Overview
Wallpaper replacement is typically the largest single item on move-out invoices. A full 1LDK replacement can run ¥100,000-150,000, but the MLIT guidelines give you strong tools to reduce this dramatically. Three key principles: ①Normal wear = landlord pays, ②Scope is limited to the damaged wall face only, ③The 6-year rule reduces your share based on tenancy length.
Normal Wear & Tear (Landlord Pays)
These wallpaper changes are 'normal wear and tear' — the landlord's cost: ・Sun fading and discoloration ・Small pin/thumbtack holes (normal living) ・TV or refrigerator 'electric burn' marks (darkening behind appliances) ・Furniture placement marks (color difference from sun) ・General age-related dirtiness and dullness ・Air conditioner mounting marks These are 'inevitable from normal living' — the recovery cost is considered included in your rent.
Tenant-Responsible Damage
These damages are the tenant's responsibility: ・Tobacco nicotine discoloration/odor ・Pet scratching damage ・Graffiti or intentional damage ・Large holes (screws, anchor bolts) ・Mold from neglected condensation (poor ventilation) ・Severe cooking oil/soot buildup Even in these cases, your liability is reduced by two rules: the one-wall-face rule and the 6-year rule.
One-Wall-Face Rule (Scope Limitation)
The MLIT guidelines set an important limit on wallpaper replacement scope: 【Principle】Only the damaged 'wall face' is the tenant's responsibility. Example: In a 6-tatami room with nicotine stains on just 1 wall: → NOT full room (4 walls + ceiling), just that 1 wall face. 【When full-room replacement is justified】 ・Staining has spread across all walls ・Odor has permeated the entire room 【Cost impact】 Full room: ¥120,000 → One wall face: ¥30,000 This single rule can save ¥90,000. Apply the one-wall-face rule first to limit scope, THEN apply the 6-year rule for depreciation — maximum savings.
6-Year Depreciation Rule
Wallpaper has a 6-year useful life. Tenant liability calculation: Tenant share = Replacement cost × (6 - Years of tenancy) ÷ 6 【One-wall-face + 6-year rule combined example】 Scenario: 1LDK, nicotine stains on one wall, 4 years tenancy Landlord's bill: Full room ¥120,000 Step 1: One-wall-face rule → ¥30,000 (one wall only) Step 2: 6-year rule → ¥30,000 × (6-4) ÷ 6 = ¥10,000 Fair liability: ¥10,000 (92% reduction from landlord's bill!) Standard wallpaper costs per sqm: ・Standard grade: ¥800-1,100/sqm ・Mid-grade: ¥1,000-1,500/sqm ・Over ¥1,500/sqm may indicate overcharging
Summary
・Normal wear (sun fading, pin holes, age discoloration) = landlord pays ・Tenant damage is limited to 'one wall face' in scope ・6-year rule reduces remaining cost — after 6+ years it's nearly zero ・Over ¥1,500/sqm may be overcharging ・One-wall-face + 6-year rule combined = maximum savings ・If billed for full-room replacement, check the one-wall-face rule first