Falling behind on rent payments can happen to anyone due to unexpected expenses or reduced income. However, ignoring unpaid rent can lead to serious consequences—such as persistent collection attempts, notification to guarantors, and in the worst case, forced eviction or damage to your credit record.

Late rent payments may also result in late fees and difficulty securing future rental contracts, making everyday life significantly more difficult. In this article, we’ll explain what happens when you miss a rent payment, the potential risks, and how to respond appropriately.

Timeline and Process of Rent Arrears

Once rent is overdue, landlords or property managers typically act quickly. The longer the rent remains unpaid, the more serious the consequences become—including potential legal action or eviction. Understanding the typical timeline can help you take action early and avoid escalation.

What Happens After Rent Is Overdue?

Days 1–3: Reminder Calls or Emails

Shortly after the due date passes, the landlord or property manager will usually contact you via phone or email to confirm payment. At this point, the situation is generally treated as a simple oversight, and the tone remains relatively light. If you resolve the payment quickly, the issue usually ends here without major consequences.

1 Week to 1 Month: Written Notice and Guarantor Contact

If you haven’t paid despite initial reminders, the next step is a formal written demand for payment. If the delay continues, the landlord or property manager may also contact your co-signer (guarantor) or rent guarantee company. As time goes on, the response becomes stricter, and you're expected to take action promptly to avoid further escalation.

Over 1 Month: Legal Notice via Certified Mail

If the rent remains unpaid for more than one month, a formal payment demand notice is typically sent via certified mail (content-certified letter), and preparations for legal action begin. At this stage, if you have a guarantor, they will be formally asked to pay on your behalf. If you are using a rent guarantor company, the company will temporarily cover the unpaid rent and then demand repayment from you directly.

Over 3 Months: Lease Termination and Lawsuit Preparation

At this stage, the landlord may determine that the trust relationship between tenant and landlord has broken down, which is grounds for lease termination. You will receive a notice of contract termination. At this stage, the landlord or property management company will begin preparing for an eviction lawsuit, and it becomes highly likely that the matter will eventually proceed to court.

Process Leading to Forced Eviction

If rent remains unpaid over a long period, it can ultimately lead to forced eviction. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how that process unfolds:

Contact from the Landlord or Property Manager

Once rent is overdue, the landlord or property management company will contact the tenant by phone or email to confirm payment. If you respond quickly and settle the payment at this stage, you can avoid further legal escalation.

Notification to the Guarantor or Rent Guarantee Company

If the delay continues, a notice will be sent to your guarantor or rent guarantee company, and they may be asked to make the payment.
If the guarantee company pays on your behalf, you become legally obligated to repay the company, complicating the situation further.

Notification by Certified Mail

If the rent remains unpaid for over a month, you’ll likely receive a contract termination notice or formal payment demand via content-certified mail.
At this point, legal preparations begin, and the possibility of going to court becomes increasingly real.

Lawsuit (Eviction Proceedings)

If you fall behind for over three months, the landlord or management company may file an eviction lawsuit in court. You will receive a formal notice from the court, and must submit a written response by the specified deadline. By this stage, the issue can no longer be resolved solely by the tenant’s willingness.

Forced Eviction (If the Court Rules in Favor of the Landlord)

If the landlord wins the case, the court will issue a writ of execution. If the tenant does not leave voluntarily by the deadline, court officers will physically remove them from the property. Belongings may be removed or disposed of, and in extreme cases, the tenant may face asset seizure.

Most rent issues can be resolved early without legal trouble if addressed within a few days. But if left unresolved, legal actions may follow, and the risk of forced eviction increases significantly. That’s why it’s crucial to act promptly and appropriately.

Risks Associated with Unpaid Rent

Ongoing rent arrears not only impact the tenant but also affect the guarantor, and may lead to damaged credit and legal consequences.
See below for details on the key risks of unpaid rent.

1. Impact on the Guarantor

If rent is unpaid, the guarantor (typically a parent or relative) will also be held responsible for the payment. This places a significant burden on family members, and if the guarantor is unable to pay, they too may be drawn into legal proceedings. Unpaid rent doesn’t only affect the tenant—it can have serious consequences for those around them as well. Immediate action is essential.

2. Damage to Your Credit Report

If rent remains unpaid for a certain period—especially when using a credit-based rent guarantee company—the delinquency may be reported to a credit bureau. Being listed on a “blacklist” can result in the following:

• You may be denied new credit cards
• You may fail loan screenings for mortgages, car loans, etc.
• You may be unable to use credit-based guarantor services when applying for new rental properties

Once your credit is damaged, it can affect your financial credibility for several years, so rent arrears should never be taken lightly.

3. Accrued Late Payment Penalties

Unpaid rent may incur late penalties as specified in the lease agreement.
By law in Japan, the maximum late penalty is 14.6% per year, meaning the longer the delay, the greater the financial burden.

Example:
If you owe ¥80,000 in rent and delay payment for 90 days:
¥80,000 × 14.6% × 90 ÷ 365 ＝ ¥2,880

While the fee may seem small over a short period, longer delays result in significantly higher penalties on top of the unpaid rent.

4. Forced Eviction and Its Impact on Daily Life

If you continue to miss payments for over three months, the landlord may cancel your lease, and you could be forcibly evicted.
Following a forced eviction, you may face the following consequences:

• Difficulty finding a new apartment (due to rejection by guarantor companies)
• Seizure or disposal of your belongings during enforcement
• Additional costs such as legal fees or claims for unpaid rent

After a forced eviction, it becomes extremely difficult to sign a new lease, as most guarantor companies will decline your application due to your payment history. This is why it’s crucial to address rent issues as early as possible.

What to Do If You Can't Pay Rent

Even if you're struggling to pay rent, taking early action can help you minimize the risk of serious consequences. Below are several practical measures you can take:

1. Contact the Landlord or Property Manager Immediately

If you expect to be late on rent, contact your landlord or property manager as early as possible. By being proactive and honest, you may be able to arrange:

• A grace period (payment deadline extension)
• Installment payments
• A temporary rent reduction (depending on your situation)

If you don’t communicate and simply fall behind, the landlord may take stricter action, increasing the risk of legal proceedings or eviction. Always aim to handle the situation respectfully and transparently.

2. Use RentEase to Postpone Your Payment

If you can’t pay rent immediately but will be able to after your next payday, consider using RentEase.

RentEase allows you to pay rent using a credit card, effectively delaying the actual bank withdrawal until your credit card due date. This can ease the short-term burden on your cash flow and also help you accumulate credit card points, making it a smart financial tool.

3. Utilize Public Assistance

If you’re facing long-term financial hardship, government support programs may help you reduce your rent burden:

• Housing Security Benefit 住居確保給付金：If you've lost your job or your income has declined, you may be eligible for rent subsidies, depending on your circumstances.
• Welfare Loan Program 生活福祉資金貸付制度：Offers interest-free or low-interest loans to help individuals regain financial stability.

Visit your local government office to receive guidance on eligibility and the application process.

4. Borrow Temporarily from Family or Friends

If time is short and you can’t wait for public aid, borrowing from family or close friends can be an effective solution. This method doesn’t affect your credit report and may be faster than formal application processes.

5. Consider Moving to a More Affordable Property

If your current rent is unsustainable, moving to a lower-rent property may be a viable long-term solution. Look for:

• Free-rent listings (rent-free for the first 1–3 months)
• No-deposit / no-non-refundable move in fee (reikin) properties (significantly lower upfront costs)
• Older properties (generally cheaper than new builds)

Keep in mind that moving also involves costs (e.g., moving fees, new contract fees), so weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Unpaid rent can escalate into a serious legal and financial issue if left unaddressed, but early intervention can greatly reduce the risks. Whether through honest communication, RentEase, public support, or downsizing, take action that fits your situation—and always act before it’s too late.

Measures to Prevent Rent Arrears

To avoid falling behind on rent, it’s essential to manage your payments in a structured and proactive manner. By choosing suitable payment methods, adjusting rent to match your financial situation, and utilizing guarantee systems, you can significantly reduce the risk of rent arrears.

1. Use Automatic Payments or Credit Card Options

One common cause of missed rent payments is forgetfulness or insufficient account balance at the time of withdrawal. To prevent such issues, consider the following:　

• Set up automatic bank withdrawals: Automating your rent payments ensures you don’t miss due dates.
• Pay rent by credit card: Services like RentEase allow you to pay rent using a credit card, which helps align payment timing with your salary date, improving short-term cash flow.
• Earn points: Using a credit card for rent can also accumulate reward points, helping to offset part of your financial burden.

2. Reassess Your Rent Budget

Paying rent that exceeds your financial capacity increases the risk of arrears during unexpected expenses or income reductions. It’s important to set a realistic rent budget and stay within your means.

• Keep rent below one-third of your income: A general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent. For example, if your monthly income is ¥300,000, rent should ideally be under ¥90,000.
• Review fixed expenses: Analyze other living costs—such as utilities, internet, and food—to ensure you can comfortably cover rent.
• Choose more affordable housing: If your income fluctuates, consider renting properties with no deposit or no reikin (non-refundable move in fee), or those offering a free-rent period to ease the initial and monthly financial load.

3. Utilize Guarantors and Rent Guarantee Services

To prepare for unexpected financial difficulties, you can reduce risk by enrolling in a guarantee system from the start.

• Select a reliable guarantor company: When signing your lease, choose a trusted rent guarantee provider and understand how they assist in case of payment issues.
• Set up a co-signer: Having a trusted relative or individual as a guarantor helps distribute responsibility if you're unable to pay rent.

Summary

Early action is essential when dealing with rent arrears. If you fall behind on rent, contact your property manager or landlord as soon as possible. Discuss options such as installment payments or a grace period to help avoid forced eviction or damage to your credit history.

Using services like RentEase allows you to pay rent by credit card, helping you delay the bank withdrawal and manage short-term cash flow—especially until your next payday. This not only eases financial stress but also enables you to accumulate credit card points, offering an additional benefit.

If rent remains unpaid for more than three months, you may face forced eviction, legal action, and negative marks on your credit report. That’s why it’s important to be aware of options such as public assistance or downsizing to a more affordable property in advance, so you can take appropriate action when needed.