Will I be charged for the thumbtack holes when I move out?

When decorating calendars and posters in a rented space, you may be wondering whether you can use thumbtacks. Those who have already dug a hole must be worried about how much they will be charged when they move out.

In conclusion, In most cases, if the hole is as small as a thumbtack or pin, you will not be charged for the repair.

What are the national guidelines?

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Troubles and Guidelines for Restoration to Original Condition" classifies holes in walls as follows.

Landlord's burden (= not charged):

  • Thumbtack, pin hole (same as when hanging a poster or calendar)
  • Discoloration of wallpaper due to sunburn
  • Dents caused by placing furniture

Borrower (you) to pay (= may be charged):

  • Large holes made by screws or nails (those that reach the underlying board)
  • Hole created by hitting the wall
  • Pet scratches

In other words, thumbtack-sized holes are considered to be within the scope of ``normal use'' and, in principle, the tenant does not have to pay for the repairs.

But what if the contract says "no thumbtacks"?

If the rental agreement specifies that ``no holes may be made in the walls'', the story changes. The special provisions in the contract are basically valid, so you may be charged repair costs even for thumbtacks.

If you are unsure, please check the contract before moving out. If there is no mention of a "thumbtack-sized hole," the basic rule is to follow the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's guidelines.

How to repair holes yourself

If you are still worried, you can repair it yourself.

For thumbtack holes (about 1mm):

  1. Purchase "wall hole filler putty" at a home center or 100 yen shop (200-500 yen)
  2. Put a small amount of putty into the hole
  3. Once dry, smooth out any protruding parts with a spatula or your fingers

If you choose a white putty that matches the color of your wallpaper, it will be almost invisible.

For screw holes (3~5mm):

  1. Use a “wall hole repair kit” (800 to 1,500 yen)
  2. Fill the putty in the hole and let it dry
  3. Smooth the surface with sandpaper
  4. If necessary, match the color with a wallpaper repair pen

It is difficult to repair a hole the size of a fist by yourself, so consult the management company.

How to hang things on the wall without drilling holes

As a future measure, I would like to introduce wall hanging goods that do not require holes.

  • Kokuyo: Light posters and photos can be pasted with adhesive. Does not leave traces even when removed
  • Wall Beauty: A hook that is fixed with a stapler. The holes are so small that they are almost invisible. It has a reasonable load capacity
  • Dear Wall / Love Rico: erect a pillar using the principle of a tension rod. You can make shelves without making any holes in the wall
  • Masking tape + double-sided tape: If you first apply masking tape to the wall and then apply double-sided tape on top, the wallpaper will not be damaged when removed

FAQ

What should you do if someone points out the hole in the thumbtack when you leave?

Based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, explain that "this is within the range of normal use." It is safe to have a PDF of the guidelines on your smartphone. However, if the number of holes is extremely large (such as 100 or more), it may be determined that it exceeds the range of normal use.

Is it illegal to have repair costs deducted from the security deposit?

Deducting money from the security deposit for the size of a thumbtack hole is contrary to the guidelines. If you are not satisfied, you can consult the Consumer Affairs Center (phone: 188).

Should I inform the management company that I made a hole?

If it is a thumbtack, there is no need to report it. If you have made a large hole with a screw or nail, it is best to contact the property management company as soon as possible and discuss what to do about it.

References