When you move out of a rental apartment or condominium after living there for 10 years, how much will it cost? In fact, the 10-year mark is a major turning point that can significantly affect move-out costs, and the range of wear and tear that is recognized also becomes broader. In this article, we explain the line between tenant-paid charges and ordinary wear and tear based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines.
Do move-out costs go down after 10 years? What is ordinary wear and tear?
Ordinary wear and tear refers to damage, dirt, and deterioration that naturally occur through normal day-to-day living. Under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Guidelines for Troubles and Restoration Related to Returning a Property to Its Original Condition, deterioration that falls under ordinary wear and tear is borne by the landlord (property owner). Typical examples include the following.
- Pin marks from calendars and posters
- Electrical scorching caused by home appliances
- Dents in flooring where furniture was placed
- Sun fading on walls and floors
- Internal air-conditioner cleaning and floor waxing
What is the general timeframe for wear and tear to be recognized for each type of fixture?
Useful life differs by fixture, and damage that occurs beyond that period is more likely to be recognized as ordinary wear and tear.
- Kitchen sink: about 5 years
- Wallpaper and air conditioner: about 6 years
- Dents in furniture (other than metal furniture): about 8 years
- Water supply and drainage equipment: about 15 years
If you have lived in the same place for more than 10 years, ordinary wear and tear is more likely to be recognized for many items, including wallpaper, air conditioners, and flooring.
What should you check in a move-out cost estimate?
Once you receive an estimate, review the following items to prevent unfair charges.
Floors and wallpaper: sun fading and electrical scorching may be negotiable
Drink stains and scratches caused by moving furniture are tenant-paid, but sun fading on wallpaper and electrical scorching may leave room for negotiation.
Flooring and floor wax: often recognized as natural wear
Scratches on the floor from everyday living are considered natural wear. If the wax has deteriorated after more than 10 years, there is a strong possibility that you will owe nothing for it.
Damage caused by natural disasters is covered by fire insurance
Broken window glass or torn screens caused by earthquakes or typhoons are covered by fire insurance, so no out-of-pocket payment is required from the tenant.
Cleaning that requires a specialist is the landlord's responsibility
As a general rule, the landlord bears the cost of cleaning areas that cannot be cleaned without a specialist, such as the inside of an air conditioner or drainage pipes. However, if the contract states that cleaning costs are the tenant's responsibility, then the tenant must pay them.
What kinds of tenant-paid charges tend to become expensive even after 10 years?
It is also important to understand the cases that are not recognized as ordinary wear and tear and are therefore likely to be charged to the tenant.
- Yellowing and odors caused by tobacco: Full cost of wallpaper replacement plus deodorization is tenant-paid. In non-smoking properties, a penalty may also apply
- Scratches caused by moving or shifting furniture: not considered wear and tear, so they are charged to the tenant
- Dents caused by furniture with casters: because they can be prevented with carpets or similar measures, they are tenant-paid
- Mold or dirt left unattended: regarded as the result of neglecting cleaning, so they are charged to the tenant
- Damage or odors caused by pets: even in pet-friendly properties, tenant responsibility is the basic rule. Any amount exceeding the deposit may be billed additionally
- Broken equipment left unrepaired: if you failed to report it and left it as is, there is a high likelihood that the cost will be charged to you
What should you do if you do not agree with the move-out charges?
If you have questions about the estimate, first ask the real estate company or landlord to explain the charges based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines. If the issue still is not resolved, consulting the National Consumer Affairs Center or a local consumer center can be effective.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is it possible for move-out costs to be zero even after living there for 10 years?
Yes, it is possible. If ordinary wear and tear is broadly recognized and there is no damage at all that the tenant must pay for, the full security deposit may be returned. However, if there is damage caused by smoking or intentional acts, costs will arise.
Q2. I heard that wallpaper has zero value after 6 years. Is that true?
Under the guidelines, the useful life of wallpaper is considered to be 6 years. Therefore, when wallpaper is replaced after 6 years have passed, the tenant's burden is generally limited to the remaining value only (a residual value of 1 yen). If you have lived there for 10 years, your share of the cost will be even lower.
Q3. What should I do if I am charged more than the security deposit?
First, check the breakdown of the estimate carefully and compare it with the guidelines. If you find any unfair charges, submit a written objection and consider consulting a consumer center or a lawyer as well.
Q4. Do I need to pay the key replacement fee when moving out?
As a general rule, you do not need to pay it when moving out. However, if the contract clearly states that "the tenant must pay the key replacement fee at move-out," then you will have a payment obligation.
