Sorimachi Takashi & Matsushima Nanako ordered to pay more damages after appeal

The Tokyo High Court ruled on 10 October that Sorimachi Takashi and Matsushima Nanako will have to pay damages of JPY 17.25m to the real estate management company which is in charge of the apartment block they are staying at after their appeal was rejected. The initial verdict was that they had to pay JPY 3.85m only. The couple were taken to court after their pet dog bit a former neighbour in May 2011 and caused the latter's family to move out of the estate prior to the end of their rental contract. As such, the company sued the couple to compensate them for the loss of rental income during the remaining lease period.

The judge ruled that the couple had violated the rule of not keeping big-sized animals as pets in their apartment and that they should have paid attention to ensuring the safety of the residents. As such, they were asked to pay 9 months' worth of rental income and all legal fees incurred by the company.

Source: Sanspo