This article covers how to handle rental disputes that may arise from a house rental agreement.

Common Rental Disputes Involving Foreigners

  • Repairs.
  • Whether restitution is required when returning the house.
  • Early termination of the lease agreement.
Common Disputes Involving Foreigners
Common Disputes Involving Foreigners

Prevention is Key

  • For Repairs: During signing, check all items, take photos, and specify repair responsibility in the agreement. During the lease, use items properly and promptly notify the Lessor of any problems.
  • For Restitution: Make the handover procedures thoroughly and carefully. Do not refurbish without the Lessor’s prior consent.
  • For Early Termination: The lease can stipulate whether early termination is allowed and the required notice period. If you wish to terminate early, you must provide prior notice according to the agreement.
Prevention is Key_Restitution
Prevention is Key_Restitution
Prevention is Key_Early termination
Prevention is Key_Early termination

How to Deal with Rental Disputes Step

1: Keep the Evidence

Always keep records of the following:

  • Screenshots of relevant conversations.
  • Photos of relevant evidence.
  • The lease agreement.
Keep the Evidence
Keep the Evidence

Step 2: Make Clear, Written Notices

  • To ensure you have evidence, it is recommended to give notices in writing. This can be done via LINE, phone text (SMS), email, or legal attest letters
Make Clear, Written Notices
Make Clear, Written Notices

Step 3: Seek Professional Legal Advice and Assistance

If you cannot resolve the dispute through communication, you can seek help from:

  • General Consultation: County/city governments or the TSUEI MA MA Foundation for Housing & Community Services.
  • Third-Party Negotiations: Seek assistance from an impartial third party or lawyers to conduct negotiations.
  • Conciliations: This can be carried out by the committee on Property Dispute Conciliation set up by local governments.
  • Mediation: Contact the local consumer protection hotline at “1950” or the mediation committee under each local district affairs office.
Seek Professional Legal Advice and Assistance
Seek Professional Legal Advice and Assistance

※The content and image are adapted from the Ministry of the Interior‘s Guide.

PART I

PART II

PART III

PART IV

PART V