What Fees Do I Have to Pay When I Leave a Rented Apartment in Japan?
Moving out of an apartment for rent in Tokyo or even in Japan often comes with expenses that may surprise newcomers. Japan’s rental system has its own set of rules and customs, and tenants are expected to cover certain costs when vacating an apartment. Understanding these fees in advance can help you avoid disputes with your landlord and plan your finances more accurately.
1. Restoration Costs (原状回復費用, genjō kaifuku hiyō)
When you move out, you are usually responsible for restoring the apartment to its original condition, aside from normal wear and tear.
- Tenant’s responsibility: Damage caused by negligence or misuse (e.g., stains, burns, broken fittings).
- Landlord’s responsibility: Normal aging of the property (e.g., faded wallpaper, worn tatami, small nail holes).
In 2011, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) issued guidelines clarifying that ordinary aging should not be charged to tenants. However, disputes still occur, and landlords often deduct restoration costs directly from your deposit.
2. Cleaning Fee (清掃費, seisō-hi)
In most contracts, tenants are required to pay a professional cleaning fee when leaving, regardless of how clean the apartment is.
- For a small one-room apartment: around 20,000–40,000 yen
- For larger apartments: 50,000 yen or more
This fee covers professional cleaning of air conditioners, kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. It is usually deducted from the deposit.
3. Security Deposit Adjustments (敷金, shikikin)
If you paid a deposit when you moved in, the landlord will:
- Deduct unpaid rent, restoration costs, and cleaning fees.
- Return the remaining balance to you (if any).
It’s common for tenants to get back less than expected, especially if repair costs are high. Always request an itemized bill of deductions.
4. Key Replacement Fee (鍵交換費, kagi kōkan-hi)
Many landlords require tenants to pay for a lock and key replacement when moving out. This is to ensure security for the next tenant.
- Typical cost: 10,000–20,000 yen
Sometimes this fee is charged at move-in instead, but it can also appear at move-out.
5. Other Possible Fees
Depending on your rental contract, you may also encounter:
- Tatami replacement fee (畳替え) – if tatami mats are stained or damaged.
- Shoji/fusuma paper replacement (障子・襖の張替え) – if paper screens are torn.
- Early termination penalty (違約金) – if you leave before the agreed minimum rental period (often 1–2 years).
- Unpaid utilities – you must settle electricity, gas, water, and internet bills before moving out.
6. How to Avoid Problems
- Check your contract: Fees are often written in detail.
- Take photos when moving in and moving out: This protects you if the landlord tries to charge for pre-existing damage.
- Communicate politely: Japanese landlords value respectful negotiation, and disputes are easier to resolve this way.
- Know your rights: Government guidelines state tenants should not pay for natural wear-and-tear.
Conclusion
When leaving a rental apartment in Japan, expect to pay cleaning fees, possible key replacement costs, and restoration fees for damage you caused. These are usually deducted from your security deposit (shikikin). While the exact amount varies, being aware of these charges in advance will help you plan your move-out smoothly and avoid unnecessary disputes.