“Friend” has been staying in my apartment for 3 weeks while I’m abroad and now refuses to pay or leave.
I’m a foreign student living in Tokyo for about 3 years now, and I’m currently back in the US on vacation. I won’t be returning to Japan until August 31st.
Before I left, I allowed a friend who I go to school with stay at my apartment temporarily, as she apparently had no where else to go. She is also a foreign national. She told me she would only be staying for a short period (maximum one week) and agreed to pay me for that time, but I’ve since found out that she has been staying there for approximately 3 weeks. The biggest issue is that she has continually lied to me about how long she has actually been staying there and is refusing to pay.
She has not had any mail sent to the apartment, as far as I know, and she has not officially registered the apartment as her residence. However, she does currently have access to the apartment.
I have messages documenting our conversations and the things she has told me, including messages about how long she intended to stay and the money situation . But my biggest concern is that I’m currently outside Japan and cannot physically return to my apartment until August 31st.
What are my options? Can I contact the police or my school from overseas or have someone contact the police/school on my behalf? If she refuses to leave, can the police remove her? Is there a way to recover the money she owes me??
This is just the short version, BTW. The full story goes even deeper but right now I just need her OUT. I sent an informal demand via text, sent a friend to talk to her, but theres only so much I can do from here.
Any advice from people familiar with Japanese tenancy/property law would be appreciated. Kindness is also appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
UPDATE: Successfully removed 💪. Had a friend go and take the key back. Also was not subletting, she was squatting. Thanks for all the advice!
UPDATE 2: I found out yesterday that she was smoking weed in the apartment, huge implications if caught with possession. I originally gave her my spare key but a different friend kicked her out and got it back. I’ll request a lock change when I arrive back in case she made another copy. Cops are not involved (yet) but were used as leverage to remove her. Money was exchanged for damages, so I understand it may fall under illegal subletting at this point.
I’m pretty much just hoping and praying that this is the end and I don’t fall out of good graces with my landlord. Thanks again.