The costs incurred when moving out of a rental property vary significantly depending on the scope of restoration and the terms of the lease. This article explains how move-out costs work, typical cost ranges, and practical ways to keep expenses under control.
What are move-out costs, and how are they determined?
Move-out costs are the expenses required to restore and clean the rented room so that it is ready for the next tenant to live in. Guidelines from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism define how costs are allocated between landlord and tenant.
What should you check regarding move-out costs?
Basic restoration rules
Damage caused by the tenant's negligence is the tenant's responsibility, while deterioration from normal aging is the landlord's responsibility. For items such as wallpaper that are subject to depreciation, the share of the cost changes according to the length of occupancy.
Normal wear and aging are the landlord's responsibility
Wallpaper discoloration caused by sunlight, dents from furniture placement, and age-related failures of air conditioners and similar equipment are not charged to the tenant.
Checking special clauses is essential
In some cases, additional charges not covered by the guidelines are specified in special clauses, such as move-out cleaning fees or tatami replacement. These points should always be checked before signing the lease.
How do you determine whether the tenant or landlord pays?
Examples of landlord-paid items
Equipment failures caused by normal use, deterioration of window screens, and discoloration of wallpaper or tatami caused by sunlight
Examples of tenant-paid items
Mold and grease stains around water areas, nicotine stains on wallpaper, scratches from pets, and floor damage caused by furniture with casters, in other words, damage caused by something done "intentionally" or "neglected"
Borderline cases
Small holes about the size of pushpins may be treated as the landlord's responsibility, but if nail use reaches the gypsum board, it is generally treated as the tenant's responsibility.
What can you do to reduce move-out costs?
- Record existing scratches and dirt with photos when moving in：to prevent unfair charges at move-out
- Regularly clean water areas and maintain equipment
- If you have doubts about the billed amount, obtain your own estimate from an interior contractor and negotiate
What is the typical range for move-out costs?
| Layout | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Studio to 1LDK | About JPY 50,000 |
| 2K to 2LDK | About JPY 80,000 |
| 3DK to 4LDK | About JPY 90,000 |
Move-out costs tend to increase as the length of occupancy becomes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What should I do if the move-out costs feel too high?
Compare the lease's special clauses with the Ministry's guidelines, and if a charge appears unreasonable, you should negotiate with the management company.
Q. Is the security deposit applied to move-out costs?
Yes. Restoration and cleaning costs are deducted from the security deposit, and the remaining balance is returned.
Q. Is a move-out inspection necessary?
An inspection helps both parties share the same understanding of damaged areas and is effective for preventing disputes. We recommend attending whenever possible.
