When you buy a condo, you become the owner of your exclusive-use area, and at the same time a member of the management association, bound by its management rules (kanri kiyaku) and house rules (shiyō saisoku). These set out rules affecting everyday matters — keeping pets, playing musical instruments, the procedures for renovation — so it's important to check the content before signing. Below, we cover the checkpoints worth confirming.
- The management rules set out the building's basic rules, while the house rules cover day-to-day operational matters.
- Whether pets are allowed, and under what conditions, is set out individually in the management rules and house rules.
- The notification and approval procedures for renovation work vary from building to building depending on the rules.
- The rules for using shared facilities such as bicycle parking and storage rooms are also worth checking.
Conclusion
When you buy a condo, you become the owner of your exclusive-use area and, at the same time, a member of the management association, bound by its management rules and house rules. Since they set out matters that directly affect how you live — whether pets are allowed, whether renovation is possible, the rules for using shared facilities — checking the content before signing is essential.
The Difference Between Management Rules and House Rules
The management rules (kanri kiyaku) set out the basic rules for managing and running the building as a whole, while the house rules (shiyō saisoku) supplement them with specific, day-to-day operational provisions. Checking both together gives you the full picture of what life is like in that building. Request copies through the management company or the seller and check them before signing. Since they can be lengthy and time-consuming to read through, it's also practical to focus on the items you care most about — pets, renovation, parking, and so on.
Rules on Keeping Pets
Whether pets are allowed at all, and if so, the limits on how many and how large, along with how pets must be moved through common areas (carried, in a carrier bag, etc.), are set out individually in the management rules and house rules. If you plan to keep a pet, you must check this before signing and confirm that the way you intend to keep and handle your pet is actually permitted.
Notification and Approval Procedures for Renovation
Even renovation within your exclusive-use area may require notification to, or approval from, the management association, depending on the scope of the work. It's also common for the sound-insulation rating of flooring and the permitted construction days and hours to be specified. If you're planning renovation down the line, understanding what procedures the rules require in advance makes it much easier to plan.
Restrictions on Home-Sharing and Business Use
In recent years, some condos have introduced provisions restricting the use of exclusive-use areas as home-sharing (minpaku) rentals or offices. If you plan to rent the unit out in the future, or run a business from home, you need to check whether these kinds of usage restrictions exist. If you're also considering renting the unit out down the line when you move elsewhere, it's reassuring to check the rules on whether renting is allowed at all, and under what conditions.
Rules for Using Shared Facilities
Shared facilities such as bicycle parking, motorcycle parking, and storage rooms come with rules on how to apply, usage fees, and availability. Since limits on the number of spaces and whether allocation is by lottery affect your day-to-day life after moving in, it's worth checking the terms of use in advance if you'll need any of these facilities. The house rules often also include detailed everyday matters like garbage disposal rules and arrangements around playing instruments or smoking in common areas, so it's reassuring to read through those too.
FAQ
Can anyone view the management rules?
In principle, unit owners can view them, but at the stage of considering a purchase, you'd request a copy through the seller or the management company to review.
Can the house rules be changed later?
Yes, they can be changed by a resolution at the management association's general meeting. It's worth understanding that the content could change after you buy.
If I'm not comfortable with the content of the rules, should I give up on the purchase?
The final decision depends on your individual circumstances. We do recommend checking especially carefully any items that directly affect how you live, such as keeping pets or working from home.
Summary
The management rules and house rules set out matters that affect everyday life — keeping pets, renovation, using shared facilities. It's important to request and check the content before signing, weigh it against how you actually want to live, and move forward with the purchase only once you're satisfied.