Risk Dictionary › 雨漏り

Water Leakage / Roof Leak

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What it means

雨漏り literally means "rain leaking in." On a property listing or disclosure form, it indicates that the building has experienced water intrusion — typically through the roof, exterior walls, windows, or drainage areas. Sellers in Japan are required to disclose known defects including 雨漏り in the 物件状況等報告書 (property condition report).

The disclosure may say 雨漏りあり (has leaked), 過去にあり (has leaked in the past), or 不明 (unknown — typically on inherited akiya properties where the seller has no direct knowledge).

Why it matters

• Structural damage — prolonged water ingress rots wooden framing, weakens foundations, and can compromise the structural integrity of the building.
• Mould and health issues — damp conditions behind walls and under floors create persistent mould that is expensive to remediate and a health hazard.
• Termite risk — water-damaged wood attracts termites. 雨漏り and シロアリ often co-occur. A home inspector will check both simultaneously.
• Repair costs vary widely — a minor roof seal repair may cost ¥100,000–300,000. Replacing a full roof or treating structural rot can reach ¥1–5M depending on the building.
• Insurance implications — some policies exclude pre-existing water damage. Confirm coverage before purchase.

What to confirm before buying

1. Is the leak active or was it repaired? If repaired, when, by whom, and request documentation.
2. Commission an independent home inspection (ホームインスペクション) before signing — specifically request assessment of the roof, exterior walls, and underfloor space.
3. Check for visible signs: water stains on ceilings, musty smell, discolouration around windows, soft or springy floors.
4. Is termite damage also present? (シロアリ)
5. What is the estimated repair cost? Factor this into the offer price.

Questions to ask the agent (Japanese)

Official source

Sellers are legally required to disclose known defects including 雨漏り under the Real Estate Transactions Act. The 物件状況等報告書 (property condition disclosure form) is a standard transaction document. Home inspections are conducted by 既存住宅状況調査技術者 (certified existing-building inspectors) registered under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

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