Hello.
I'm currently renting an apartment in Tokyo and planning to spend most of the next 1–2 years abroad. I still want to maintain an address and return in Japan two or three times a year. My rent is relatively low, so paying it isn't a problem.
The lease stipulates that I must inform the management company if I'm away for more than a month. In theory, as long as I notify them, I am not in breach of the contract, but I am concerned that they could make specific requests that are difficult to fulfill or even push to terminate the lease. For example, they might be concerned about my absences during summer where mold is a problem (even though I plan to use a dehumidifier and a friend offered to come and air out the room from time to time).
I guess that informing them every time I go in and out of Japan would emphasize that I rarely live in the apartment and could further increase their concerns…
I'd really appreciate hearing about experiences in long absences abroad, and how to handle communication with the landlord/management company.
by mr-mathmax