Moving Out of Rental Housing
When moving out of rented housing, contact your landlord or management company by the deadline stated in your contract.
When moving out of rented housing, contact your landlord or management company by the deadline stated in your contract.
At move-out, there is typically a room check, returning your keys, and a settlement of your security deposit and restoration-to-original-condition costs, among other things.
By when should you contact them?
The deadline for notifying your intent to terminate the contract differs by contract.
Some contracts specify something like "one month before move-out," so please check your contract.
Checking the room
At move-out, the landlord or management company may check the condition of the room with you.
If you kept photos or records from when you moved in, prepare them so you can compare.
Who bears the cost of restoration
This is judged based on the contract terms and the actual condition of the damage.
As a general rule, not the tenant's responsibility
- Wear and tear from ordinary use
- Deterioration over time
May become the tenant's responsibility
- Intentional damage
- Major soiling caused by carelessness
- Damage exceeding ordinary use
Restoration to original condition (genjo kaifuku)
As a general rule, the tenant is not responsible for the cost of restoring wear and tear or deterioration over time that resulted from ordinary use.
On the other hand, in cases such as:
- Intentional damage
- Major soiling caused by carelessness
- Damage exceeding ordinary use
the tenant may be responsible for the cost.
This is judged based on the contract terms and the actual condition of the damage.
Security deposit (shikikin)
If you have paid a security deposit, unpaid rent and costs the tenant is responsible for, among other things, are deducted, and the remaining amount is returned to you.
Please check the details of the settlement.
When you are not satisfied with a high charge
Please check the breakdown of the charge.
If you are not satisfied, ask the management company or landlord for an explanation, and consult a consumer affairs center or a legal consultation service as needed.
What you can check next
- Rental Contracts and the Initial Costs You Need
- Moving or Changing Your Address
- Contracts, Cancellations, Mail-Order Purchases, and Malicious Sales Practices
Main places to check
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
- Management company / landlord
- Consumer affairs center
Last checked: August 2026