Japan to explore relaxing ‘minpaku’ vacation rental rules

TOKYO, Jan 23 (shorttermrentalz.com) - The Japanese government is considering relaxing the requirements for property management businesses operating ‘minpaku’ vacation rentals [i.e. private lodgings on platforms such as Airbnb] in a bid to galvanise regional tourism in the country.

Ahead of an anticipated uptick in foreign tourists returning to Japan after the pandemic, the government is set to revise a Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry ordinance no earlier than this summer, which could include taking away the requirement for employees of minpaku rental businesses to have existing practical experience or qualifications in the sector.

The current ministerial ordinance requires staff to have worked in the real estate sector for at least two years or to have achieved a qualification that certifies them as real estate transaction agents.

Under the Private Lodging Business Law, it is obligatory for property management companies to operate private lodgings that have more than five rooms and also handle cleaning and check-in confirmations. ...continue reading

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