When wallpaper starts peeling in a rental property, one of the biggest concerns for tenants is who must cover the repair cost. In short, peeling caused by normal wear and tear is the landlord's responsibility, while peeling caused by the tenant's negligence is the tenant's responsibility. This article explains the typical cost range and the proper way to handle the issue in detail.
What causes wallpaper to peel in a rental property?
There are two main reasons wallpaper peels. To respond appropriately, it is important to first identify the cause accurately.
Peeling caused by moisture
Wallpaper tends to expand when humidity is high and contract when it dries. As this expansion and contraction repeats, the adhesive strength weakens and the wallpaper gradually begins to peel. Extra care is needed in places where moisture easily builds up, especially dressing rooms and kitchens.
Peeling caused by aging
Wallpaper is generally considered to have a lifespan of about 10 years. In older properties, the adhesive may deteriorate over time, causing the wallpaper to peel naturally.
Who pays for wallpaper repair costs?
The party responsible for repair costs depends on whether the peeling was caused by tenant negligence or normal aging. The standards are also set out in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's guidelines on disputes over restoration to original condition.
Cases where the tenant pays
- The wallpaper peeled where posters had been attached
- The wallpaper peeled because holes were made with nails or screws in the wall
- The wallpaper peeled because condensation was left untreated and moisture built up
These situations are regarded as tenant negligence, so the tenant must bear the repair cost.
Cases where the landlord pays
Peeling caused by stains, scratches, or fading resulting from normal aging is the landlord's responsibility. The guidelines also define deterioration from ordinary use as something for which the landlord bears the repair cost.
What is the typical cost of wallpaper repairs?
Repair costs vary depending on the extent of the peeling and the type of wallpaper. The following are common benchmarks.
| Repair details | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Localized replacement (partial) | Less than 1,000 yen |
| Patch repair (a few square centimeters) | 3,000 to 5,000 yen/location |
| Repair extending to the board area | 20,000 to 50,000 yen |
| Full replacement of designer wallpaper | Wallpaper cost + installation fee |
It is also worth noting that if the tenant has lived in the property for 6 years or more, the residual value of the wallpaper is reduced to 1 yen, which effectively eliminates the restoration obligation. If the tenant has lived there for 3 years, the value is reduced by half, and the amount to be borne is also cut in half.
What preventive measures help reduce wallpaper peeling?
Daily ventilation and protection from heat are the most effective preventive measures.
Maintain good ventilation
Because moisture is the biggest cause, daily ventilation is important. In particular, use both the exhaust fan and windows in dressing rooms and kitchens to release moisture.
Be careful about heater placement
If heating equipment such as stoves is placed too close to the wall, the wallpaper is more likely to peel because of heat-related deformation. Install such equipment as far from the wall as reasonably possible.
Can small areas of peeling be repaired by yourself?
If the peeling is limited to a very small area, you can refer to the key points for choosing a rental property management company, consult the management company, and use wallpaper adhesive or a store-bought repair kit for a temporary fix. However, when the peeling is extensive, amateur repairs often look unnatural, so asking a professional contractor is the safer option.
It is also helpful to understand the rent reduction guidelines and civil code revisions, as this can support negotiations when moving out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. If wallpaper peels naturally in a rental property, who pays for the repair?
Natural peeling caused by aging is generally the landlord's responsibility. If there is no tenant negligence, the tenant should not be charged.
Q. About how much does wallpaper repair cost?
For a small localized repair, the cost may be less than 1,000 yen. If repairs are needed down to the board area, the typical range is 20,000 to 50,000 yen.
Q. What happens if wallpaper peels after more than 6 years of tenancy?
After more than 6 years of tenancy, the residual value of the wallpaper becomes 1 yen, so the obligation to restore the property to its original condition effectively no longer applies. However, if the damage was intentional, part of the cost may still be charged.
Q. Are there ways to prevent wallpaper from peeling?
Daily ventilation, keeping heating equipment away from the wall, and wiping away condensation regularly are effective measures.
