Tokyo: The Japanese government plans to help the elderly, disabled and others rent homes, by creating an environment that allows landlords to rent properties to them with ease.

There are cases in which landlords refuse to rent properties to such people out of concern that they might default on rent, die alone or cause trouble with neighbors.

In response to these concerns, the government will strengthen life support for these people, such as helping them to find jobs and access social services.

To discuss specific support measures, an expert panel was set up this month jointly by the land ministry, the welfare ministry and the Justice Ministry. It will draw up an interim report by this autumn.

Under an existing system, prefectural governments designate nonprofit groups and social welfare corporations as housing support bodies to provide consultation services to people with rental difficulties, also including single-parent households and those released from prison, guarantee their rent debts and monitor them after they move in.

However, a survey of such designated organizations, conducted by the land ministry in fiscal 2022, found that support was insufficient in managing financial assets, finding employment, preparing to use medical and nursing care services, and following administrative procedures in the event of death.

The government believes that improving support in these areas will help address landlords’ concerns.

The government will also consider measures to secure housing units, including the active use of public housing.

JIJI Press