Moving out of an apartment in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time doing so as a foreign resident. Between navigating Japanese paperwork, understanding your lease obligations, and coordinating with landlords and real estate agencies, there is a lot to keep track of. This guide walks you through exactly what to do when moving out of an apartment in Japan, step by step, so you can leave smoothly and avoid unexpected costs.
Start Early: Give Proper Notice to Your Landlord
The most important first step when moving out of an apartment in Japan is to notify your landlord or real estate agency well in advance. Most Japanese lease agreements require one to two months' notice before your move-out date. Check your contract carefully — the exact notice period will be written there.
Failing to give enough notice can result in you being charged extra rent even after you have already left. If your lease is in Japanese and you are unsure what it says, ask a bilingual friend, your company's HR department, or a foreigner support centre (外国人相談窓口) at your local city hall for help.
How to Give Notice
- Check your contract for the required notice period (typically one or two months).
- Submit your notice in writing — many agencies require a formal written form or email.
- Keep a copy or screenshot of your submission for your records.
- Confirm receipt with your landlord or agency.
Update Your Address with the Municipal Office
As a foreign resident in Japan, you are legally required to update your registered address when you move. Visit your local city or ward office (市区町村役所) and complete the move-out notification (転出届, tenshutsu-todoke). You will also need to file a move-in notification (転入届, tennyu-todoke) at your new municipal office after you move.
Make sure to bring your Residence Card (在留カード). Your new address will be printed on the back of the card. This step is not optional — keeping an outdated address on your Residence Card can cause problems with your visa renewal, bank accounts, and official correspondence.
Cancel or Transfer Utilities and Services
Japan's utility cancellation process is straightforward but requires a little planning. Contact each provider separately to give your move-out date and arrange final billing.
Utilities to cancel or transfer:
- Electricity (電気) — Contact your electricity provider by phone or their website. Most have English support or an online form.
- Gas (ガス) — You may need a visit from a technician to close the gas meter. Schedule this in advance as time slots fill quickly.
- Water (水道) — Contact your local water bureau (水道局) to notify them of your move-out date.
- Internet — Check your contract for minimum contract periods to avoid early cancellation fees.
- NHK subscription — If you have one, notify NHK of your move-out to stop payments.
Other services to update:
- Your bank (update your registered address)
- Japan Post (you can set up mail forwarding for one year)
- Your mobile phone provider (e.g. GTN Mobile, IIJmio, Rakuten Mobile)
- Your employer or school
- Any subscription services or delivery memberships
Understand the Room Inspection and Cleaning Costs
One of the most stressful parts of moving out of an apartment in Japan is the 退去立会い (taikyo tachiai) — the move-out inspection. A representative from the real estate agency or landlord will inspect the apartment after you have moved out your belongings to assess its condition.
Japan's rental rules distinguish between normal wear and tear (which the landlord is responsible for) and damage caused by the tenant (which you are responsible for). The national guidelines from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) provide a framework, but disputes can still arise.
Tips for the inspection:
- Clean the apartment thoroughly before the inspection — pay special attention to the bathroom, kitchen, and air conditioning filters.
- Take photos and video of every room before handing back the keys as evidence of the apartment's condition.
- Be present during the inspection so you can ask questions or dispute anything immediately.
- If you do not understand Japanese, bring a bilingual friend or ask if an interpreter is available.
Getting Your Security Deposit Back (敷金, Shikikin)
If you paid a security deposit (shikikin) when you moved in, you are entitled to receive it back — minus any deductions for legitimate repairs. The timeline for receiving your deposit back is typically one to two months after move-out, though this varies by landlord and agency.
You should receive an itemised breakdown of any deductions. If you believe charges are unfair, you have the right to negotiate or dispute them. Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency provides guidance on tenant rights — contact your local consumer centre (消費生活センター) if you need support.
Dispose of Large Items Properly
In Japan, you cannot simply leave furniture or appliances on the street. Large items are classified as 粗大ごみ (sodai gomi) — bulky waste — and must be disposed of through your local municipal system, which usually involves paying a small disposal fee and arranging a collection date in advance.
Certain items like TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners are covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Law and require a separate recycling fee. You can take them to a designated collection point or arrange pickup through an authorised retailer or removal company.
A Simple Moving-Out Checklist
| Task | When to Do It |
|---|---|
| Give written notice to landlord/agency | 1–2 months before move-out |
| Book a removal company | At least 1 month before |
| Cancel or transfer utilities | 2–3 weeks before |
| Set up Japan Post mail forwarding | Before or on move-out day |
| File move-out notification at city hall | Around move-out day |
| Take photos of the apartment | Before handing back keys |
| Attend move-out inspection | On or after move-out day |
| Update address with bank, employer, etc. | After moving to new address |
| File move-in notification at new city hall | Within 14 days of moving in |
Summary: You Can Do This
Moving out of an apartment in Japan involves more steps than many people expect, but none of them are impossible — even with a language barrier. The key is to start early, read your lease carefully, document everything with photos, and keep copies of all communications.
Give your landlord proper notice, update your address with the municipal office, cancel your utilities in order, and attend the inspection prepared. If anything feels unclear or unfair, do not hesitate to seek help from your city hall's foreign resident support desk, a local consumer centre, or a bilingual community group.
Japan's system is detailed, but it is also well-organised. With a little preparation, you can move out cleanly, get your deposit back, and start your next chapter with confidence.