Japanese rentals require upfront costs equivalent to several months' rent at move-in. Adding up the security deposit, key money, advance rent, agency fee, and guarantor company fee, the total generally comes to roughly 4–6 months' rent. The range varies by property and terms, and choosing a property with no key money or no deposit can lower your initial costs. Note that for residential properties, under Japan's Real Estate Brokerage Act the agency fee charged to the tenant is in principle capped at half a month's rent plus tax, and may reach one month's rent plus tax only with the tenant's consent.
- Security deposit (1–2 months' rent; settled at move-out after deducting restoration costs, then refunded)
- Key money (0–2 months' rent, non-refundable; zero-key-money properties are increasing)
- Agency fee (tenant's share is in principle half a month's rent + tax, up to one month + tax with consent) + advance rent