JapanDo I need landlord permission to sublease?
Yes, you generally need your landlord’s written permission to sublease in Japan, unless your lease agreement explicitly allows it or the sublease is for a short term and does not substantially change the use of the property.
What the Law Says
Japanese law strictly regulates subleasing to protect landlords’ rights over their property. The Civil Code sets the default rule that tenants cannot sublease without the landlord’s approval.
Under Article 612 of the Japanese Civil Code, a tenant may not sublease the leased premises without the landlord’s consent — unless the lease agreement permits it or the sublease is for a short-term, non-exclusive use that does not alter the nature or purpose of the lease.
This rule applies regardless of whether the original lease is residential or commercial. Consent must be given in writing to be legally effective; oral permission is insufficient for enforceability.
If a tenant subleases without required consent, the sublease is void, and the landlord may terminate the original lease agreement for breach of contract.
Statutory TextA tenant may not sublease the leased property without the consent of the landlord.
— Civil Code, s. 612 — Sublease
What to Do
Review your lease agreement to check for any clauses permitting or prohibiting subleasing.
Obtain written consent from your landlord before entering any sublease arrangement.
Specify the sublease terms (duration, rent, permitted use) clearly in writing and keep a copy.
If the landlord refuses consent unreasonably — e.g., for a short-term, low-risk sublease — consult a legal professional, though courts rarely override s. 612 without clear contractual language.
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: 2026-06-08.