Translation guide
A property where a death, crime, or other disturbing event occurred, making it difficult to sell or rent in Japan. This guide explains how to refer to such properties and the cultural context.
The most common and neutral way to refer to a property with a negative history.
Literally 'incident property'. This is the standard term used in real estate listings and everyday conversation. It covers deaths (natural, accidental, suicide, murder), fires, and other incidents.
I heard this room is a stigmatized property.
Some people rent stigmatized properties cheaply.
A more formal, legal term meaning 'property with psychological defect'. Used in real estate contracts and disclosures. It emphasizes the psychological impact rather than physical damage.
There is a duty to disclose psychologically defective properties.
Specifically referring to a property where someone died, regardless of cause.
A straightforward, neutral phrase meaning 'property where someone died'. Suitable for general conversation.
Properties where someone died sometimes have lower rent.
Literally 'property where a death incident occurred'. Often used when the death was due to an accident or crime.
Specifying a property with a particularly stigmatizing event like murder or suicide.
Property where a murder took place. This is a strong stigma and must be disclosed by law.
It's hard to find tenants for a property where a murder occurred.
Property where a suicide occurred. Also heavily stigmatized.
How to talk about the 'stigma' or negative reputation attached to a property.
Means 'with a history' or 'stigmatized'. Can be used for properties, objects, or people. Often implies something dark or unfortunate.
Many people avoid stigmatized properties.
Kanji form of いわくつき. Same meaning but looks more formal/written.
Referring to the legal requirement to inform potential tenants or buyers about the property's history.
The English phrase 'stigmatized property' does not have a direct one-word equivalent in Japanese. Using a literal translation like 汚名を着せられた物件 would sound unnatural. Stick to the terms above.
In Japan, stigmatized properties are a well-known concept, and there are even websites and services specializing in listing them (often called 事故物件サイト). The stigma can significantly reduce rent or sale price, and some people actively seek them out for the discount.
Properties where a death incident occurred must be disclosed.
Properties where a suicide occurred are much cheaper than market rate.
I heard this apartment has a dark history.
I ended up signing a contract without knowing it was a stigmatized property.
Legal term for liability against defects. Includes psychological defects in some interpretations.
Psychological defects may also be subject to liability for defects.