Moving out of a Japanese apartment can feel like a lot of small tasks stacked on top of an already busy time: tell the landlord, book the inspection, cancel the gas, get rid of the sofa, redirect your mail. The good news is that the process is fairly predictable once you can see all the pieces. This guide walks through what usually happens so you know roughly what to expect. It is general orientation, not legal advice, and your own contract is always the final word, so read it early and ask your agent if anything is unclear.
The usual move-out steps
- 1Give notice. Most leases require you to tell the landlord or management company in advance, often around one month before you leave. Check your contract for the exact notice period and how the notice must be given (a form, an email, or a phone call).
- 2Agree on a move-out date and the 立ち会い (move-out inspection). The landlord or their representative usually meets you at the apartment to check its condition.
- 3Cancel your utilities and internet. Contact your electricity, gas, and water providers, plus your internet provider, and arrange a final meter reading or stop date. A gas disconnection often needs someone present, so book it ahead.
- 4Clear out your belongings, including large furniture and appliances, which may need an oversized-garbage (粗大ごみ) booking.
- 5Hand back the keys and settle the final accounts, including any balance of your deposit.
- 6Update your address: notify your ward office, redirect your mail, and tell your bank, employer, and other services.
How the deposit (敷金) usually works
Many leases include a 敷金 (shikikin) deposit paid when you moved in. When you leave, the landlord typically deducts agreed cleaning and any repair costs from it and returns the balance, often a month or two after move-out. A professional cleaning fee is very common and is frequently written into the contract. Normal wear and tear from everyday living is generally treated differently from damage you caused, but the exact split depends on your contract and the condition of the apartment. The national 原状回復 (restoration) guidelines from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism explain the general principles.
We can explain the general process, but we cannot advise on your specific deposit or any dispute. If you disagree with a charge, do not sign anything you are unsure about, keep the itemised statement and photos, and get independent help. You can call the consumer hotline 188 to reach your local consumer affairs centre, or consult a licensed professional.
Practical tips to make it smoother
- Take dated photos of the empty apartment before the inspection, including any pre-existing marks, so you have your own record.
- Book the gas stop and the 粗大ごみ (oversized garbage) pickup early; popular dates fill up, and each ward runs its own reception centre.
- Oversized garbage is arranged through your ward, not the national post or city office; you usually apply in advance, pay a fee with a sticker, and put the item out on the assigned day.
- Keep your contract, the move-in condition report, and all receipts together until the deposit is settled.
- Set up Japan Post mail forwarding so post sent to your old address follows you for up to a year.
- Separately, the official move-out notification (転出届) at your ward office is its own procedure; we point you to it rather than detailing it here.
- How much notice do I have to give before moving out?
- It depends entirely on your contract. One month is common, but some leases ask for two months or have an early-termination clause. Read your lease and confirm the exact period and method with your agent.
- Will I get my whole deposit back?
- Often not all of it. A cleaning fee and any repair costs for damage you caused are commonly deducted, with the balance returned. The precise rules come from your contract; for the general principles see the restoration guidelines, and for a dispute call 188 or a professional.
- Do I cancel utilities or does the landlord?
- You normally cancel your own electricity, gas, water, and internet by contacting each provider before you leave. Gas disconnection may require someone to be present, so arrange it in advance.
