English-Speaking Property Management in Sendai

Property management in Sendai — FAQ

My house is in a hillside housing estate. Is there anything particular to check?

Some of Sendai's hillside estates were built on cut-and-fill ground, and parts of them suffered landslides and subsidence in the 2011 earthquake. We look at retaining walls, drainage and cracks in the ground or foundations on each visit, and photograph changes over time so you can see whether anything is moving.

We may move back to Sendai in a few years. How can we rent the house without losing it?

Ordinary Japanese leases give tenants strong renewal rights, so owners who plan to return often use a fixed-term lease (teiki shakuya keiyaku), which ends on an agreed date. We work with local agents to set this up and keep you informed in English, and recommend a legal professional for anything beyond standard terms.

Winters in Sendai are mild for Tohoku. Do pipes still freeze?

Snow is lighter than elsewhere in the region, but nights below freezing are normal in midwinter. In an unheated house, exposed pipes, outdoor taps and water heaters can freeze and split, so we drain or protect them before a long absence and check them after cold snaps.

How much does property management in Sendai cost?

Plans run from ¥14,000 to ¥42,000 per month depending on how often we visit — quarterly, every other month, or monthly. The right cadence depends on your Sendai property's type, age, and condition. Rental management is 5% of rent, and renovation is quoted separately.