{"id":15210,"date":"2023-01-14T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-14T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=15210"},"modified":"2025-06-30T16:38:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T07:38:58","slug":"tips-on-how-to-repair-minor-damages-to-get-your-deposit-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/moving-tips\/tips-on-how-to-repair-minor-damages-to-get-your-deposit-back\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips on How to Repair Minor Damages to Get Your Deposit Back"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s customary in many parts of the world, Japan included, for a tenant to pay a deposit upon signing a lease to an apartment or house. The deposit acts as a kind of insurance for landlords in case the tenant fails to pay rent or causes damages to the premises beyond what is legally defined as \u201cwear and tear\u201d. However, some landlords and real estate agencies like Village House<\/a> forgo a deposit (and key money, renewal fees, and handling fees!), making it easier and more flexible for those looking to rent a property on a tight budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Normal \u201cwear and tear\u201d is defined by the real estate industry as damage from ordinary use, everyday use, or natural aging.<\/em> As such legally, a landlord is obliged not to factor in normal wear and tear damages when giving back the tenant\u2019s deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when living in a rental property, damages considered outside of normal wear and tear can and do happen, resulting in the landlord deducting said aforementioned damages from your deposit upon moving. In order to minimize just how much a landlord may take out from your deposit to pay for these damages, certain minor maintenance and repairs can be done around the rental property to get it back to looking ship-shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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100 Yen Stores<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doing a general cleaning of your apartment can also aid in getting most of your deposit back as it\u2019ll let the apartment inspector know that you\u2019ve taken the time and made the effort to keep the property spick and span. Even though in Japan, there is generally a cleaning fee that needs to be paid upon moving out \u2013 Village House<\/a> has a mandatory cleaning fee of 1,210 yen\/m\u00b2 tax included \u2013 there is no harm in cleaning up the place prior to inspection and moving out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those living in Japan or who have just moved to Japan will find that 100 yen stores like Daiso, Can Do, and Seria are treasure troves when it comes to finding and stocking up on household products. Not only are they cheap but they work, and are usually quite effective. When it comes to cleaning supplies as well, to ensure that you don\u2019t break the bank, 100 yen stores come to the rescue \u2013 you can find bleach, fridge deodorizers, countertop cream cleansers, toilet cleaners, floor wipes, pipe and drainage cleaning tablets, etc. at any of Japan\u2019s numerous 100 yen stores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean Mold<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One minor damage that may (more like will) accumulate in your apartment is mold. It\u2019s not uncommon to find mold in the bathroom and kitchen areas, especially during summer and rainy seasons. To do away with this nuisance, all one needs to do is grab some kabi killer (mold killer), from the 100 yen store as well, and spray it on the moldy areas. Then you just wait 15-20 minutes and wash it all away with cold water. Then voila! Your bathroom and\/or kitchen area is back to looking mold-free.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Wallpaper Repair<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your apartment came with wallpapered walls, things like time and normal aging, weather, and temperature will contribute to it eventually peeling. Though this can be categorized as normal wear and tear, it can\u2019t hurt to try to repair the peeled-back corners so the apartment inspector doesn\u2019t single it out and deduct it as damages to be taken out from your deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To repair peeling wallpaper all one needs is some wallpaper seam adhesive and a smoothing tool, which you can probably get at the 100 yen store. Simply peel back the curling wallpaper bit carefully, apply the adhesive, and then use the smoothing tool to smooth the wallpaper back into place flatly.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Clean Kitchen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the bathroom, the kitchen may be the other place in the apartment where a lot of wear and tear and other damage may occur. After all, it\u2019s where cooking is conducted and ingredients such as oil and fire are used, resulting in stubborn grease and oil stains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure you get your kitchen clean and sparkling again, go on a hunt for cleaning supplies such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n