Moving out of Apartment

1. Private Apartment

If one wishes to move out of a private apartment rented on his/her own, notice must be given to the landlord or the real estate agency at least one month prior to the date of moving. If the resident does not give notice until the last minute, the next month's rent will be charged.

The resident must return the room in the same condition as that when he/she moved in. Cleaning and repairing fees will be deducted from the deposit the resident paid when he/she moved in (shiki-kin). If the resident leaves the room in an unusually damaged condition, he/she may be required to pay additional expenses.

2. University Residence Facilities

Those who live in one of university residence facilities should ask the office or person in charge for details about the procedures regarding moving out in advance.

Disposal of Garbage that are Not Collected Regularly

1. Large Furniture & Bicycles

Application for collection must be made by telephone.
Call the Kobe City Large Furniture Items & Bicycle Reception Desk: Tel: (078) 392-7953.

2. Air Conditioners, Televisions, Refrigerators, Washing Machines

Request the store of purchase to take these items. Recycle fee will be charged.

Kobe City Environmental Bureau (Guide for the disposal of garbage)
http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/24/tettei/pdf/rule_eng.pdf

Paying Utility Bills

Do not forget to settle the electricity, gas, water, telephone and other utility bills before leaving the country. Contact each company several days prior to moving out.

Closure of Bank/Post Office Accounts

When closing a bank or postal savings account, bring the following: 1) Alien Registration Card or Passport, 2) Personal Seal (inkan), 3) Passbook, and 4) ATM card.

If one has registered for automatic utility payment service, check to see if all the utility bills have been paid before closing the account.

Cancellation of Health Insurance

The National Health Insurance card must be returned to the responsible City/Ward office several days prior to leaving Japan. Alien Registration Card is needed for the cancellation procedure.

Japan Federation of National Health Insurance Organizations:
http://www.kokuho.or.jp/english/index.htm

Returning Alien Registration Card

When leaving Japan, unless the researcher/student has a re-entry permit, the Alien Registration Card must be returned to the immigration officer at the airport or port of departure.