JapanWhat happens to rent if building damaged by disaster?
If a building is damaged by a disaster in Japan, rent may be reduced or suspended depending on the extent of damage and whether the property remains usable. The Civil Code allows tenants to request rent reduction or termination if use and benefit are significantly impaired.
What the Law Says
Japanese law addresses rent adjustments after disaster-related damage primarily through the Civil Code. The key provision balances tenant rights to habitable premises with landlord obligations to maintain leased property.
Under Article 606 of the Civil Code, if a leased building is damaged by a disaster (e.g., earthquake, typhoon, fire) and the tenant's ability to use and benefit from the property is significantly impaired, the tenant may request a proportional reduction in rent.
The reduction applies from the time the impairment begins — not from the date of the disaster itself, but when actual use becomes substantially limited. If the property becomes completely unusable, rent may be suspended entirely.
The law does not require the landlord to repair the property before rent adjustment; the tenant’s right arises automatically upon loss of use and benefit. However, the tenant must notify the landlord in writing to formally assert this right.
Statutory TextIf the use and benefit of the leased property is considerably impaired due to reasons not attributable to the lessee, the lessee may request a reduction of the rent proportionate to the degree of impairment.
— Civil Code, Art. 606 — Reduction of Rent Due to Impairment of Use and Benefit
What to Do
Assess whether your use and benefit of the property are 'considerably impaired' (e.g., no electricity, structural damage, evacuation order).
Send written notice to your landlord stating the impairment and requesting proportional rent reduction under Civil Code Art. 606.
Keep records: photos, official disaster reports, repair estimates, and proof of notice.
If the landlord refuses without justification, you may withhold the reduced portion of rent — but consult a legal professional first.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-09.