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Guarantor and Screening

Emergency Contact

Emergency Contact (きんきゅうれんらくさき)

A person who helps reach the tenant in emergencies. Being listed as an emergency contact alone does not normally create a rent guarantee obligation. Check each property’s requirements.

Sources checked

The emergency contact’s role

Management may contact this person about sudden illness, welfare checks, leaks or difficulty reaching the tenant. Listing someone as an emergency contact does not automatically make them liable as a rent guarantor. A separate guarantee agreement can create obligations under its terms.

Sources[1][2]

Can family overseas act?

Ask management and the guarantee company whether the property accepts parents overseas, friends in Japan or a school. Check requirements for location, relationship, number of contacts and language. If you have no contact in Japan, explain and ask about alternatives; never use someone’s number without permission.

Sources[2]

Get consent and keep details usable

Explain who will receive the details and why they may call, obtain consent, and check the name, relationship, phone and address. Include a country code for overseas numbers and agree suitable calling times. Notify management of changes and check whether any document is a contact form or a guarantee before signing.

Sources[1]

Practical checklist

  • Check the property’s emergency contact requirements.
  • Get consent and verify contact details.
  • Distinguish contact registration from a guarantee agreement.

References

Prepared from official and public sources. Checklists are ELB reading aids; confirm specific application, fee and contract terms with the relevant organization.

  1. MLIT: Model residential lease with a joint and several guarantor
  2. Institute of Science Tokyo: Guarantors and emergency contacts

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Read more: understanding and checking rent guarantor companies
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