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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
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.