Rental Contracts and the Initial Costs You Need

When you rent a room in Japan, in addition to your monthly rent, you may need to pay several types of money when you sign the contract.

Before signing, check "how much you need in total at the start."

Rent

This is the fee for the room that you pay every month.

Some properties also require a separate management fee or common service fee.

Security deposit (shikikin)

This is money you deposit with the landlord when you sign the contract.

When you move out, the basic rule is that any remaining amount — after deducting unpaid rent or repair costs the tenant is responsible for — is returned to you.

Key money (reikin)

This is money paid to the landlord, and it is usually not returned when you move out.

Depending on the property, there may be no key money at all.

Agency fee

This is the fee paid to the real estate agency.

Guarantor company fee

If you use a guarantor company instead of a personal guarantor, a guarantee fee is required.

Some contracts also require a fee at renewal.

Fire insurance and similar

You may be required to take out insurance as a condition of the contract.

Renewal fee

Some properties require a fee when you renew the contract.

Check your contract.

What to check before signing

• The total amount of initial costs
• The amount you pay every month
• The contract period
• The cost at renewal
• The cost when you move out
• Prohibited actions
• The deadline for notifying cancellation

If there are any terms you do not understand, check with the real estate agency before signing.

What you can check next

• Finding Housing in Japan
• Moving Out of Rental Housing
• Rules on Trash, Noise, and Shared Housing

Main places to check

• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
• Real estate agencies
• Landlords and management companies

Last checked: August 2026