Many people are concerned and asking, “Is it true that moving-out fees can reach as high as 2 million yen?” and “What justifies such exorbitant fees?” 

While it’s uncommon to face fees of 1 to 2 million yen when moving out, there have been instances where such high amounts have been required, so it’s important to stay informed. In this article, we will explore scenarios that can lead to higher moving-out costs and provide guidance on where to seek help if you disagree with the amount. If you’re worried about moving-out costs, this information may prove invaluable. 

Village House has more than 1,000 properties across Japan, with affordable rents starting at just 20,000 yen. If you’re searching for your next home, we invite you to visit our website for more information. 

Can moving out really cost 2 million yen? 

While it’s rare to be charged 2 million yen when moving out, amounts ranging from several tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen are more common. However, depending on the property’s condition and any damage incurred, you could face moving-out fees approaching 2 million yen. 

For instance, if cigarette tar stains or pet odors have permeated the walls, you may need to replace the entire wallpaper, which can cost hundreds of thousands of yen. Additionally, if the room is cluttered with garbage or extremely dirty, standard cleaning may not suffice, leading to costs exceeding 500,000 yen depending on the situation. 

Moreover, if the property has a large layout and requires extensive repairs, or if the key is lost, the costs for repairs and replacements can quickly add up, potentially leading to a total bill of up to 2 million yen. 

Average moving-out costs 

Moving-out costs can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, making it difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all estimate. However, average costs can differ based on the layout of the room. 

For instance, the conditions for a 7-tatami mat one-room apartment are quite different from those of a 20-tatami mat one-room apartment. If you’re worried about potential moving-out costs, some properties offer estimates when you move in, so it’s advisable to inquire about this during your initial discussions. 

Scenarios leading to high moving-out costs 

No-deposit apartments 

If you rent an apartment without a deposit, you may face significant moving-out fees when it’s time to move. 

A deposit is typically an amount paid to the landlord at the start of your lease, usually equivalent to one to two months’ rent, which covers potential repair and cleaning costs upon moving out. Without this deposit, you won’t have those costs deducted when you leave, meaning you’ll be responsible for any additional expenses. 

While renting without a deposit can lower your initial costs, any damage incurred during your stay could lead to unexpectedly high moving-out costs. 

Unauthorized pets 

If you keep a pet without permission in a property that prohibits them, you may face substantial moving-out fees. Violating a no-pets clause in your lease often results in a penalty of one to two months’ rent, which can be quite costly. 

Additionally, if there are scratches or lingering pet odors in the room, you will likely incur significant restoration fees to address the damage. 

Smoking 

Smoking indoors can lead to significant moving-out fees. The expenses associated with replacing wallpaper and removing tobacco odors can add up quickly. 

If you smoke in a property designated as non-smoking, you may also be in breach of your lease agreement, resulting in a penalty. In cases where this is explicitly stated in the contract, you could face additional costs equivalent to one to two months’ rent upon moving out. If you smoke, it’s important to be mindful of the rules in non-smoking properties to avoid these hefty charges. 

Poor interior maintenance 

Neglecting to maintain the interior of your apartment can lead to substantial moving-out fees. For instance, failing to clean areas around water sources can result in mold growth or corrosion from water leaks, such as those from an air conditioner. 

According to Article 644 of the Civil Code, tenants have a “duty of care,” which means you are responsible for maintaining the property while you rent it. If any equipment needs to be replaced due to neglect, the moving-out fees can be significant. For example, even replacing a small kitchen in a one-room apartment can cost around 300,000 yen. It’s essential to keep this in mind and ensure proper upkeep to avoid these charges. 

Short tenancies 

Moving out after a short period can result in penalties. While contracts that extend beyond the typical two-year period typically do not incur these fees, leaving early can lead to expensive moving-out fees. 

Generally, the penalty for early termination is equivalent to one month’s rent. However, if your stay is less than six months, this penalty can be increased to two months’ rent. Whether a penalty applies for early cancellation depends on the specific terms outlined in your lease agreement, so it’s crucial to review your contract before making any decisions to move out. 

Large family apartments 

If you’re moving out of a large room designed for a family, you may face higher moving-out fees. The greater the exclusive area, the more rooms there are to maintain and potentially repair. 

If the flooring requires complete replacement, moving-out fees can range from 900,000 to 1 million yen, depending on the layout of the space. To minimize damage and avoid hefty charges, it’s advisable to clean regularly and consider placing thick carpets in high-traffic areas. 

Tips to avoid high moving-out fees 

Thoroughly Clean Before Moving Out 

Before your moving-out inspection, make sure to clean the following areas carefully. 

• Floor 

• Walls 

• Exhaust fan 

• Kitchen sink 

• Gas stove 

• Bathroom 

• Toilet 

• Balcony 

The moving-out fee is generally determined during the moving-out inspection. The landlord or management company will assess the condition of the apartment and provide an estimate. 

It’s essential to clean the windows, floors, and the entire space thoroughly, demonstrating that you’ve maintained the room well to minimize restoration costs. In addition to addressing water-related areas, be sure to remove as much mold as possible from the bathroom using commercially available cleaners. 

Document pre-existing damage with photos 

If you notice any scratches or stains that were present before you moved in, take photos as evidence. These images can serve as proof that you were not responsible for the damage when it’s time to move out. 

Additionally, when you receive your keys from the management company, you may be given an “Interior Checklist” or “Current Condition Confirmation Form.” Submitting this form by the deadline allows you to compare the condition of the property at move-in and move-out, helping to clarify any discrepancies regarding damage. Be sure to complete and submit it promptly. 

When to pay moving-out fees 

Typically, the deadline for paying moving-out fees is about one month after you move out. The exact fees are determined after the condition of the room is assessed, so you won’t need to pay the full amount on the day of moving. Instead, the invoice for the moving-out fee will be sent to your new address, and you’ll be required to make payment to the specified account by the due date. 

If the moving-out fees are low and only the deposit needs to be settled, you can expect the remaining deposit to be refunded within about a month. If you haven’t received a bill for the moving-out costs after this period, it’s reasonable to assume that your deposit covered any necessary expenses. 

However, if you haven’t received any notification regarding a bill or refund, it’s possible that the landlord or management company may have overlooked processing it. If about a month has passed since you moved out without any communication, it’s a good idea to reach out to the landlord or management company. Inquire about the status of the moving-out fees and whether your deposit will be refunded. 

Where to seek help if you disagree with your moving-out fee 

If discussions about moving-out fees with the management company are not progressing well, consider reaching out to the following offices. Specialist staff experienced in rental issues will be available to assist you. 

If the issue remains unresolved, you can consider filing for civil mediation or taking your case to a small claims court. In civil mediation, specialized staff and judges can facilitate discussions between you and the management company or landlord to help resolve the dispute. For more information, please contact your local summary court. 

When moving out of a Village House apartment, there is no need to be afraid of hidden or exorbitant costs. Regardless of contract term length, the mandatory cleaning fee is 1,210 yen/m² (tax included). Village House offers over 1,000 exceptional properties across Japan. If you’re in search of a new home, please don’t hesitate to consult us. 

Machiko Doi

Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.

I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.

We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.

I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.