Tips to Avoid Losses at Move-Out Inspection: Same-Day Checklist to Prevent Repair Cost Claims

Move-Out Inspection: "The Battle Is Before You Sign"

A move-out inspection is when the tenant and property management company (or landlord) jointly inspect the apartment after vacancy to confirm the scope of restoration to original condition and cost responsibility. Once you sign at this point, it becomes difficult to dispute or reverse the agreement later, even if you claim dissatisfaction.

This article provides a concrete checklist-format guide on preparation, inspection points, and signing precautions to protect yourself financially during the move-out inspection.

What to Prepare by the Day Before Inspection

1. Gather Move-In Photos and Checklist

You must prepare photos of the room's condition when you moved in (including damage, dirt, and equipment status) and the move-in checklist provided by the property management company. These are essential to prove that damage existed before you moved in.

2. Prepare Documentation Equipment for the Day

• •Smartphone (for photos and video recording)
• •Notebook and writing utensils
• •(If possible) Small measuring tape (to verify damage size)

3. Review Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Guidelines

The "Guidelines on Disputes and Restoration to Original Condition (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)" explicitly states that the following are the landlord's responsibility:

• •Normal wear and tear (wall discoloration from sun exposure, natural scratches on flooring, etc.)
• •Damage from normal use (electrical scorch marks on walls behind TVs or refrigerators, etc.)
• •Damage or dirt that existed before move-in

Understanding these points allows you to justify your position on the spot against any improper charges.

Move-Out Inspection Day Checklist

Overall Inspection (At Start of Move-Out Inspection)

• •[ ] Confirm the inspector's name and company
• •[ ] Ask permission to record audio or video (optional but valid as evidence)
• •[ ] Present your move-in photos and checklist to establish the "pre-move-in condition"

Walls and Ceiling Inspection

• •[ ] Presence of tobacco stains or odor (if you smoked, these charges typically fall to you)
• •[ ] Wallpaper damage (intentional or negligent damage is your responsibility; age-related damage is the landlord's)
• •[ ] Nail holes or screw holes (holes from normal use like hanging artwork are typically not your responsibility; large holes are different)
• •[ ] Mold (mold caused by neglecting ventilation is your responsibility)

Floor and Flooring Inspection

• •[ ] Flooring scratches (note the extent of scratches from furniture movement)
• •[ ] Carpet or tatami stains/damage (spill stains are your responsibility)
• •[ ] Floor sun damage (discoloration from direct sunlight is normal wear and tear—landlord's responsibility)

Kitchen and Water Areas Inspection

• •[ ] Ventilation fan/range hood grease (grease from neglected cleaning is your responsibility)
• •[ ] Sink/bathtub mineral deposits and mold (normal use deposits are landlord's responsibility; damage from neglect is yours)
• •[ ] Burnt marks and grease around the gas stove
• •[ ] Toilet stains and discoloration

Equipment and Fixtures Inspection

• •[ ] Door and window frame operation check
• •[ ] Light switches and outlet condition
• •[ ] Screen door/window and blind damage check
• •[ ] Air conditioner (filter cleaning status)

How to Respond to Improper Charges

Do Not Sign on the Spot

Even if the property management company hands you a move-out settlement statement (cost invoice), do not sign immediately. You have the right to say "I will review the details and contact you" and take it home.

Standards for Determining Which Charges to Dispute

Steps to Lodge a Dispute

1. Notify management company in writing: Send an email or letter stating "Based on Ministry Guidelines, I dispute the charges for ○○."

1. Consult Consumer Affairs Centers: Free consultations available by phone (188) or in-person.

1. Small Claims Court (up to ¥600,000): If you have sufficient evidence, you can handle a small claims case at court yourself.

Three Points to Confirm After Move-Out Inspection

1. Review the settlement statement by line item: Verify that work descriptions and amounts are clearly stated (e.g., "Wallpaper replacement: ○○ yen"). Suspect any lump-sum charges without justification.

1. Confirm payment deadline and transfer account: Verify that the transfer account listed in the statement is the property management company's official account (to avoid transfer fraud risk).

1. Obtain a key return receipt: Always ask for a receipt as proof that you returned the keys.

Summary

The two key points to avoid financial loss at move-out inspection are "preserving move-in photos and checklists" and "not signing on the spot." Armed with knowledge of the Ministry Guidelines, you can confidently dispute improper charges in writing. With options like consumer affairs center consultations and small claims court available, it's important to take proper action rather than accept unfair charges quietly.

Learn how to record initial meter readings for electricity, gas, and water on move-in day, and photograph any marks or dirt in your apartment. A rental property expert explains in detail the documentation methods you should perform right after moving in to prevent unfair charges when you move out.