You may sometimes leave your room empty for weeks or months at a time, for a long business trip or a temporary return to your home country. Since you're not canceling the lease, it can look like there's little to do, but there are a few things worth preparing in advance around plumbing, utilities, and how to handle your mail. Here we'll go over the points worth checking when you'll be leaving your room empty for an extended period. The cancellation procedure for when you're returning to your home country for good is covered in more detail in a separate article, so please check that as well.
- Before leaving home for a long time, it's reassuring to check things like the water shut-off valve and circuit breaker as needed.
- If you'll be away for a long period in winter, also check what's needed to prevent your water heater from freezing.
- To keep mail from piling up too much, ask a trusted friend to check on it, or consider a post office service.
- Letting the management company or neighbors know you'll be away for a long time makes it easier to respond quickly in an emergency.
- Rent payments continue automatically, so don't neglect things like managing your account balance.
Plumbing and electrical points to check before you leave
Before leaving your room empty for a long time, it's reassuring to consider precautions as needed — such as closing the water supply valve for the washing machine, which is a common cause of leaks, or turning off the circuit breaker for rooms you won't be using. Whether you need to close everything off depends on the property and the season, so if you're unsure, it's worth asking the management company about the general approach. Some appliances, like the refrigerator, need to keep running, so it's important to sort out what to stop and what to leave as is. Turning off the refrigerator for a long time without emptying it can cause food to spoil and produce odors, so it's recommended to basically leave it running.
Preventing freezing when you're away in winter
If you're away from home for a long time during the cold winter months, your water heater or pipes can freeze and be damaged. Some water heater models have a specific procedure for preventing freezing, so check the instruction manual. Even outside of cold-climate regions, caution is needed if extreme cold is expected. The basics of operating a water heater are also introduced in a separate article on household equipment.
Preventing mail from piling up
If you leave your mailbox unchecked for a long period, mail and absence notices for parcels can pile up, making it obvious from the outside that no one's home. It's worth thinking through measures suited to your situation — asking a trusted friend or family member to check regularly, or arranging forwarding for important mail. The basics of receiving mail and parcels are covered in a separate article.
A word to the management company and neighbors
Telling the management company in advance that you'll be away for a long time makes it easier for them to respond smoothly should an emergency arise (a water leak, an equipment malfunction, and the like). This isn't a mandatory procedure for every property, but saying a word in advance also helps you organize your emergency contacts. Organizing contacts for when something goes wrong is covered in more detail in a separate article. If you have someone reliable in Japan, it's even more reassuring to explain the situation to them as well, so they can respond on your behalf in an emergency.
Rent payment and the continuation of your contract
Even while your room sits empty for a long time, rent payments continue as long as you haven't canceled the lease. If you're using automatic bank transfer, check your account balance before you leave and deposit funds as needed. Rent is basically never waived because of a long absence, so it's important not to neglect preparing for payment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always shut off the water before leaving home for a long time?
It's not mandatory, but it's worth considering measures like closing the washing machine's water supply valve to reduce the risk of a leak. Check with the management company based on your property and the season.
What should I do about the water heater if I'll be away for a long time in winter?
Depending on the model, a specific procedure to prevent freezing may be specified. Check the instruction manual, and if you're unsure, consult the management company.
Do I still need to pay rent during a long absence?
Yes. Rent payments continue as long as you haven't canceled the lease. Don't neglect advance preparation, such as managing your account balance.
Summary
When leaving your room empty for a long business trip or a visit home, taking care of plumbing and utility checks, measures for your mail, and a word to the management company in advance lets you get through your time away with peace of mind. Don't forget that rent payments continue as well — start preparing with plenty of time before you leave.