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I forgot to submit my apartment checklist when I first moved in, am I screwed?
I moved into my apartment a year ago and and usually when you move in they give you the 入居時確認表 where you list down the previous damages of your apartment and in some cases, you might be asked to take pictures as well. However, I was going through a lot of things at the time from job changing to being hospitalized that it flew out of my head. 2023 was a rough year and the next time I thought about it it's been more than 6 months already. Upon checking the paper, I saw that I was supposed to submit it within the same week of moving in so it was already too late for me.
Now things have just started to clear out for me I'm trying to prepare to move out again and I found the same paper again and was wondering how I should expect to deal with this? My flat has a few holes and wallpaper tear and I'm worried about being taken advantage of the fees on moving out. When the time comes, is it possible to at least lower the amount or even better, avoid getting charges for this? I appreciate any advice. Thank you.
honestly you're not totally screwed but it does make things harder. the key here is that the burden of proof shifts to you since you missed the deadline most management companies will try to charge you for everything they can
what i'd do right now is document everything yourself. take clear photos and videos of every scratch hole and tear with timestamps if possible. if you have any photos from when you first moved in for social media or even just random pics that show the walls those help too
when you eventually talk to the management company about moving out just be upfront that you forgot but you know the place wasn't perfect when you got it. they might still try to charge you but being honest about the situation and showing you have evidence gives you more room to negotiate. worst case they try to charge you for everything and you can push back saying you'll take it to the 東京都不動産協会 or similar dispute place
also worth checking your contract - some places have a clause that after 6 months normal wear and tear isn't charged anymore. depends on the company but i've seen that in a few shinjuku area leases
I've seen this come up a few times with friends in Tokyo and the reality is less scary than you think. Management companies here are used to people forgetting the checklist, especially when it's been a year and you're a decent tenant who paid rent on time.
The standard approach is to lean hard on 経年劣化 when you do your move-out inspection. Wallpaper fading, tiny nail holes from hanging a calendar, even small tears near light switches from normal use all fall under normal wear after a year. Most landlords in Tokyo have a depreciation schedule for wallpaper where it's considered fully depreciated after 6 years, so if your place had old wallpaper when you moved in, they can't charge you the full replacement cost anyway.
When the inspector comes, stay calm and point out that without the checklist, they can't prove those marks weren't there before you moved in. If they try to charge you for something unreasonable, mention that you'll ask the 東京都不動産協会 for a mediation. Just saying that usually gets them to back down because they know they'd lose. I'd set aside maybe 2-3 man as a worst case but honestly you might walk away with nothing.
yeah you're probably gonna get hit with some charges but it doesnt have to be the full amount. had a friend in nakano who forgot hers too and they tried to charge her 8man for wallpaper replacement in a 1k. she pushed back saying the tear near the window was from sunlight damage not her and they dropped it to 3man
the thing is most management companies expect some negotiation. if you come in prepared with your own photos and a reasonable attitude they'll usually meet you halfway. also check if your contract has something about 経年劣化 (aging deterioration) because in tokyo theyre supposed to cover normal wear like sun-faded wallpaper or floor scratches after a year
one trick that worked for me was offering to do small repairs myself. bought a wall repair kit at daiso for 500yen and fixed a small hole, then told them i'd handle the rest if theyd waive the fees. they agreed because it saved them the hassle of calling a contractor. just dont try to paint anything unless you know the exact color code cause that can backfire
3 Days in Tokyo: Itinerary 2026
Start your morning at Shibuya Scramble Crossing, then walk to Meiji Jingu for a serene shrine visit. After lunch in Harajuku, head to Shinjuku for the Tokyo Metropolit… 🗼 Day 1: Shibuya & Shinjuku
Start your morning at Shibuya Scramble Crossing, then walk to Meiji Jingu for a serene shrine visit. After lunch in Harajuku, head to Shinjuku for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's free observation deck. End the day exploring Omoide Yokocho for yakitori and drinks.
🏯 Day 2: Asakusa & Ueno
Begin at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, arriving by 8am to avoid crowds. Stroll down Nakamise Street for snacks, then take the Tokyo Metro to Ueno Park for museums and a pond-side walk. In the afternoon, visit Ameya-Yokocho market for street food and bargains.
🌆 Day 3: Tsukiji & Odaiba
Arrive at Tsukiji Outer Market by 7am for fresh sushi and grilled seafood. From there, take the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba for teamLab Borderless (book tickets in advance) and a stroll on the beach. End with a view of Rainbow Bridge at sunset.
🚇 Getting Around
Use a Suica or Pasmo card for seamless travel on Tokyo Metro and JR lines. Most trips cost 180-300 yen, and a 72-hour Metro pass (1,500 yen) covers unlimited rides on 13 lines. Google Maps is reliable for real-time routes and train times.
🍜 Where to Eat
For budget ramen, try Ichiran in Shibuya (1,000-1,500 yen). For a sushi splurge, book a counter seat at Sushi Dai in Tsukiji (5,000 yen for a set). Convenience stores like 7-Eleven offer cheap onigiri and sandwiches for a quick breakfast.
🏨 Where to Stay
Stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya for easy access to nightlife and transit. Budget options include Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado (3,000-5,000 yen per night). For mid-range, the Citadines Shinjuku offers studios with kitchenettes from 12,000 yen.
💡 Local Tips
Carry cash, as many small shops and restaurants don't accept cards. Download a translation app like Google Translate for menus and signs. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9am and 5-7pm) on trains to stay comfortable.
solid itinerary, the teamLab tip about midday slots is spot on. for day 3, instead of heading straight to Odaiba from Tsukiji, take a 10-minute walk to Hamarikyu Gardens. it's this old daimyo garden right on the water, total contrast to the market chaos. you can catch a water bus from there to Odaiba, it goes under Rainbow Bridge and drops you right by the ferris wheel. costs about 600 yen extra but the boat ride is worth it on a clear day.
also for day 1, the Met Govt Building deck is free and has solid views but the queue for the elevators can get long around sunset. there's a smaller viewing spot on the 45th floor of the Shinjuku Center Building that most tourists miss, same free entry and way shorter lines. just a 5 min walk from the station west exit.
This is a solid itinerary. I'd suggest swapping the order of day one a bit. Meiji Jingu is right next to Harajuku, so you can hit the shrine first thing when it's quiet, then walk through the grounds and come out right at Harajuku station to avoid backtracking. The Yurikamome Line ride to Odaiba on day three is a great call, the views from the driverless train over Rainbow Bridge are a highlight in themselves.
One thing the guide doesn't mention is that the Tsukiji Outer Market has really pushed up prices for tourists, especially for sushi. If you want a more local and less crowded experience, head to the Uogashi area right behind the main market stalls. You'll find the same quality grilled seafood and tamagoyaki for a couple hundred yen less. Also, for the teamLab booking, the 9am or 10am slots sell out first, so grab a midday entry if you want to avoid the school groups.
for day 2, if you're at sensoji that early, walk through the back of the temple grounds to the small cemetery area. it's quiet and has a great view of the pagoda without all the selfie sticks. also, ueno park's museums are good but the national museum of nature and science has a really cool exhibit on the history of tokyo's subway system with old train cars you can walk through. my kid loved it more than the zoo.
the guide mentions cash but i'd add that some of the best food stalls in ameyoko only take coins and don't have prices posted. just point at what looks good and hand over a 500 yen coin, they'll give you change. i got a huge plate of grilled scallops that way for 400 yen and it was better than any sit-down place i tried