To rent this house, how much you need to prepare in cash at the first month?

1. The first month’s rent= ¥40,000 (maybe plus pro-rating cost)

2. Deposit/Hoshoo-kin/Shiki-kin (1 to 2 month’s rent) = ¥40,000 to ¥80,000

3. Key money/ Rei-kin (0 to２mont’s rent) = ¥0 to ¥80,000

4. Agent’s commission fee/ Chuukai Tesuu-ryo (1 month’s rent + tax) = ¥44,000

5. Guarantor company fee/ Hoshou gaisha (one month’s rent + tax) = ¥44,000

6. Common maintenance fee/ Kanri-hi = ¥3,000 to ¥5,000

7. Fire insurance/ Kasai hoken = ¥20,000 (for a two-year policy or )

8. Door lock exchange fee = ¥12,000

※The Possible Upfront Cost : ￥203,000 to ￥325,000

In this case, you need to prepare at least ¥203,000 (up to ¥325,000) in cash to the landlord and your agent, which is about 5 to 7 times the rent! Also, you need to prepare for more money for furniture and appliances (mattress, curtains, refrigerator, washer, etc.).

Please come to *Moving-in Orientation* where we can share more strategy to find your new house!!!

(1) Fudousan-ya (Real Estate Agent)

Fudousan-ya is an agent specializing in finding houses or apartments, buying / selling or replacing houses, or acting as an intermediary to sell / buy or rent houses.

(2) Yachin (Rent)

Yachin means rent and is paid every month. Unless you are moving in at the beginning of the month, the rent will be pro-rated for the first month.

(3) Kanri-hi (Maintenance Charge) and Kyoueki-hi (Building Management Charge)

Kanri-hi and kyoueki-hi are charges for the maintenance, electricity and general cleaning of the areas of the building (such as the stairs and hallways) that are shared by the renters. They are paid in addition to the rent.

(4) Shikikin (Security Deposit)

Shikikin refers to the deposit paid to the landlord (owner) after signing the lease contract. Usually equivalent to one to three months' rent. If the rent remains unpaid after the tenant moves out, or if the house is damaged or in poor condition, the money will be used to pay the fee, and the remaining money will be returned to the tenant.

(5) Reikin (Key Money)

Reikin is the money paid to the landlord as a gratuity. It is usually non-refundable & equivalent to one to two months' rent. In some cases, reikin is not required.

(6) Chuukai Tesuu-ryo (Agent Fee)

Chuukai tesuu-ryo is paid to the real estate agent as a finder’s fee. It is usually half or one month’s rent.

(7) Songai Hoken-ryo (Non-Life Insurance Premium)

This refers to a non-life insurance premium for furniture and other items that you may be required to cover upon entering into a contract.

(8) Koushin-ryo (Renewal Charge)

Koushin-ryo is the money paid to the landlord when renewing the contract. It is not always required.

(9) Rentai Hoshounin (Joint Surety (Guarantor))

You are required to have a rentai hoshounin or a guarantor who is financially liable in case you cannot afford rent or pay for necessary repairs. It is usually an individual who has a certain level of income; however, you can also use a guarantor company (hoshougaisha). Also, depending on where you live, the municipality may offer a guarantor system (hoshouseido). For more details, consult the municipal office or a real estate agent.

(1) Emergency Contact

Fudousan-ya (agent houses) usually ask your Emergency contact before contract. Please prepare the phone number of your relatives/ friends who live in Japan.

(2) Reporting Your New Address to Ward Office

Once you moving out to a new apartment/dorm, please report your new address to the Ward Office soon and ensure it written down in your residence card.

(3) Reporting Your New Address to GSES Office

After your new address already written in the residence card, please copy your residence card and bring it to GSES Office.

(4) Don't forget mail redirection

You can notify Japan Post of your new address by submitting a change of address notice "Tenkyo" which can be found at any post office within Japan.