When you are going to rent a house in Japan, you may be charged the fire insurance fee as the significant requirement of the landlord. Fire insurance, which is called “kasai hoken” in Japanese. It’s an important consideration when renting house for living in Japan, and here’s what you need to know about the fees:
What is fire insurance?
It’s an insurance policy that covers damage to your belongings and the rental property itself in case of fire or other covered events. It need to be paid as a part of initial move-in cost when you rent a house in Japan. While it’s called “fire insurance,” it often covers more than just fire damage. It is a part of the total initial move-in cost when renting house.
Why is it necessary?
Japan is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, which can cause fires and other damage. Fire insurance provides financial protection in these situations. While not legally mandatory, most landlords require tenants to have fire insurance.
What does it cover?
Typically, fire insurance covers:
- Fire: Damage caused by fire, including damage to the building and your belongings.
- Water damage: Damage from leaks, floods (excluding those caused by earthquakes), and burst pipes.
- Storm damage: Damage caused by typhoons and other storms.
- Other events: Some policies may also cover damage from explosions, theft, and other events.
What is NOT covered?
- Earthquake damage: Earthquake damage is usually not covered by standard fire insurance policies. You’ll need separate earthquake insurance (“jishin hoken”) for this.
- Intentional damage: Damage caused intentionally by the tenant is not covered.
How much does it cost?
Fire insurance fees vary depending on:
- Coverage: The extent of coverage you choose.
- Property size: The size of the rental property.
- Location: The location of the property (some areas may be more prone to natural disasters).
- Insurance provider: The insurance company you choose.
Generally, you can expect to pay around ¥15,000 to ¥30,000 for a two-year policy.
Key things to remember:
- Usually required: Most landlords require tenants to have fire insurance.
- Two-year contract: Fire insurance contracts are often for two years, and you’ll typically pay the premium upfront.
- Renewing the policy: You’ll need to renew the policy when it expires.
- Shop around: You can compare prices and coverage from different insurance providers.
In summary, fire insurance is an essential cost when you rent a house in Japan. It provides financial protection against fire and other covered events. The fee varies depending on several factors, but it’s typically around ¥15,000 to ¥30,000 for a two-year contract. Make sure to understand the coverage and compare options before choosing a policy.
Jasmine Court strongly recommend purchasing the insurance, as it provides valuable protection for both tenants and landlords at a very competitive rate.
Explore Jasmine Court’s rental properties https://jasminecourt.jp/properties/
Chat with us https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070962843961