If a dispute about real estate occurs, it is allowed to consult a real estate agent who is a licensed real estate transaction specialist, provided that it is free of charge. However, according to the provisions of the Lawyers Act in Japan, non-lawyers are not allowed to intervene in legal disputes for a fee. Therefore, even if a real estate agent receives a consultation or site survey from a customer in the course of real estate business, getting involved in the content of the trouble itself may risk violating the Lawyers Act.
For real estate disputes, mediators registered with the Japan Real Estate Arbitration Agency, an alternative dispute resolution organization certified by the Minister of Justice, can assist in resolving disputes at a relatively reasonable cost.
Registered mediators of the Japan Real Estate Arbitration Agency are professionals who have professional qualifications in various real estate fields, such as real estate transaction license, auction real estate agent certificate, etc., and who have taken a certain course and passed an examination set by the Japan Real Estate Arbitration Agency.