Disputes over move-out cleaning costs are among the most common problems in rental housing. If you understand the typical cost range, the rules for allocating responsibility, and the key points for avoiding excessive charges in advance, you can prevent unnecessary expenses at move-out.
What is the typical cost of move-out cleaning?
Move-out cleaning costs generally vary by floor plan as follows. However, depending on the extent of the dirt or damage, charges may exceed these ranges.
Typical costs by floor plan
Move-out cleaning costs increase as the unit gets larger.The general guidelines are as follows.
- Studio / 1K: JPY 15,000 to 30,000
- 1DK / 1LDK: JPY 30,000 to 40,000
- 2DK / 2LDK: JPY 30,000 to 70,000
- 3DK / 3LDK: JPY 50,000 to 90,000
- 4DK / 4LDK: JPY 75,000 to 100,000
Family-oriented properties often have multiple air conditioners installed, and an additional cleaning fee of JPY 8,000 to 15,000 per unit may be added.
Main components of move-out cleaning
Move-out cleaning and cleaning services generally include the following items.
- Floor cleaning and waxing
- Wallpaper replacement
- Cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, and other wet areas
- Cleaning of window sashes and screens
- Internal air conditioner cleaning
- Balcony cleaning
- Pest control (disinfection for insects and harmful organisms)
If the wallpaper is in a condition that requires replacement, the charge may rise well above the typical range. Keeping up with routine cleaning is the best preventive measure.
Who is responsible for move-out cleaning costs?
The allocation of responsibility is determined based on the guidelines issued by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Guidelines for disputes over restoration to original condition).
Items the landlord should bear
As a general rule, the landlord is responsible for the following costs.
- Replacing wallpaper faded by normal wear and tear or damaged tatami mats
- Waxing the flooring
- Standard disinfection of the kitchen and living areas
These are forms of “deterioration that cannot be avoided regardless of how the tenant uses the property,” and the landlord bears them as restoration costs for the next tenant.
Items the tenant should bear
By contrast, the following are charged to the tenant as damage caused by negligence or intentional conduct.
- Yellowing or odors on wallpaper caused by smoking
- Mold and built-up dirt caused by insufficient cleaning
- Rust in the kitchen sink and stains in the toilet
- Scratches on floors or walls that go beyond normal use
Key points for avoiding excessive charges
Ask to see the estimate
At move-out, always ask to see the cleaning company’s estimate.A conscientious owner may provide it voluntarily, but if the charge feels too high, you have the right to request disclosure of the estimate that serves as the basis for the claim.
Check whether landlord-borne costs are mixed into the bill
If equipment such as an air conditioner or water heater breaks down during the lease term due to normal aging, it is inappropriate to charge the tenant the full repair cost.A prorated charge based on the useful life of the equipment and the length of occupancy is the proper approach.
Consult a real estate company or consumer affairs center
If negotiations become difficult, consult the real estate company that handled the lease, or contact the National Consumer Affairs Center or a local consumer affairs center. The “Guidelines for disputes over restoration to original condition” published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism can be used as a basis for negotiation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Are cleaning costs covered by the security deposit?
A. In principle, they are settled against the security deposit. However, if the cleaning costs exceed the deposit, an additional amount will be charged. Conversely, if the cleaning costs are less than the deposit, the difference will be refunded.
Q. What if the contract says, “Cleaning costs are the tenant’s responsibility”?
A. This is generally valid if it was explained and agreed to at the time of move-in. However, an excessive charge that goes beyond the scope of ordinary cleaning may be considered invalid. It should also be reviewed from the standpoint of consumer contract law.
Q. What is “shikibiki” in the Kansai region?
A. Shikibiki is a practice in which part of the security deposit is deducted at move-out as cleaning or repair costs. The deducted amount is not refunded even if some of it remains unused. Be sure to confirm the shikibiki amount and how cleaning costs will be handled before moving in.
Q. Will the cost go down if I clean the unit myself before moving out?
A. If you clean dirt that can reasonably be handled through normal household cleaning before move-out, the scope of the professional cleaning may be reduced and costs may come down. However, you do not need to clean areas that require specialist work yourself, such as the inside of the air conditioner.
