Moving out of an apartment in Japan can involve a number of steps and procedures. To make the process smoother, it’s important to know what’s required, from notifying your landlord to handling city office paperwork. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the move-out process. If you need help with translation or interpretation during any of these steps, Omakase Helper can provide support.
These are the things that you need to do when moving out and leaving Japan:
Obtain a moving-out certificate
The first step is to visit your local city hall or ward office to notify them that you’ll be moving. You’ll need to bring your residence card and personal seal to fill out a “Moving-Out Certificate” (tenshutsu todoke). This form is necessary to update your residency status when leaving the city or moving to a new one.
Notify your landlord
It’s important to inform your landlord that you’re moving out. The required notice period is outlined in your rental agreement. Be sure to notify them in time to avoid any penalties, as failure to do so may result in having to pay an extra month’s rent even if you’ve already vacated the apartment.
Pay the cleaning fees and (hopefully) get your deposit back
Most rental contracts in Japan include cleaning fees, typically ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥1,250 per square metre for normal wear and tear. If there is any additional damage, such as stains or dents, you may be charged extra. After the landlord inspects your apartment, you may receive a refund from your original deposit, depending on the apartment’s condition.
Sometimes you can dispute the charges if you feel they are unfair. For example, if you have lived enough years somewhere, the damage to things like tatami or oshire doors is counted as “normal wear and tear” and you cannot be charged for it even if the landlord tries to charge you.
Make sure you’ve paid your taxes
Before moving out, ensure that all outstanding taxes and health insurance premiums are paid.
City tax, which is calculated based on your previous year’s income, must be settled even if you’re leaving Japan mid-year. You can either pay in full before your departure or appoint a tax manager to handle it on your behalf.
Similarly, if you have National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken), you’ll need to visit the city office to complete the necessary procedures.
Get rid of your furniture
Disposing of large furniture and appliances requires special arrangements in Japan. You cannot throw oversized items out with regular garbage. Instead, you’ll need to arrange for a pick-up through your local city or ward’s garbage collection center. After calling or applying online, you’ll be instructed to purchase garbage stickers (sodai gomi ken) from a convenience store. On the scheduled pick-up day, affix the stickers to your items and place them in the designated collection area.
For more information on large trash disposal, visit https://sodai.tokyokankyo.or.jp/Sodai/V2Index/0/0. Sometimes the rubbish pick ups take several days or even over a week before there’s a free time slot you can book, so book in advance.
You can also try giving away your stuff online through sites like Craigslist, or social media groups such as Mottainai Japan (Facebook).
Shut off the utilities
Contact your utility providers to schedule a shut-off date for services such as gas, electricity, and water. The phone numbers can be found on your monthly bills. You can either pay your final bills at a convenience store or arrange for a friend to handle them after you leave.
Cancel all your contracts
To cancel your mobile phone contract, you’ll need to visit a store of your provider. Some carriers allow you to schedule the cancellation in advance, while others require that you do it on the spot.
You’ll need to cancel your internet service by contacting both your line provider (such as NTT) and your internet service provider (ISP).
If you own a car, make sure to cancel your insurance policy and complete any necessary paperwork through the Land Transportation Office.
Return your residence card at the airport
Before leaving Japan, return your residence card (zairyu kaado) to Immigration at the airport or your port of departure. The immigration officer will punch a hole in the card and return it to you, which you will need if you plan to apply for a pension refund.
If you’re moving within Japan
If you’re simply moving to a new residence within Japan, the process involves a few additional steps.
Be sure to submit a “Moving-Out Notification” at your current city or ward office and a “Moving-In Notification” at your new residence’s office within 14 days. If you’re staying within the same city, a “Change of Address” notification is required.
You’ll also need to update your residence card and apply for a new National Health Insurance card.
Additionally, don’t forget to notify utility companies of the change, and submit a “Change of Address” form to the post office to have your mail forwarded to your new address for up to one year.
If you have kids, you may need to change their school, kindergarten or daycare. If you need to apply to a daycare in a new ward, you can do that as soon as you have a new address. Also remember to register for the child allowance benefits in your new ward.
For more assistance with finding a new apartment in Japan, Omakase Helper offers help with finding an apartment or setting up utilities and more.
Moving out of your apartment in Japan involves multiple steps, from notifying your landlord to handling government paperwork and utilities. By staying organised and planning ahead, the process can be much smoother. If you need assistance with translations or navigating the complexities of moving out, don’t hesitate to reach out to Omakase Helper for support.
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