photos or an error code. For moving out, have the requested date and relevant notice instructions. For access, offer two or three time slots.
02 · Choose your next step
How would you like to handle it?
03 · Do it yourself
Send a short, specific written request.
Use the channel your property provides: resident app, enquiry form or email. Include the building and room, your name, one request and your availability. Check your documents for English or multilingual support before paying for help.
| Your situation | Include | Ask them to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Moving out | Requested date and lease notice instructions | Submission method, receipt of formal notice, inspection and key return |
| Repair or damage | What happened, when, photos and error codes | Who handles it, next action and access arrangements |
| Appointment or access | Two or three time slots and a reply contact | Accepted date, arrival window and who will attend |
| No reply yet | Original message date and reference number | Receipt, the responsible desk and the next update |
Example 1: ask how to submit move-out notice
〇〇マンション〇〇号室の〇〇です。〇月〇日に退去を希望しています。契約に必要な解約通知の提出方法と期限を教えていただけますか？退去立ち会いと鍵の返却方法も確認したいです。
“This is [name] in room [number] at [building]. I would like to move out on [date]. Could you tell me how and by when to submit the required termination notice? I would also like to confirm the move-out inspection and key return.”
This asks about the procedure. Submit the required notice separately and keep confirmation of receipt; do not assume this example completes termination.
Example 2: report a repair problem
〇〇マンション〇〇号室の〇〇です。〇月〇日から、エアコンが動かなくなりました。エラー表示は〇〇です。写真を添付します。確認や修理の手配について、次に必要な対応を教えていただけますか？
“This is [name] in room [number] at [building]. The air conditioner has not worked since [date]. The error shown is [code]. I’ve attached photos. Could you tell me the next step for inspection or repair?”
Replace the appliance and facts with your own situation. Ask who should arrange work and about any proposed charge before agreeing to paid work.
Example 3: confirm a visit
訪問日時について、〇月〇日〇時〜〇時、または〇月〇日〇時〜〇時で対応可能です。ご都合のよい日時と、当日の立ち会いが必要かを教えてください。
“For the visit, I’m available on [date/time] or [date/time]. Please confirm which works and whether I need to be present.”
No reply? Follow up with the original details.
〇月〇日にお送りした〇〇について、受信の確認と今後の対応予定を教えていただけますか？受付番号は〇〇です。
“Could you confirm receipt and the planned next step for the [request] I sent on [date]? The reference number is [number].”
Replace the placeholders and omit any details you do not have. If you call, ask which desk handles the request and request written confirmation afterwards.
Confirm these before ending the call
- The correct organization, building and room.
- What has been received or agreed, and what remains for you to submit.
- The next action, responsible contact and any appointment.
- Any quoted cost or document to review before agreeing.
- A reference number and how to receive confirmation in writing.
LifeAdmin · Japanese call support
Still blocked by the Japanese call?
LifeAdmin can contact one management company or landlord, communicate one clear routine request and confirm the next step. You receive a written English summary of the result and any action still needed.
- ¥2,980 · one organization, one clear purpose
- Up to two call attempts
- Normally reviewed within one business day; calls during Japanese business hours
What we’ll need from you
- The organization’s name and phone number
- The leaseholder’s name, full address, building and room
- One clear request, relevant facts and your deadline
- Previous messages or a reference number, if available
- Appointment availability and times when you can join a call for verification or consent
Provide the details through the task form. If the organization requires your direct consent or identity check, we’ll explain what you need to do.
Moving or facing a deadline in less than 3 days? Use your property’s direct contact and required submission method first. LifeAdmin may not be available before your deadline; same-day completion is not guaranteed.
Get help with this call →Communication support does not replace formal notice or your signature. LifeAdmin does not negotiate disputes, decide repair liability or provide legal advice. A reply or a particular outcome is not guaranteed.
04 · Keep a record
Confirm the procedure, not just the conversation.
Save your sent messages, replies and reference numbers. After a call, write down the date, organization, agreed next step and anything you still need to submit.
For a move-out request
Check the notice requirements in your lease and confirm receipt with the designated contact. Ask about the inspection, key return, final rent and the contact method to use after departure.
For a repair or an appointment
Confirm who will arrange the visit, the accepted time and whether you must be present. Keep relevant photos and written details of any proposed work or cost.
Find consumer consultation services with language support →
Check each service’s location, language and eligibility before contacting it.
05 · Keep the next step clear
What still needs your attention?
Tick an item once it is arranged. The ticks apply to this visit.
Moving out? Continue with these tasks.
- Change or cancel a reservation in Japan →
- Arrange gas, water and electricity stops →
- Follow the detailed electricity cancellation guide →
- Check internet and mobile contracts →
- Book bulky-waste collection before moving →
- Arrange mail forwarding and update important senders →
Leaving Japan? Also check bank accounts, pension and tax tasks.
Questions before you contact them
Should I contact the landlord or management company?
Use the designated contact in your lease, move-in pack or resident app. If the organization is unclear, ask your rental agent who handles your specific request.
Can I give move-out notice by phone?
Check the required method and deadline in your lease. A call can clarify the procedure, but do not assume it replaces the required written notice or form. Keep confirmation that the designated contact received your submission.
Can I send a message in English?
Check whether your property offers English or multilingual support. If it does not, the examples above can help with a short written request. Keep the facts and dates clear.
What should I do if they do not reply?
Follow up through the stated contact route with the original message date and reference number. Ask whether the request was received and who handles it. Use the appropriate emergency route if there is immediate danger.
Can LifeAdmin negotiate a repair bill or deposit dispute?
No. The service can communicate a routine request and confirm a procedure. Dispute negotiation, legal advice and decisions about responsibility are outside its scope.
Can LifeAdmin guarantee a response?
No. The organization controls its response and may require your consent or direct participation. LifeAdmin sends an English summary of the call result and the next step.
Continue with your housing task
One organization · One clear request
One call you don’t want to handle alone?
LifeAdmin can communicate your routine housing request and explain the result in English.
Get help with your call →Before buying, check what we’ll need from you. For an urgent deadline, contact the property directly first.
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Official sources
Checked 2 October 2026. Your lease and the property’s designated procedure apply.