Overview
Nicotine staining on wallpaper is one of the most disputed items on move-out invoices in Japan. Landlords often demand full wallpaper replacement costs, but knowing the MLIT guidelines and the 6-year depreciation rule can significantly reduce your liability. Tobacco damage is classified as 'tenant negligence' (Category B), but depreciation still applies — the longer you've lived there, the less you pay.
Responsibility Classification
Under the MLIT guidelines, tobacco damage is classified as: 【Tenant responsibility (Category B)】 ・Wallpaper/ceiling nicotine discoloration ・Cigarette burns on tatami/carpet ・Cigarette burns on flooring ・Indoor smoke odor 【Landlord responsibility (Category A)】 ・Normal sunlight discoloration (unrelated to smoking) ・Age-related wallpaper fading Important: Even though tobacco damage is Category B, the 6-year depreciation rule still applies.
6-Year Rule Application
The 6-year depreciation rule applies to wallpaper damaged by tobacco. 【Example】 Wallpaper replacement cost: ¥150,000 (entire 1LDK) Tenancy period: 5 years Fair liability = ¥150,000 × (6-5) ÷ 6 = ¥25,000 After 5 years, you can argue a ¥150,000 bill should be reduced to ¥25,000. After 6+ years, residual value is ¥1 → wallpaper cost is nearly zero. Note: Deodorizing (cleaning) costs may be charged separately.
Deodorizing & Cleaning Costs
Separate from wallpaper depreciation, you may be charged for smoke deodorizing: ・Ozone deodorizing treatment: ¥15,000-30,000 ・Air conditioner interior cleaning: ¥10,000-20,000 ・Ceiling cleaning: additional charges possible Deodorizing costs are NOT subject to depreciation (charged at actual cost). However, if your lease doesn't have a specific deodorizing clause, there may be room to negotiate. Key point: Wallpaper = 6-year rule (big reduction). Deodorizing = actual cost (separate charge). Keep these two distinct in negotiations.
Negotiation Tips
When negotiating tobacco move-out costs: 1. Separate wallpaper costs from deodorizing costs 2. Apply the 6-year rule to wallpaper charges 3. Check if full-room replacement is truly necessary (one wall face = one wall's cost only) 4. Compare deodorizing costs against standard rates 5. Move-in photos are powerful evidence if you have them Even if your landlord says 'smokers pay everything,' this is legally incorrect. Depreciation must be applied.
Summary
・Tobacco damage is Category B (tenant) but the 6-year rule still applies ・After 6+ years, wallpaper costs are nearly zero ・Deodorizing may be charged separately at ¥15,000-30,000 ・Separate wallpaper and deodorizing in negotiations ・One wall face rule may limit replacement scope ・Your landlord cannot legally refuse to apply depreciation