{"id":20047,"date":"2025-01-07T18:44:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T09:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.com\/apj\/?p=20047"},"modified":"2026-06-24T18:40:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T09:40:42","slug":"glossary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.com\/apj\/glossary\/","title":{"rendered":"Glossary & Customs - Japanese Rental Housing -"},"content":{"rendered":"
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 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Word<\/th>\nDescription<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Lease Agreement<\/td>\nThe document which is written the agreement covenants in between the Lessor (lender) and the Lessee (borrower) regarding to the rental properties. Written the details of the subject property and conditions in clearly, and clarify the lease term (lease period), the process for cancellation, and the prohibited matters.<\/p>\n

In Japan, three types of lease agreements based on various laws are commonly used for rental housing contracts;
\n\u30fbFixed-term Residential Lease Agreement,
\n\u30fbOrdinary Residential Lease Agreement (usually renewable),
\n\u30fbTemporary-use Residential Lease agreement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Contract<\/td>\nThe action to start the lease agreement and make the terms effective. as of sign on the lease agreement, and the settlement of the required money and documents.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lease Term \/ Lease Period<\/td>\nThe period designated in the lease agreement ensures the rights of both the lessor and the lessee.
\nIn Japan, lease agreements typically have a standard duration of two years, often including an early cancellation penalty and options for renewal or extension.<\/p>\n

The offers on Apartment-Japan.com cater to both short-term and long-term leases.\u00a0<\/strong>The minimum lease term is one month*1<\/sup>, allowing you to choose a lease period of one month or longer based on your preferences.
\nLease prices and terms may vary depending on the duration of the lease.
\n*1 The minimum lease term may vary depending on the property or the landlord.
\n<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0 A one-month minimum is the standard defined by Japanese law to consider as \"Rental Residences.\"<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Short term lease<\/td>\nApartment-Japan.com defines leases of less than one year as \"Short-Term Leases.\" Rentals are available for periods of one month or longer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rent (Chinryo)<\/td>\nRent for the properties is typically paid monthly.
\nFor payments made via bank transfer or direct debit, the due date is generally the 25th or the end of the preceding month. For credit card payments, the due date is the 12th of the preceding month.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maintenance fee \/ Management fee \/ Administration cost (Kyoeki-hi)<\/td>\nThis fee is used to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of common areas in the building, such as hallways, stairs, elevators, and garbage stations.
\nIt also covers the replacement of light bulbs and other essentials to keep the building well-maintained and attractive. Additionally, it includes the cost of shared electrical facilities. The maintenance fee is added to the rent and paid monthly.
\nThe amount varies depending on the building, with properties featuring amenities such as a janitor or an auto-lock entrance typically having higher fees.
\nHowever, many properties listed on Apartment-Japan.com may include these fees in the rent, providing added convenience for tenants.<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Security deposit (Shikikin)<\/td>\nThe money which paid to the lessor upon contracting, to ensure the properties returned in good condition without liabilities of unpaid rent.<\/p>\n

It will be returned to the lessee after the termination of the contract.<\/p>\n

The money be used to compensate unpaid rent or\/and repair cost for damages or dirt upon evacuation. If the property is returned with damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the cost of repairing that damage may be charged against the deposit, and part (or all) of the refundable deposit will be deducted.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Key Money (Reikin)<\/td>\nKey money is different from a security deposit.
\nIt is a mandatory, non-refundable payment made to the landlord, often equivalent to one to two months\u2019 rent.
\n<\/span>Unlike a security deposit, key money is not returned at the end of the lease and is instead used by the landlord to cover necessary expenses such as property repairs or agent fees. This is one of the unique and somewhat unusual customs in Japan's real estate market. It dates back to ancient times when many students or workers moved to big cities for the first time. To express their gratitude for being allowed to rent a room, they offered key money to landlords. In return, landlords viewed this payment as a gesture of goodwill and a promise to take care of the tenants. While this tradition may seem outdated, it remains a common practice in Japan.<\/p>\n

* Most properties listed on Apartment-Japan.com do not require key money.<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Renewal fee (Koushinryo)<\/td>\nThe renewal fee is a common custom in Tokyo and Kyoto but is usually not required in Osaka.\u00a0In areas where it is required, this fee must be paid when the lease term ends, and you wish to renew the contract. The amount typically ranges from one to one-and-a-half months\u2019 rent.<\/p>\n

* Most properties listed on Apartment-Japan.com<\/span> do not charge a renewal fee.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Renter\u2019s Insurance<\/td>\nCasualty insurance focused for the lessee of the rental housing, which perform the compensation of own household goods and the compensation of liability to third parties and landlord.\u00a0Usually it compensates damages caused by fire, Lightning strike, Rupture and explosion, Wind disaster, Water stained, Violence, Theft, Water disaster etc. (It depends on the commodity of the insurance.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clean Up Fee \/ Cleaning Fee \/ Preparation Fee<\/td>\nThe clean-up or cleaning fee is charged for room cleaning after the tenant vacates the property.
\nThe preparation fee, on the other hand, covers light cleaning and setting up the rental property before a new tenant moves in.Both fees are typically payable at the time of signing the lease contract.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lock Smith Fee<\/td>\nFees for changing the entrance door of the property. It is changed for the security purpose.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
First month rent<\/td>\nThe first month's rent is paid at the time of contract signing and is always included in the initial payment.<\/p>\n
    \n
  • For medium- to long-term leases:
    \nIf you move in during the middle of the month, the rent for the current month will be prorated based on the remaining days. Additionally, the rent for the following month (full payment) may also be required upfront. Please note that the initial payment may exceed the standard monthly rent if you move in mid-month.<\/li>\n
  • For short-term leases (e.g., leases shorter than three months):
    \nThe first month's rent will include the daily rent for any fractional days (less than one month) plus one full month's rent. The fractional days are calculated as the difference between the contract start date and the contract end date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    * This explanation reflects the calculation method used on the Apartment-Japan.com website. Calculation methods may vary depending on the landlord or agency if you deal with them directly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Agency fee<\/td>\nThe money (commission) that paid to the real estate agent who found a room for you. Usually, it is equal to a month of rent + tax (10%).<\/p>\n

Basically, no brokerage fee is required when concluding a contract directly with a property whose transaction type is \u201clessor\u201d on Apartment-Japan.com.<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Guarantor<\/td>\nA guarantor is a person who takes responsibility for paying the rent to the landlord if the tenant is unable to do so due to special circumstances. The guarantor is also jointly responsible for all obligations of the lessee. Typically, the guarantor must be a Japanese national.<\/p>\n

No guarantor is required for \"Instant Booking\" properties concluded online through Apartment-Japan.com. For other properties, please check the details provided in each property listing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Guarantee Company<\/td>\nA company that acts as a guarantor on behalf of a tenant.
\nIt usually costs 50%~100% of the total of monthly payment as of rent, management fee, and fixed water charge, and the payment is made at the time of contracting (signing the lease agreement). And some guarantee companies require the renewal fee, too.Recently, more landlords prefer a guarantee company than a guarantor person.
\nAlso, in some cases, the landlord may require joining to a guarantee company in addition to the guarantor person.<\/p>\n

* For properties contracted directly through Apartment-Japan.com, guarantee company coverage is automatically included. No additional fee is required.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Emergency contact<\/td>\nEmergency contact is someone who will be contacted in case of tenant\u2019s emergency.
\nThey do not have any responsibility to pay anything.
\n<\/span>If the landlord or guarantor company cannot contact with the tenant, the emergency contact will be contacted.<\/span><\/p>\n

To be an emergency contact, it is preferred with co-worker or friends who live in the same city.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Application Process<\/td>\n\n

Application Process at a Typical Real Estate Agency in Japan:<\/p>\n

The application process is the first step in renting a property.<\/p>\n

After selecting a property, the applicant must submit the required information and documents to apply for and reserve it.<\/p>\n

Applicants are usually required to provide the following information and documents:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Personal contact information<\/li>\n
  • A copy of their passport<\/li>\n
  • Residency status information<\/li>\n
  • Japanese bank account information<\/li>\n
  • Japanese phone number<\/li>\n
  • Income certificate or tax certificate issued in Japan<\/li>\n
  • Length of employment at their current company<\/li>\n
  • Guarantor or emergency contact information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In addition, an application deposit approximately equal to one month\u2019s total payment is usually required. This amount will be applied toward the total contract cost.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Contract<\/td>\nContract Process at a Typical Real Estate Agency in Japan:<\/p>\n

After the application has been approved, the applicant proceeds to the contract process.<\/p>\n

In a typical rental transaction in Japan handled through a brokerage agency, the applicant is required to receive an explanation of important matters from a licensed real estate transaction specialist before signing the lease agreement.<\/p>\n

After receiving this explanation, the applicant must review, sign, and in many cases stamp the lease agreement and several related documents. This process often involves a considerable amount of paperwork and may require in-person procedures or prior document exchange by mail.<\/p>\n

The remaining balance of the initial fees must also be paid before the contract is completed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Application and Contract Process<\/p>\n

(in case of Apartment-Japan.com)<\/td>\n

Application and Contract Process on Apartment-Japan.com:<\/p>\n

On Apartment-Japan.com, the application and contract process is completed in one seamless online flow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After selecting a property, the lessee submits the required information and documents and electronically signs the lease agreement. By signing the lease agreement, the lessee formally expresses their intention to apply for and reserve the property.<\/p>\n

Applicants must provide the following information and documents:<\/p>\n

* Personal and emergency contact information
\n* A copy of their passport
\n* Residency status information
\n* Planned arrival date in Japan<\/p>\n

In addition, an initial payment, approximately equal to one month\u2019s total payment, is required. This amount will be applied toward the total contract cost.<\/p>\n

Payment can be made by credit card after the lease agreement is electronically signed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Tenancy Examination<\/td>\nFrom the information on the application, the Lessor judges the tenant\u2019s worthiness and trustable.
\nThe key point of this check is to assure that landlord to receive rent every month, and whether the tenant treat the property courteously.
\n<\/span>In some case, there is a chance that they turn down the application.
\nIf you are using a guarantor company, their check also will be taken at the same time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tenant responsibility<\/td>\nThe tenant is responsible for keeping the property's condition as same as it was rented. When the property has a serious dirt or damages and required some kind of repairs, it is the tenant\u2019s responsibility to fix it. Most likely, the landlord charges the repair cost and subtract it from the security deposit. Normal wear and tear is excluded.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Move in<\/td>\nAfter the contract-start-date, Tenant receive the key and move to the property.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vacating<\/td>\nTenants leaving from the property when the lease terminate.<\/p>\n

Upon vacating, the inspection is taken by the landlord or the representative of the landlord in order to check the property condition.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Cancellation<\/td>\nThe termination of the lease agreement by the lessor or the lessee for reasons of their own within the contract period.<\/p>\n

The party who wishes the termination must notify other party in advance in accordance with the provisions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Cancellation penalty<\/td>\nPenalties which is required when lessee cancels before expiration of the lease period.<\/p>\n

Most likely, the amount is two times of the monthly rent, but it depends on the lease condition. Should be aware of it when searching the property.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Compulsory cancellation<\/td>\nCancellation by the lessor within the contract period caused by the lessee's violation of any of the provisions. In this case, the lessee must evacuate the house with payable of the penalties.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Restoration<\/td>\nRepairs done upon vacating in accordance with the provisions, to return the property to the same condition upon moving in.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Word Description Lease Agreement The document which is written the agreement covenants in between the Lessor (lender) and the Lessee (borrower) regarding to the rental properties. Written the details of the subject property and conditions in clearly, and clarify the lease term (lease period), the process for cancellation, and the prohibited matters. In Japan, three types of lease agreements based on various laws are commonly used for rental housing contracts; \u30fbFixed-term Residential Lease Agreement, \u30fbOrdinary Residential Lease Agreement (usually renewable), \u30fbTemporary-use Residential Lease agreement Contract The action to start the lease agreement and make the terms effective. as of sign on the lease agreement, and the settlement of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20058,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-livingguide"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\t\n