Warranties in Japan: Legal Rights vs. Company Policies

"If there is a defect in the house, who fixes it, and for how long?"

In Japan, the answer depends on a mix of mandatory laws and individual company policies. It is crucial to understand the distinction.

The Legal Baseline: 10 Years for Everyone

By law (The Housing Quality Assurance Act), all new housing builders must provide a 10-year warranty for:

1. Structural Stability (Columns, beams, foundations)

2. Rainwater Prevention (Roofs, walls, windows)

This is mandatory. Whether you build with a giant corporation or a local carpenter, this 10-year protection is your basic right.

Beyond 10 Years: Policies Vary Significantly

Many builders advertise warranties that extend far beyond the legal requirement—20, 30, or even 60 years.

However, the conditions to maintain these warranties depend entirely on the company.

There is a wide spectrum:

• Some companies offer long-term warranties with very few mandatory conditions or low maintenance costs.

• Other companies state that the warranty is extended *only if* you conduct expensive paid maintenance work designated by them at regular intervals (e.g., every 10 years).

Check the Conditions, Not Just the Number

A "60-year warranty" can mean very different things depending on the builder.

Don't rely solely on the number of years displayed in ads. At the initial contract stage, it is vital to confirm: "What exactly are the conditions and potential costs to maintain this extended warranty?"