※ Includes agent fee (1 month's rent), insurance (≈¥20,000), key replacement (≈¥20,000), and guarantor company fee (0.5 month's rent). Actual amounts vary by property.
Key money, security deposit, guarantor, screening—foreigners renting in Japan for the first time easily fall into pitfalls. Here’s a clear explanation.
📝 Rental Process (7 Steps)
Set a budget: Rent should generally not exceed 1/3 of monthly income.
Define needs: Commute time, whether pets are allowed, whether furniture is included.
Find properties: Use foreigner-friendly platforms to search.
Apply for screening: Submit residence card, proof of income, and proof of employment/enrollment.
Sign the contract: Usually 2 years; cancellation requires 1-2 months’ notice.
Move in: Set up utilities (water, electricity, gas) and confirm the obligation to restore the property to its original condition.
💰 What Are the Initial Costs?
🏷️ Key Money (Reikin)
A thank-you fee to the landlord, usually one month’s rent. It’s not a deposit and is non-refundable when moving out.
🛡️ Security Deposit (Shikikin)
A deposit, usually 1-2 months’ rent. After deducting cleaning and repair costs when moving out, you typically get little back.
🤝 Guarantor/Guarantor Company
If you don’t have a Japanese guarantor, you need to join a guarantor company (e.g., GTN, Japan Rental Guarantee). The cost is about half a month’s rent.
🔑 Other Fees
Agent fee (one month’s rent), fire insurance (10,000-20,000 yen), key replacement fee (10,000-20,000 yen), 24-hour support fee.