Housing
退去・原状回復・敷金精算: Move-Out / Restoration / Deposit-Settlement Notice Explained
This document is a notice or itemised statement about 原状回復 (restoration to original condition) and 敷金 (deposit) settlement when you move out of a rental. It sets out how the restoration costs are deducted from the deposit you paid, and the remainder refunded (or a shortfall billed). ⛔ The key point: normal wear-and-tear and ageing from ordinary living (通常損耗 / 経年劣化) are generally the landlord's cost, not something the tenant can be charged fully for (the MLIT — Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — guideline is the reference). First, check each deducted item and amount on the statement and look for anything you don't recognise or that seems unreasonably high.
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The tenant who has moved (or is moving) out of a rental, from the landlord or management company. It usually arrives after the move-out inspection as a restoration-cost estimate and deposit-settlement statement. Even contracts with no deposit (zero-deposit properties) may still be billed for restoration costs. Nationality does not matter.
What to do
- 1Check the deducted items and each amount, and the refund due after settlement — or the extra amount being billed.
- 2For each item, tell whether it's normal wear-and-tear/ageing (通常損耗 / 経年劣化) or damage from your own intent, negligence or special soiling. The former is generally the landlord's cost.
- 3Use the MLIT restoration guideline as a reference for who pays. Check you aren't being billed the full cost of aged items like wallpaper, tatami or flooring.
- 4If an item is unfamiliar or feels unreasonably high, contact the landlord / management company yourself and ask for the basis (estimate, photos) to verify.
- 5If talks don't resolve it, consult the Consumer Affairs Center (hotline 188), your municipality's housing desk, or a specialist if needed. Keep the contract, statement and photos.
About the deadline
The contract often sets when the deposit is returned/settled (e.g. within a set period after move-out). ⛔ The exact timing and amounts differ per contract and property, so always check your contract and your own statement. If the refund is slow or you can't accept the statement, don't leave it — contact the landlord / management company first. If a charge is questionable, before rushing to pay it in full on the spot, verify the basis for each item and use a consultation desk if needed.
Common misunderstandings
- I was billed the full cost of re-papering the walls. Should I pay?
- Natural fading from everyday living and marks like furniture indentations are normal wear-and-tear/ageing, generally the landlord's cost. The MLIT guideline reflects the tenant's share falling with the years elapsed. If a full charge seems off, ask for the basis and verify.
- My deposit isn't coming back.
- The contract usually sets when it's returned. Check the contract first, and if that time passes with no refund or settlement, contact the landlord / management company yourself. If that doesn't resolve it, consider a consultation desk.
- I was billed a house-cleaning fee. Is that legitimate?
- It depends on whether the contract has a special clause making it the tenant's cost. If the clause is clear and within a reasonable scope, it can be charged; but a high charge beyond ordinary cleaning is worth questioning. Compare the contract wording with the statement.
- I can't accept the amount. Where can I get help?
- First ask the landlord / management company for the basis (estimate, photos) and discuss. If unresolved, you can consult the Consumer Affairs Center (consumer hotline 188) or your municipality's housing desk. Having the contract, statement and move-in/out photos ready helps.
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This page is general information. For your own case, confirm with the office that issued the document, or with a qualified professional.