Lease Renewal & Move-Out Rules

In Japan, when your rental contract ends, you must decide whether to renew or move out. At the time of moving out,
At the time of moving out, there is also a unique rule called “genjō kaifuku” (restoration to original condition).
This article explains how lease renewal works and what to be careful about when moving out.

🔁What Is Lease Renewal?

Rental contracts in Japan usually last two years.
Youʼll receive a renewal notice from your agent or landlord 1‒2 months before it expires.

If you wish to renew, follow these steps:

If you do not wish to renew, inform your agent 1‒2 months in advance to avoid extra rent.

🚪Move-Out Procedure

When moving out, contact your real estate agent at least one month in advance.
When moving out, contact your real estate agent at leastone month in advance.が必要です。
On your move-out day, a staff member will check the roomand collect the keys.

Move-out checklist:

• Remove all furniture, appliances, and garbage
• Check for damage or stains on walls and floors
• Light cleaning helps leave a good impression

🧽What Is “Genjō Kaifuku” (Restoration to Original Condition)?

“Genjō kaifuku” meansrestoring the room to the same condition as when you moved in.
However, normal wear and tear(like minor sun fading) is not your responsibility.

Landlordʼs responsibility (not charged to tenant):

• Natural discoloration of wallpaper
• Minor marks from furniture
• Normal floor wear

Tenantʼs responsibility (charged):

• Cigarette stains or odors
• Pet damage or graffiti
• Damage caused by carelessness

💰 About Deposit Refund

After moving out, your deposit will berefunded within 1‒2 months,minus cleaning or repair fees.
To avoid disputes, take photos together with the agent during the inspection.

Renewal & Move-Out Summary

Item	Description	Notes
Contract Term	Usually 2 years	Renewal notice will be provided before the contract expires.
Renewal Fee	Around 1 monthʼs rent	Details may vary depending on the contract.
Move-Out Notice	Inform at least 1 month before	If delayed, rent may still be charged.
Restoration	Return to original condition	Normal wear and tear is excluded.
Deposit Refund	1‒2 months after moving out	Keep photo records to prevent disputes.

🧭 Summary

Understanding Japanʼs lease renewal and move-out rules helps avoid unnecessary costs and misunderstandings.
For foreign residents, knowing what “restoration” means will make the process much smoother.

🤝Ieyasu Real Estate Customer Support

At Ieyasu Real Estate, our bilingual staff (English & Japanese) provide guidance on lease renewal and move-out procedures for clients who have rented through us. We aim to make the process simple and clear for foreign residents unfamiliar with Japanʼs rental rules. This support is available only for clients who have rented through Ieyasu Real Estate.

⭕Let’s Talk!