Property Management Companies In Japan: An Easy Guide

Managing tenants, scheduling repairs, and completing administrative tasks is overwhelming, especially if you are a foreigner abroad.

You can lessen this burden by outsourcing what needs to be done to property management companies in Japan.

What is property management?

Property management companies operate and oversee properties such as houses and apartments by minimizing costs and risks for owners and investors. 

While the owners can be property managers (賃貸管理士 chintai-kanri-shi), many house owners hire property management companies to help them out.

Property management companies (賃貸管理業 chintai-kanri-gyō or 管理会社 kanri-gaisha) will often offer services such as screening tenants, managing lease agreements, customer service, coordinating maintenance and repairs.

What can property management companies do?

Property management companies offer various services to help manage properties for the owner or those living there.

1. Be your communication bridge

Japanese property management companies act as a communication bridge between property owners, tenants, contracts, and local authorities. They are extremely helpful when a property owner manages more than one property. 

Property management companies in Japan handle various tasks, such as owner-tenant liaison, tenant screening, and lease agreements, and help tenants deal with any problems that may arise. 

Additionally, they will coordinate with contractors and service companies for required maintenance and repairs, such as landscaping and cleaning, to maintain the property’s condition.

2. Offer customer service to tenants.

Many factors come into play when you’re not on-site, have multiple tenants, and need to facilitate repairs or inspect issues. That’s where property management companies can handle all customer-related services for you.

Especially if you have English and Japanese-speaking customers, a property management company that offers bilingual customer service can handle your tenant's needs.

3. Handle tax payments.

Good property management companies can manage rent, but great ones will help you do your taxes.

Property taxes in Japan can be complicated, especially for foreigners. So, why struggle when your property management company can do it for you?

Some companies will even act as your tax representative so you can be away from your property without worrying about payments or late fees.

4. Facilitate inspections.

Safety inspections and obtaining fire and earthquake insurance are required for a minpaku license in Japan.

With little to no Japanese, calling for an inspection or filing for insurance will be difficult. When staff comes in to inspect your property, you’ll need to be present to understand any additional paperwork. 

Property management companies and their staff will step in to make this process much easier.

5. Tenant placement.

Many property management companies will help place tenants into your properties. By working with local real estate agents, your property will be in front of those looking to rent.

Once a tenant is found, property management companies will screen them to find the best fit for your property.

6. Rent management.

Another common service that property management companies will do is to collect rent from your tenants.

While the owner has the right to decide the rent, the management company will ensure the amount is paid every time.

Once the amount is collected, the property management company will send a bank transfer to your bank account.

What are the benefits of using a property management company in Japan?

Property management companies can help you and your property in 3 ways.

1. Save time.

Property management companies will handle the daily tasks that are associated with property ownership, such as:

• Scheduling repairs

• Conducting inspections

• Dealing with tenant issues

Outsourcing these tasks to the management company allows you to focus on aspects of your life or business.

2. Peace of mind when abroad.

Property management companies will ensure everything will continue to be smooth sailing when property owners are off-site or abroad.

The company will be the point of contact for property owners and tenants for emergencies and other property-related matters.

3. Handle your legal and administrative tasks.

All property management companies know the laws and regulations related to property owner and tenant compliance. 

As such, they can handle the necessary paperwork, lease agreements, and tenant screenings on the owner’s behalf.

Top property management services in Japan 

1. MailMate

If you’re new to managing properties or need additional help with English and Japanese tenants, MailMate is an all-in-one property management for you. 

MailMate simplifies your property management in Japan by centralizing and automating mail for your properties.   

The best part?

a. Bilingual support

Most, if not all, property management companies in Japan only speak Japanese. MailMate is different.

Their bilingual staff will be your communication bridge between you, your property, and the tenants living there. So, if the property needs maintenance or your tenants report any damage, MailMate will handle that.

b. Centralized mail management

MailMate is your all-in-one virtual mailbox. Property owners will receive their mail from multiple properties in one location, eliminating the need to physically pick them up.

When your mail is received, it will be scanned and translated for your convenience, making it easier to manage bills, invoices, and notices for your properties.

No more searching through paper files when you can search for everything in your dashboard that complies with Japanese regulations.

c. Automation

All important information will be extracted from the mail and the information is stored electronically. Depending on the information, you can create an automated workflow for specific purposes, saving time from manually sorting your documents.

So you can automatically sort and categorize all mail based on whether it is tenant support, invoices, or notices.

Plus, further automation includes automatically having mail stored digitally, open, or forwarded to the respective recipients.

2. Daito Kentaku Partners

Daito Kentaku Partners is part of the Daito Trust Group, a famous house builder in Japan.

They specialize in rental property management and offer a range of services to ensure the stability and reliability of your property.

One of their main features is ensuring that the rent arrears or the percentage of tenants who are behind on their rental payments is less than 0.1% to ensure you will have a stable passive income.

Being fluent in Japanese is not entirely required as they have Daito Kentaku English Support, mainly for tenants who want help dealing with contracts, rent matters, garbage, and facilities.

3. Daiwa House

Also known as 大和ハウス工業, Daiwa House is one of Japan’s top property management companies for renting your properties out. 

They’re most well-known for being a trusted partner between property owners and investors across Japan. 

One of their key features is that they will take care of the repairs when a tenant moves out for a fixed monthly fee. This approach will ensure your properties are maintained and ready for new occupants.

Daiwa is a great option for property owners with a high level of Japanese who want to communicate their goals.

4. Tokyu Housing Lease

Tokyu Housing Lease, or 東急住宅リース, is part of Tokyu Fudosan Holdings, which is a major Japan real estate management that will manage and operate any rental housing for you.

They will ensure smooth operation and maintenance of your properties with their 24-hour contact system. Residents can send and receive assistance during the weekends and holidays.

With strong Japanese skills, you can optimize your rental portfolio with the Tokyu Housing Lease.

In closing

Property ownership doesn't have to be complicated. Property management companies in Japan will ensure that your goals for your property are achieved.