When renting an apartment in Tokyo, you will need to pay a number of rental fees initially, which happens before contract signing.
Below is a glossary of rental fee terms you need to know before making that payment.
First Month’s Rent（初月賃料）
Rental amount for the first month post occupancy date, plus the next months rent. The amount paid differs from person to person and will be contingent on the contract period date. For example, if you move into the apartment on the 20th June, you would need to pay rent from the 20th June to the 31st of July upfront.
Key/Gift Money （礼金）
A one-time non-refundable fee paid to the owner. This concept originates all the way back to the 1920s when it was extremely difficult to find a home to rent after Japan experienced one of its most devastating earthquakes. As a token of gratitude to the home owner, this fee is usually 1-2 months of your rental fee but is waived for a number of properties we manage.
Agency Fee （仲介手数料）
An agency fee may apply to cover the costs associated with the time and effort required to find your dream home. Our agency fees are very competitive (50% to 100% of the first months rent). By law, agencies are required to charge a maximum of only one months rent as their fee. For more information, click here.
Key Exchange Fee (鍵交換費用)
For your own safety and peace of mind, a key changing fee will be charged. This fee may or may not apply to all apartment. Key changing fee should be paid by the renting party, which costs about 20,000-30,000 yen.
Cleaning Fee（退去時清掃費）
A cleaning fee is charged for the cleaning cost when moving out of the apartment. This amount will be deducted from the deposit separately.
Fire/Earthquake Insurance （火災保険）
In case of a fire or natural disaster, this insurance fee will most likely apply and be around 20,000-30,000 yen.
Renewal Fee（更新料）
Usually, this renewal charge will be one month’s rent and will need to be paid if you wish to renew your leasing agreement after the end lease date.
