Disputes on sublease agreements for rental properties are on the increase across Japan.
A sublease or rental guarantee agreement is where a company, often a real estate agency, leases an apartment building or block of flats from the property owner to sublease out to tenants. The owner is guaranteed a fixed rent each month and does not have to worry about any vacancies, although the rent they receive will be lower than market rates. These sublease agreements are often long-term with periods ranging from 10 to 30 years. While landlords may be promised secure and stable rental income, the contracts often contain clauses allowing the sublessor to reduce the rent or even to cancel the agreement.