We’ve (JP+UK) been renting a family apartment in Tokyo for almost 10 years. Rent and maintenance fees have stayed consistent throughout.
Our lease is now up for renewal, and the landlord (via the management company) is trying to raise the maintenance fee by 60%, citing increased costs.
We offered a compromise with a 20% increase, which they rejected. Now they’ve come back with a “revised” offer:
- raise the rent instead, and drop the maintenance fee entirely.
- same total amount, just under the "rent" title.
- they’re also asking for a full renewal fee (1 month’s rent) and a deposit top-ups.
There haven’t been any renovations or improvements to the building or unit in the years we have been here, and we’ve always paid on time.
The contract is standard, and there are no clauses allowing the landlord to increase fees outside of the regular renewal. Our understanding is that any changes must be mutually agreed upon, and can't be forced.
It feels like they’re just coming up with the same number and trying to pressure us into accepting it.
- Is this kind of fee thing common in Tokyo?
- Has anyone had a similar experience?
- Is it the management agent supposed to be working in between ie. not just on the landlord’s side?
I'd love to hear from anyone who’s dealt with similar landlord tactics in Tokyo and how you resolved it.
Thank you
by insightfulIbis