"Move-out Cost Overpayment Diagnosis" Launches Tenant Rights Checker: AI Analyzes and Validates Special Clauses in Rental Agreements

Mycat Inc. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo) has launched the "Tenant Rights Checker," a new feature for its AI-powered move-out cost assessment service, "Move-out Cost Overpayment Diagnosis" (https://taikyo.xyz), which allows users to check the validity of special clauses in rental agreements.

Tool URL: https://taikyo.xyz/tools/rights-checker

Tool Overview

In disputes over move-out costs, tenants are often charged high fees based on the argument that "it is written in the contract." However, not all special clauses listed in rental agreements are legally binding.

This tool is a web-based application where users can input the content of special clauses regarding move-out costs, and the AI determines the likelihood of those clauses being judged valid based on legal precedents. The assessments are based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Guidelines for Troubles Concerning Restoration to Original Condition (Revised Edition)" and relevant judicial precedents (such as the Supreme Court ruling on December 16, 2005).

Input Items

Basic Information:

• Property type (Condominium/Apartment/Detached house/Other)
• Contract date (Year/Month)
• Whether an explanation of important matters was provided at the time of contract
• Whether an individual explanation of the special clauses was provided

Input of Special Clauses (Up to 10 clauses, one by one):

Input can be done via one of the following methods:

Method 1: Selection Input ── Choose from common special clause patterns

• Clause requiring the tenant to bear house cleaning costs
• Clause requiring the tenant to bear lock replacement costs
• Clause requiring the tenant to bear the cost of full wallpaper replacement
• Clause requiring the tenant to bear the cost of tatami mat replacement
• Clause requiring the tenant to bear air conditioner cleaning costs
• Clause allocating the security deposit to restoration costs
• Clause setting no upper limit on restoration costs
• Penalty clause for short-term cancellation (less than 1 year)
• Clause for restoration costs that does not account for aging/wear and tear

Method 2: Text Input ── Enter the special clause from the contract exactly as written

Output Results

1. Validity Assessment per Clause (3 Levels)

Each clause is assessed for validity based on the following three levels:

• High likelihood of validity: Patterns likely to be judged valid under legal precedent, provided procedures and content are appropriate. However, the reasonableness of the amount requires separate verification.
• Validity in question: Patterns that are problematic in light of the guidelines or similar to those judged invalid in court.
• High likelihood of invalidity: Patterns likely to be judged invalid under legal precedent. Potential conflict with Article 10 of the Consumer Contract Act.

2. Explanation of Assessment Basis

The following information is displayed as the basis for each assessment:

• Relevant Guideline References: The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's view on the specific clause.
• Summary of Reference Precedents: Overview of court cases judging similar clauses (e.g., Supreme Court ruling on Dec 16, 2005: Clauses requiring tenants to bear costs for normal wear and tear are invalid without "clear agreement").
• Relationship with the Consumer Contract Act: Potential application of Article 10 of the Consumer Contract Act, which invalidates clauses that unilaterally harm consumer interests contrary to the principle of good faith.

3. Condition Check for Clause Validity

For a special clause to be recognized as valid, certain conditions are generally required. This tool displays whether the entered information meets these conditions.

• The content of the special clause must be specific and clear.