Question 1

What are typical move-out costs in Japan?

Accepted Answer

For a typical 1K to 1LDK apartment, move-out costs range from ¥30,000 to ¥60,000. However, this varies significantly based on years of residency, property condition, and contract terms. Under MLIT guidelines, 'normal wear and tear' is the landlord's responsibility — so if your bill seems high, there may be room to negotiate.

Question 2

What are the MLIT Restoration Guidelines?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) publishes official guidelines called 'Guidelines on Troubles Related to Restoration.' Last revised in 2024, they clearly state that tenants are NOT responsible for 'normal wear and tear' — meaning sun fading, furniture marks, small nail holes from normal living are the landlord's cost to fix.

Question 3

Can I get my security deposit back?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 2020 Civil Code revision (Article 622-2) explicitly requires landlords to return security deposits at move-out, minus only unpaid rent and damage caused by the tenant's negligence. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. If your landlord is withholding your deposit for normal wear items, you have legal grounds to dispute.

Question 4

What is the '6-Year Rule' (depreciation)?

Accepted Answer

Under MLIT guidelines, items like wallpaper, carpet, cushion flooring, and air conditioners have a 'useful life' of 6 years. After 6+ years of residency, their residual value drops to ¥1 (essentially zero). This means even if you damaged the wallpaper, you shouldn't pay for a full replacement after 6 years. At 3 years, you'd pay ~50%; at 4 years, ~33%.

Question 5

What should I do if my move-out bill is too high?

Accepted Answer

First, use this tool to compare your bill against guideline estimates. If you're being overcharged, send a formal negotiation email to your landlord or management company (this tool generates one automatically). If that doesn't work, you can contact the Consumer Affairs Center (dial 188), send a certified letter (内容証明), or file a small claims suit (for amounts under ¥600,000).

Question 6

What are the 'Tokyo Rules'?

Accepted Answer

Officially called the 'Tokyo Ordinance on Prevention of Rental Housing Disputes,' this regulation applies to all rental properties in Tokyo. It requires real estate agents to explain restoration costs and responsibility rules in writing before signing the lease. If this explanation was not provided, it strengthens the tenant's position in any dispute.

Question 7

What about move-out costs if I smoked in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Tobacco stains are classified as 'tenant negligence' (not normal wear), so wallpaper replacement costs fall on the tenant. However, the 6-year depreciation rule still applies to smoking damage. If you lived there 6+ years, the wallpaper's residual value is ¥1, so you shouldn't bear the full replacement cost regardless.

Question 8

What about move-out costs if I had a pet?

Accepted Answer

Pet damage (scratches, odors, stains) is treated as tenant negligence, making repair costs your responsibility. However, depreciation (the 6-year rule) still applies. Also, pet-friendly apartments often require higher deposits upfront, which may already cover expected damage. If the bill exceeds what's reasonable, negotiation is possible.

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