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Initial Costs
Initial costs required for rental contracts in Japan
💰 Initial Cost Calculator
¥
e.g., Tokyo 1K avg ¥70,000, Osaka ¥50,000
Deposit (Shikikin)
Security deposit (refundable)
Rent × 1 month
¥70,000
Key Money (Reikin)(Optional)
Gift money (non-refundable)
Rent × 1 month
¥70,000
Brokerage Fee
Real estate agent fee
Rent × 1 month
¥70,000
Advance Rent
First month rent prepaid
Rent × 1 month
¥70,000
Fire Insurance
Fire insurance (2 years)
Fixed ~¥15,000-20,000
¥17,500
Key Exchange Fee
Lock replacement fee
Fixed ~¥15,000-20,000
¥17,500
Total Initial Cost
~4.5× monthly rent
315,000
💡 Note: Actual costs may vary by property and location. This calculation is based on typical cases.
📋 Initial Cost Items Details
Shikikin (敷金)
Deposit. 1-2 months rent. Returned after room restoration
Rent × 1-2 months
Reikin (礼金)
Key money to landlord. Non-refundable
Rent × 1-2 months
Brokerage Fee
Real estate agent fee
Rent × 0.5-1 month
Advance Rent
First month's rent prepaid
Rent × 1 month
Fire Insurance
Fire insurance (2 years)
¥15,000-20,000
💰 Total Example
Based on ¥70,000 rent → Initial cost approx. ¥350,000-500,000
💡 Tips
- •Properties without deposit/key money are increasing
- •Initial cost negotiation sometimes possible
- •Always check total amount before signing
📚 Official Sources & References
- •国土交通省: www.mlit.go.jp
- •SUUMO: suumo.jp
- •Last updated: September 2025