RResidents in Japan

Subleasing my Tokyo house

I would like to sublease my house out in Tokyo to a friend. I have a year left on the lease but need to be overseas for 6+ months. It’s owned by a big corporation, not a sole proprietor. It’s a standalone house, not a mansion. It’s in a very busy area. I’m not sure if anyone would snitch to the corporate owner unless the subleasor friend did something stupid. I know the contract explicitly says sublease is not allowed without approval. Has anyone gotten away with this?

5 comments

  2. What would the consequences be? What if there is a medical emergency while you are away? A fire? What’s the worst case scenario? A crime? I think these are the questions you need to get answered before considering this.

  3. Will the property be insured if you sublease it? I guess the landlord would have their own insurance.

    Ultimately you’ll be committing a crime to save yourself some money…

  4. I guess the biggest risk, realistically speaking, is that your friend can just decide to stop paying you, since this would be an totally under the table agreement. Plus they could squat in the house even after you come back. Really depends on how much you trust this friend.

  5. Article 612 of the Civil Code stipulates that “a lessee cannot transfer the leasehold right or sublease the leased property without obtaining the consent of the lessor.”

    If you are caught, it’s a breach of contract and your lease can be *immediately* terminated. There can also be damages claimed by the rightful landlord, and you would be liable for any and all damage to the property caused by your subtenant.

    Even if your subtenant is quiet and careful, all it takes is a water/gas leak or a domestic dispute for everything to be exposed.

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