Overview
Even in pet-friendly apartments, you may face large repair bills when moving out. Cat scratching damage to walls and pillars, dog bite marks, and pet odor are common charges. While pet damage is your responsibility, knowing the proper calculation methods can prevent unfair charges. Pet damage is classified as Category B (tenant negligence). The 6-year rule applies to wallpaper, but pillars and door frames use the building's useful life instead.
Common Pet Damage & Standard Repair Costs
【Cat damage】 ・Wallpaper scratching (one wall): ¥30,000-50,000 ・Pillar/door frame scratching: ¥20,000-80,000 ・Shoji/fusuma damage: ¥3,000-10,000 per panel ・Screen door damage: ¥3,000-5,000 per panel 【Dog damage】 ・Flooring scratches/stains: ¥30,000-100,000 ・Wallpaper damage: ¥30,000-50,000 per wall ・Door bite marks: ¥20,000-50,000 【Both】 ・Deodorizing treatment: ¥15,000-30,000 ・AC cleaning for pet odor: ¥10,000-20,000
Responsibility Classification
Pet damage is generally all Category B (tenant responsibility): ・Scratch marks, bite marks → tenant pays ・Pet waste stains → tenant pays ・Pet odor → tenant pays (deodorizing) However, these may be landlord responsibility: ・Pet-friendly property where 'normal pet use' was expected ・Pre-existing damage from before move-in (move-in photos are key evidence)
Depreciation by Item Type
Depreciation varies by item for pet damage: 【6-year rule applies】 ・Wallpaper (including scratches) → residual ¥1 after 6 years ・Carpet → residual ¥1 after 6 years ・Cushion flooring → residual ¥1 after 6 years 【Building useful life applies】 ・Pillar/door frame damage → wooden: 22 years, RC: 47 years ・Full flooring replacement → building useful life 【No depreciation】 ・Partial flooring repair → actual cost ・Shoji/fusuma → consumable items ・Key damage → actual cost ・Deodorizing → actual cost
Pet Deposit (Additional Deposit)
Pet-friendly properties often require a 'pet deposit' (typically 1 extra month's rent) on top of the regular deposit. ・Pet deposits follow the same refund rules as regular deposits ・Remaining balance after legitimate repairs must be returned ・'No refund on pet deposit' clauses may be void under the Consumer Contract Act ・Additional charges are only justified if repair costs exceed the pet deposit Important: Having paid a pet deposit does NOT mean you must accept all charges without question.
Summary
・Pet damage is Category B, but wallpaper gets the 6-year rule ・Pillars and door frames use building useful life (wooden 22yr, RC 47yr) ・Deodorizing is actual cost (no depreciation) ・Pet deposits must be refunded minus only legitimate charges ・Move-in photos are your most important evidence ・Replacement should be limited to damaged areas only