Japan life problem · housing
You need to report a problem, ask about access or get a decision from your landlord or management company—but you are not sure who to contact or how to explain it in Japanese.
Start with the documents: check your lease, move-in pack, building notice or resident app. The right contact is often the management company or rental agent, not the property owner. Send one clear written message first and keep a record.
Common situations
Know what you are asking them to do.
A precise request is easier to route and less likely to stall between the landlord, agent and building manager.
Report damage
Explain what happened, when it began and whether it is getting worse.
Arrange access
Confirm dates when a contractor or building staff member can enter.
Check responsibility
Ask who should arrange the next step before hiring anyone yourself.
Follow up
Refer to the previous message, date and any reference or case number.
Your options
Use the route your property already provides.
Use the resident app or email
Written channels are best for addresses, photos, dates and repair details. Save the sent message.
Look for an English desk
Larger management companies may list an English line or multilingual support in your move-in documents.
Ask LifeAdmin to make the call
Use this when you know the correct organization and need one clear, non-urgent request explained in Japanese.
“My apartment has a problem” is not enough.
Include your building and room number, what is affected, when it began, what you have already checked and the result you need. Photos and error codes often save an extra round of questions. For fire, a gas smell, electrical sparking or a serious active leak, use the appropriate emergency route first.
What you’ll need.
Prepare the information the property manager will use to identify your home and route the issue.
- Full address, building and room number
- Leaseholder’s full name
- Management company or agent details
- Photos or video if relevant
- One clear request
- When the issue began
- Preferred access dates and times
- Previous message or reference number
Official reference: MLIT Apartment Search Guidebook (English PDF).
LifeAdmin · Make a Call
Need someone to contact the management company?
LifeAdmin makes one specific Japanese phone call, explains the housing request clearly and sends you the result in written English.
¥2,980
1 organization · 1 clear purpose
Up to 2 call attempts
Not for emergencies, disputes, impersonation, or legal advice. Some organizations may require you to speak directly for identity checks or consent.
After you order
What happens next.
Tell us what happened
Provide the organization, address, one clear request, supporting details and deadline. Never send passwords, PINs or one-time codes.
We review the request
Requests are normally reviewed within one business day. Calls are made during Japanese business hours.
You receive the result
We send a clear written English summary of what was said and the next step.
Continue with the housing problem you need to solve.
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