Move-in Cost Quiz — what you really pay at signing

Q: For a ¥70,000/month room, how much should you budget for move-in costs?

About 4–6 months' rent (roughly ¥280,000–420,000)。Move-in costs combine the deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), agency fee, first month's rent, guarantor-company fee, fire insurance and lock change — generally about 4–6 months' rent. For ¥70,000 rent, budget roughly ¥280,000–420,000.

Q: Why can 'zero deposit, zero key money' deals still have high upfront costs?

Because the guarantor-company fee, lock-change fee and cleaning fee are charged separately。Even with zero deposit and zero key money, a guarantor-company fee, lock-change fee, move-out cleaning fee and first month's rent are still charged separately. 'Zero-zero' waives only part of the upfront costs — always check the full itemised quote.

Q: Which money can come back when you move out?

The deposit (shikikin) after deducting restoration costs。The deposit (shikikin) is held in trust — what's left after deducting restoration costs is refunded. Key money (reikin), the agency fee, and the lock-change fee are non-refundable. To avoid disputes at move-out, confirm the restoration scope in writing when you sign.

Q: Which statement about guarantor-company fees is correct?

An initial fee plus an annual renewal fee in most cases。Most guarantor-company contracts charge an initial fee (often 0.5–1 month's rent) plus an annual renewal fee. Factor this in as a recurring annual expense.

Renting in Japan requires a lump sum of move-in costs on top of the rent. Knowing what you pay, how much, and what comes back helps you plan your budget.

Q1.For a ¥70,000/month room, how much should you budget for move-in costs?

Q2.Why can 'zero deposit, zero key money' deals still have high upfront costs?

Q3.Which money can come back when you move out?

Q4.Which statement about guarantor-company fees is correct?