Moving Out of an Apartment in Japan: Easy Guide

Moving in and moving out of a house in Japan can be complex. Whether you're moving within the country or leaving Japan, knowing the steps is important. This guide will walk you through the moving out procedures in Japan, from notifying your municipal office to paying final bills.

Renting in Japan often means big upfront costs. Initial costs can be up to six months' rent, including fees and deposits. When you move out, cleaning fees are usually charged, averaging 1000-2000 yen per square meter.

For those moving within Japan, there are many options. Professional services start at 12,800 yen for a light truck, while a small van for half a day costs around 17,600 yen.

Remember to take care of administrative tasks like contacting the gas company, water company and paying final bills before you leave. Also, update your address with the municipality and national health insurance office.

Key Takeaways

• Budget for cleaning fees when moving out
• Compare costs of different moving services
• Notify your ward office and update official records
• Cancel utilities and settle all bills
• Plan ahead for international moves and pet relocation
• Be aware of residence tax obligations
• Schedule oversized garbage collection in advance

Understanding Japanese Rental Agreements

Renting an apartment in Japan has its own set of rules and documents. You'll need to show your passport, residence card, proof of income, and sometimes a student ID. You might also need a guarantor or approval from a guarantor company for the lease.

The rental process in Japan usually takes about ten to fourteen days. This is from finding a property to moving in. Most real estate agents focus on specific areas and don't handle inquiries from outside Japan. Remember, property managers don't have to tell you why they rejected your application.

Lease terms in Japan are unique. Long-term rentals usually last two years, with an option to extend. Short-term contracts can start from one month, while monthly rentals often begin from three months. Be ready for various fees when signing a contract:

• Reikin (key money): One to three months' worth of rent
• Chukai-tesuryo (agency fee): Usually one month's rent

These fees are paid through domestic wire transfers, needing a Japanese bank account.

It's important to know about wear and tear. The Ministry guidelines say the lessee must pay for damages. But, costs for age deterioration or normal wear are covered by the rent. The longer you stay, the less you're responsible for restoration expenses.

Contract Type	Duration	Utilities Included
Short-term	1-3 months	Often included
Mid-term	3-12 months	Varies
Long-term	2-3 years	Not included

When moving within Japan or to a new city, you need one month's notice of moving. Knowing these details about Japanese rental agreements will help you with the process.

Notifying Your Landlord and Utility Companies

When you're moving out of your home in Japan, inform your landlord at least a month in advance. This is important because not doing so might make you pay an extra month's rent.

Then, reach out to your utility providers to cancel or switch services. This includes your gas, electric, water, and internet services. Make sure to give them the exact date you want the services to stop, matching it with your moving day.

Here's a checklist of utilities to handle:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Internet Service Provider
• Phone (if applicable)

If you're moving to a new apartment in Japan, think about transferring your utilities. This can save you time and avoid any service breaks at your new place.

Also, update your address. You must register your new address on your Resident Card. You need to visit your new ward office within 14 days of moving to complete the procedure.

Task	Deadline	Location
Submit moving out notification	Within 14 days before moving	Current city/ward office
Submit moving in notification	Within 14 days after moving	New city/ward office
Update Resident Card	Within 14 days of moving	New city/ward office

Remember, you must do these steps in person at the city or ward offices. Bring your number card or other ID you need.

Cleaning and Preparing Your Apartment

When you move out of your Japanese apartment, cleaning is important. The final cleaning fee can be from ¥1000 to ¥1250 per square meter. Make sure to clean every area well, like the kitchen, bathroom, and common spaces.

Don't forget to clean appliances, floors, and walls well. Any stains or mold can cost you extra. Take away all your stuff and throw away what you don't need. Many councils offer cheap rubbish collection, but it might be limited.

Watch out for unpleasant smells. Odors from pets or cigarettes can lead to extra fees. When you tell your landlord you're moving out, ask about any special cleaning needs.

• Dispose of regular trash correctly to avoid extra charges
• Use convenience stores for small garbage disposal
• Consider hiring a private company for large or difficult-to-dispose items

Fees for big trash items can be from 200 yen for small things to thousands for big ones like mattresses.

When you move in, take photos of any damage. This can help you avoid paying for repairs that weren't your fault. By doing these things, you'll make your move-out smooth and might even get your deposit back.

The Process of Moving Out of an Apartment in Japan

Moving out of an apartment in Japan has several steps. First, you must tell your landlord and cancel your utilities. Then, clean your place and book a moving company.

It's important to submit the tenshutsu todoke, or "Notification of Moving Out," at your city office. You must do this within 14 days of moving. If you don't, you could face a fine of up to ¥50,000.

To submit the tenshutsu todoke, you'll need to bring your residence card, driver's license or passport. If someone else is doing it for you, they need a power of attorney and their seal. After submitting, you'll get a tenshutsu shomei sho, or "moving-out certificate".

Document	Purpose	Time Frame
Tenshutsu Todoke	Notification of Moving Out	Within 14 days of move
Tenshutsu Shomei Sho	Moving-out Certificate	1 week to 10 days to receive
National Health Insurance Card	Return to city office	During move-out procedure

You also need to notify your workplace and bank about your new address. The post office will forward your mail for a year after you submit a change of address notice. It usually takes about a month for any refund to be decided after you move out.

Japanese Moving Companies

Choosing the right moving company is crucial when moving out of Japan. Top firms like Yamato Transport, Sakai Moving Service, and Art Corporation offer various services. Local moves within the same city cost from 20,000 to 50,000 yen, based on distance and volume.

Book your moving company early, as peak seasons like March and April are busy. These companies provide boxes, packing help, and single-item transport. Some even offer house cleaning and appliance setup. Remember, you need at least one month's notice to your landlord before moving.

After moving, quickly set up utilities in your new place. You have 14 days to register your new address at the local city office. This includes updating your residence card and handling paperwork like the "moving-in" form, national health insurance, and resident taxes. Setting up internet might take up to four weeks, so plan ahead.

Lastly, inform your bank, mobile provider, and other services about your move. It's a nice touch to give a small gift to new neighbors, like a box of sweets, to start off on the right foot in your new community.

FAQ

What documents are typically required for renting an apartment in Japan?

To rent an apartment in Japan, you'll need a few documents. These include your passport and a residence card or student ID. You'll also need a Certificate of Eligibility or an employment letter.

Proof of income is required, and students need a student ID. Lastly, you'll need a guarantor or approval from a guarantor company.

How much notice should I give my landlord before moving out?

Always give your landlord at least one month's notice before moving out. This is standard in Japan.

How do I cancel my utilities when moving out?

To cancel your utilities, contact each provider separately. This includes gas, water, electricity, and internet. Tell them when you want the service to end.

Consider moving your utilities to your new place if possible.

What are the cleaning expectations when moving out of a Japanese apartment?

Cleaning is key when moving out. Make sure to clean the kitchen, bathroom, and common areas well. Focus on appliances, floors, and walls.

Take away all your belongings and dispose of unwanted items correctly. Check with your landlord for any special cleaning needs.

What procedures are required when moving within the same city in Japan?

Moving within the same city? File a 転居届 (Tenkyo-todoke) "Notification of Move" at the city office within 14 days.

What procedures are required when moving to a different city in Japan?

Moving to a new city? First, submit a 転出届 (Tenshutsu-todoke) "Notification of Moving Out" at your current city office. Get a 転出証明書 (Tenshutsu-shomeisho).

Then, take this document to your new city office. There, file a 転入届 (Tennyu-todoke) "Notification of Moving In".

How do I choose a reliable moving company in Japan?

To find a good moving company, compare prices and services. Look at companies like アート引越センター, サカイ引越センター, or アリさんマークの引越社.