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Rent • Osaka
What Happens When You Leave Your Apartment Early in Japan (Penalty Explained)
Leaving your apartment before the end of your lease in Japan can be costly if you don’t plan it right. This guide explains notice periods, penalties (違約金), cleaning & restoration costs, and practical steps to reduce fees—based on our experience helping foreign tenants across Osaka.
Understanding Your Rental Contract (賃貸契約)
Most residential leases in Japan run for 2 years and auto-renew. Leaving early is called 中途解約 (chūto kaiyaku). Read your contract carefully—especially the sections below.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 契約期間 (Keiyaku kikan) | Contract period (usually 2 years) |
| 解約予告 (Kaiyaku yokoku) | Required notice (typically 1 month) |
| 違約金 (Iyakukin) | Penalty for early cancellation |
| 原状回復 (Genjō kaifuku) | Restoration to original condition |
How Much Notice You Need to Give
Most contracts require at least 1 month notice; some older or corporate leases require 2 months. If notice is short, you can be charged additional rent to cover the notice period.
Early Termination Penalties (違約金)
- Within 6 months: often 2 months’ rent
- Within 12 months: often 1 month’s rent
- After 1 year: usually no penalty beyond proper notice
Always confirm the exact clause in your contract; wording varies by owner/management company.
Other Move-Out Costs You Should Expect
1) Cleaning Fee (清掃費)
Professional cleaning is standard even if you clean yourself. Typical range: ¥20,000–¥50,000, depending on size.
2) Restoration (原状回復)
Damage beyond normal wear (holes, stains, broken fixtures) is deducted from your deposit (敷金).
3) Key Replacement (鍵交換費)
Sometimes required when a new tenant moves in: usually ¥15,000–¥25,000.
Example: Leaving After 8 Months (¥90,000 Rent)
| Item | Estimated Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One-month notice | ¥90,000 | Rent during notice period |
| Early termination penalty | ¥90,000 | Within first year (1 month) |
| Cleaning fee | ¥30,000 | Standard professional cleaning |
| Total | ≈ ¥210,000 |
If you paid a deposit of ¥100,000, part of the total may be deducted before the refund.
How to Avoid or Reduce the Penalty
- Check clauses labelled 違約金 or 短期解約 before signing.
- Give written notice (email/LINE) with a clear move-out date.
- Ask your agent to liaise—owners may waive fees if a replacement tenant is secured quickly.
- Choose flexible properties (no penalty / 1-year terms) if your plans might change.
What Happens After You Leave
- Move-out inspection (立会い) by management.
- Final statement with cleaning/restoration details.
- Deposit refund (remaining amount) typically within 1–2 months.
Quick Summary
| Situation | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| Leave within 6 months | Penalty ≈ 2 months’ rent |
| Leave within 12 months | Penalty ≈ 1 month’s rent |
| After 1 year | Usually no penalty (with notice) |
| No/late notice | May owe extra month of rent |
| Cleaning | ¥20k–¥50k |
FAQ
Do I always pay a penalty if I leave early?
No. Many contracts waive the penalty after the first year if you give proper notice. Within the first year, expect 1–2 months’ rent unless otherwise stated.
Will the cleaning fee be refunded if I clean myself?
Usually no. Professional cleaning (清掃費) is standard and set in the contract.
Can I stop paying rent once I move my things out?
No. Rent continues through the notice period (and until the agreed move-out date on your notice).
