What to Do with a Home Inherited in Kyoto | Sell, Rent, Keep—and What if There Are Tenants?

1. First check who is using the property

Your options differ greatly depending on whether the property is vacant, occupied by family, or rented to a tenant. If it is rented, first organize the lease, rent, deposit, renewal date, guarantor company, repair history, and management company information.

2. A lease does not automatically disappear when ownership changes

Article 605-2 of Japan's Civil Code provides that, for qualifying real-estate leases, the landlord's position transfers to the acquirer when the property is transferred. In inheritance or sale situations, start by treating the existing lease as a continuing relationship and review it with a professional.

3. Four main options for a tenanted property

4. Do not leave inheritance registration undone

Inheritance registration became mandatory in April 2024. In principle, registration is required within three years of learning that you acquired real estate by inheritance. Even to sell, ownership and related rights need to be clarified first.

5. For older Kyoto rentals, the building condition matters too

In older detached homes and row houses, sale price and holding costs are affected not only by the tenant relationship but also by leaks, seismic safety, plumbing, roof condition, and boundaries. Because interior access may be limited while occupied, gather management records and past repair history wherever possible.