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Private Lodging Business Act
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LegislationJP

Private Lodging Business Act

Japanese law permitting notified home rentals for up to 180 nights annually, with local restrictions.

In operation since 15 June 2018, the Private Lodging Business Act gives Japanese home hosts a notification route to lawful letting. Its national ceiling is 180 nights per property, subject to local restrictions.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Why can councils restrict home rentals below Japan's national 180-night ceiling?

Timeline for Private Lodging Business Act

#15 15 Oct

Set the 180-day ceiling the draft cuts to 120

Nomads & Communities: Shinjuku drafts ban on new home-shares
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Background

The Private Lodging Business Act regulates paid stays in qualifying homes through notification to the responsible local authority. Its operating provisions began on 15 June 2018. [The ministry's implementation guidance](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=00tc3541&dataType=1&pageNo=1) distinguishes that start from earlier preparatory provisions. The National ceiling is 180 nights for each property, counted between successive noons on 1 April. Hotel licences and special-zone lodging approvals provide separate legal routes. [The National FAQ](https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/minpaku/faq_en.html) explains the counting rule and these distinctions.

Hosts must protect hygiene, explain noise precautions, keep guest records and respond to neighbours' complaints. Absent hosts generally need a registered manager. Local ordinances can restrict when and where notified homes operate, so The National ceiling does not guarantee every host 180 nights. Japan Tourism Agency guidance sets out these duties and local powers.

Common Questions

Reference

Why can Japanese councils impose lower private-lodging limits?
The Act allows local ordinances to restrict operation by area and period to protect the living environment. The National ceiling is not an entitlement to operate for 180 nights.Source: Japan Tourism Agency
What does Japan's Private Lodging Business Act allow?
It allows qualifying homes to take paying guests after notification to the competent local authority, subject to a maximum of 180 nights annually and applicable local restrictions.Source: Japan Tourism Agency
How is Japan's 180-night private-lodging limit counted?
The limit applies per notified property, from noon on 1 April to noon on the following 1 April. Each overnight stay counts as one day.Source: Japan Tourism Agency
When did the Private Lodging Business Act take effect?
Its operational provisions took effect on 15 June 2018. The statute was promulgated on 16 June 2017.Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Source Material
Special Zone Private LodgingImplementation guidance for the Private Lodging Business ActPrivate-lodging frequently asked questionsPrivate Lodging Business Act: system overviewGuidance for private-lodging operators

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.