of technical requirements, such as durability, to assure their quality. In addition, the framework of the securitization support service has been leveraged to offer Flat 35S, which reduces the interest rate of the loan on the acquisition of houses that meet any one of the performance requirements: earthquake-resistance, energy-saving performance, barrier-free readiness, and durability/modifiability, for the first 5 years of its repayment (for the first 10 years for long-lasting quality housing).

The Agency also provides direct loans in those areas that are important in policy but that cannot be easily addressed by private financial institutions, such as disaster recovery housing loans or loans for serviced rental housing for the elderly.

## (b) Response to the rise in consumption tax rate

In response to the April 2014 consumption tax rate rise, we have recently significantly expanded the mortgage tax break and set cash benefit measures (“living benefits”), and will begin accepting applications for living benefits as of April 1, 2014.

## (c) Preparing the rental housing market

To improve the stocks of owner-occupied houses, such as stand-alone houses and condominium apartments, by making them available for rent in the rental housing market,

Figure II-5-1-1

(Reference) Estimate of income	Residence tax (prefectures): Prorated by income level (Note)	Benefit
Less than JPY4.25 million	Less than JPY68,900	JPY300,000
Over JPY4.25 million and less than JPY4.75 million	Over JPY68,900 and less than JPY83,900	JPY200,000
Over JPY4.75 million and less than JPY5.10 million	Over JPY83,900 and less than JPY93,800	JPY100,000

the MLIT is working to prepare the rental housing market by disseminating the fixed-term housing rental system and by developing original standard contracts for subleasing Note housing.

## (d) Improving the residential environment by promoting measures against vacant houses

To ameliorate the residential environment which can deteriorate due to an accumulation of vacant houses that are not being properly managed, we are working on developing ways to use or dispose of vacant houses and buildings, as well as a consultation system for owners of vacant houses.

## (4) Assuring housing stability for those who require special consideration for housing

### a. Supply of public rental housing

To deliver public housing supplied by local governments to low-income earners in serious need of housing, and to promote the supply of quality rental housing to households consisting of elderly people who need special consideration to stabilize their housing, the MLIT set up the Regional Excellent Rental Housing Program as a scheme that complements the work of public housing and subsidizes the expenses incurred for the development of public rental housing and also for the reduction of the rents.

To provide a housing safety net for those who are obliged to leave their homes because of dismissal or any other reason, the MLIT promotes a single-source information service that gives out information about public housing available to retiring individuals, and UR rental housing provided by Urban Renaissance Agency, in coordination with local branches of Hello Work (Public Employment Security Office), and also takes actions aimed at stabilizing the dwelling of the retiring individuals, by driving rent subsidization from General Grants for Social Infrastructures.