Daily Life Lessons · Neighbors
Learn the steps for consulting the management company, local government, or a public consultation service without arguing directly when there is trouble with neighbors, and be able to contact the right service for your situation yourself.
When trouble with neighbors occurs, such as noise, garbage, or smells, it is important not to argue directly. If you live in an apartment building, first consult the management company or landlord. Writing down when and what happened makes it easier to explain.
Some cities, wards, towns and villages have consultation services for daily life and legal matters, or consultation services for foreign residents. If you don't know where to go, Houterasu (法テラス, Japan Legal Support Center) will guide you to systems and consultation services free of charge (call charges apply) (Support Dial 0570-078374; for foreign languages, the Multilingual Information Service 0570-078377).
For non-urgent consultation with the police, call #9110. If you feel in danger or a crime has occurred, call 110 immediately.
近所の 人と 問題（もんだい）が あった とき：
- 直接（ちょくせつ） けんかを しないで ください。 - マンションや アパートなら、管理会社（かんりがいしゃ）や 大家（おおや）さんに 相談します。 - いつ、何が あったか、メモを します。
どこに 相談するか わからない とき： - 市役所・区役所の 相談窓口（まどぐち） - 法テラス（ほうてらす）：0570-078377（外国語）
急がない 警察（けいさつ）への 相談：#9110 あぶない とき：110
Noise from a neighbor is a problem for you. What do you do first in an apartment building?
The basic approach is not to argue directly but to first consult the management company or landlord.
What is useful to do before consulting someone?
Notes on dates, times and what happened make it easier to explain the situation accurately.
When you don't know where to go, who will guide you to consultation services free of charge?
Houterasu guides you free of charge to legal systems and consultation services that fit your question. It also has a Multilingual Information Service (0570-078377).
You want to consult the police about something that is not urgent. What is the number?
#9110 is the police consultation line. 119 is for fires and ambulances, #7119 is the Emergency Consultation Center (救急安心センター) (only in areas where it is available), and 171 is the Disaster Emergency Message Dial (災害用伝言ダイヤル).
You were threatened by the other person and felt you were in danger. What do you do?
If you feel in danger or a crime has occurred, call 110 right away. #9110 is for non-urgent consultation.
Q. Can I speak to Houterasu in a foreign language?
A. There is a Multilingual Information Service (0570-078377, weekdays 9:00–17:00), which guides you to systems and consultation services through an interpreter. The service is free, but call charges apply.
Q. What if someone says something discriminatory to me?
A. You can consult the Ministry of Justice's Human Rights Counseling Dial in foreign languages (0570-090-911, weekdays 9:00–17:00) in 10 languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Consultations are also accepted online.
Q. What about rental contract problems, such as the security deposit (敷金) or costs when moving out?
A. If you call the consumer hotline "188," you will be guided to a consultation service such as a nearby consumer affairs center (消費生活センター).
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original