{"id":2411,"date":"2025-04-14T22:52:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T13:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/?p=2411"},"modified":"2025-05-08T22:11:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T13:11:29","slug":"renting-apartment-tokyo-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/renting-apartment-tokyo-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"Renting an Apartment in Tokyo: Deposit, Key Money, and Hidden Costs Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you moving to Japan on a long-term assignment and looking for an apartment in Tokyo, but unsure of what rental costs you\u2019ll face?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When renting an apartment in Tokyo, you\u2019ll come across a number of costs unique to Japan\u2014like key money, which can be surprising for many foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for anyone relocating to Tokyo on an overseas assignment to be well-prepared by understanding not only the monthly rent but also the various upfront and hidden costs involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll break down 11 types of costs commonly incurred when signing a rental contract in Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll also explain how much you can expect to pay on a monthly basis once you move in. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11 Types of Costs When Renting an Apartment in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tokyo-tower-5664846_1280-e1744634501392.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tokyo-tower-5664846_1280-e1744634501392.jpg 768w, https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tokyo-tower-5664846_1280-e1744634501392-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tokyo-tower-5664846_1280-e1744634501392-309x206.jpg 309w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The following is a list of the 11 typical costs involved in renting a property in Tokyo:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Security Deposit (shikikin)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key Money (reikin)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advance Rent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prorated Rent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agency Fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire and Liability Insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guarantor Company Fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key Exchange Fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Renewal Fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parking or Bicycle Storage Fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deodorization Fee (upon moving out)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a breakdown of each cost category:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Security Deposit (Shikikin)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The security deposit is a refundable amount paid to the landlord via a real estate agent at the start of the lease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s used to cover unpaid rent or damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If no issues arise, the deposit is refunded when you move out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The standard deposit amount ranges from 0 to 4 months\u2019 rent, and some listings may not require a deposit at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Money (Reikin)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Key money is a non-refundable payment made to the landlord as a gesture of gratitude for renting out the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its origins date back to post-Great Kanto Earthquake times, when finding housing was difficult and tenants would thank landlords with money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While fewer properties now require key money, it\u2019s still common, and you should expect to pay around 1 to 2 months\u2019 rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advance Rent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japan, rent is usually paid in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When signing the lease, you will typically be required to pay the rent for the following month upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going forward, rent is usually due between the 25th and the last day of each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prorated Rent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prorated rent is calculated from the day you move in until the end of that month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if your lease begins on March 20, you\u2019ll pay rent from March 20 to March 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: some landlords calculate prorated rent based on the actual number of days in the month, while others assume 30 or 31 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agency Fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The agency fee is a commission paid to the real estate agent for facilitating the rental process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agents provide services like property selection, tenant screening, and contract paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, this fee amounts to 0.5 to 1 month\u2019s rent + consumption tax, though it can vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some properties owned or managed directly by agencies may offer reduced agency fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire and Tenant Liability Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This insurance is usually mandatory in Japan when renting an apartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It covers damages to your personal belongings in case of fire and provides tenant liability protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Premiums vary depending on the coverage, so be sure to check with your real estate agency for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guarantor Company Fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of a personal guarantor, many rentals now require tenants to use a guarantor company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These companies cover unpaid rent if the tenant defaults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The initial fee typically ranges from 0.5 to 1 month\u2019s rent, and you may also have to pay a yearly renewal fee of around \u00a510,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Exchange Fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the cost of replacing the apartment\u2019s locks and keys when you move in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing locks is recommended for security reasons, as previous tenants may have made spare keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Costs depend on the type of lock, but the average range is \u00a510,000 to \u00a530,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Renewal Fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A renewal fee is charged when extending the lease beyond the original term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in luxury rentals, this fee is common and usually equals one month\u2019s rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional costs such as administrative fees or document preparation charges may also apply, so confirm the terms when signing the lease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parking or Bicycle Storage Fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fees for car and bicycle parking are typically separate from rent and charged monthly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In luxury buildings, secure parking such as indoor, flat, or mechanical garages may be available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices usually range from \u00a520,000 to \u00a550,000 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bicycle parking may cost a few hundred yen to \u00a52,000\/month, depending on the facilities. Check availability in advance if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deodorization Fee (Upon Moving Out)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This fee covers the cost of removing odors (e.g., from pets, smoking, or everyday living) before the next tenant moves in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luxury rentals often hire professional cleaning companies for this, especially in pet-friendly or smoking-allowed units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fees typically range from \u00a530,000 to \u00a550,000, but may be higher depending on the severity and scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always confirm the terms in the lease agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-apartments-tokyo-blog wp-block-embed-apartments-tokyo-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"U1pOUmalVN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/find-luxury-apartment-tokyo\/\">Moving to Tokyo? A Complete Guide to Finding a Luxury Apartment in Japan<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Moving to Tokyo? A Complete Guide to Finding a Luxury Apartment in Japan&#8221; &#8212; Apartments Tokyo Blog.\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/find-luxury-apartment-tokyo\/embed\/#?secret=qAyKWMlxl2#?secret=U1pOUmalVN\" data-secret=\"U1pOUmalVN\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Are Initial Costs When Renting in Tokyo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/shawn-tung-sBuSz0GyDpw-unsplash-e1744634662552.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2419\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re relocating to Japan for work, the initial move-in costs when renting in Tokyo are typically around 4.5 to 5 months\u2019 rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, you should budget for relocation expenses, as well as furniture and appliance purchases in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a general price guide for common items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Item<\/td><td>Estimated Cost (JPY)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TV<\/td><td>\u00a5150,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Refrigerator<\/td><td>\u00a5200,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rice Cooker<\/td><td>\u00a525,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Microwave<\/td><td>\u00a515,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vacuum Cleaner<\/td><td>\u00a515,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Washing Machine<\/td><td>\u00a580,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hair Dryer<\/td><td>\u00a55,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Double Bed<\/td><td>\u00a570,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sofa<\/td><td>\u00a535,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dining Table &amp; Chairs<\/td><td>\u00a532,000+<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Plan your budget with some buffer room to ensure a smooth transition when relocating to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monthly Living Costs in a Tokyo Rental Apartment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/fabio-sasso-2Cy5UnI482o-unsplash-e1744634720798.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2420\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Monthly expenses for an overseas assignee renting in Tokyo will vary depending on location and size, but here are the typical categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Monthly Rent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Management\/Common Area Fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parking Fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internet &amp; Communication Costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other Living Expenses (e.g., groceries)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Management and common area fees cover the maintenance of shared spaces like entrances, hallways, and elevators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to account for utilities, internet, and food\u2014essential costs that recur every month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-apartments-tokyo-blog wp-block-embed-apartments-tokyo-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"6Q2HzWPThZ\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/tokyo-grocery-stores-organic\/\">7 Grocery Stores in Tokyo! Stores where you can buy organic food!<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;7 Grocery Stores in Tokyo! Stores where you can buy organic food!&#8221; &#8212; Apartments Tokyo Blog.\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/tokyo-grocery-stores-organic\/embed\/#?secret=HmnP7JJWD7#?secret=6Q2HzWPThZ\" data-secret=\"6Q2HzWPThZ\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Renting an Apartment in Tokyo as an Expat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/yu-kato-e8vEEav7yPU-unsplash-e1744634826284.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2421\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re moving to Tokyo as an overseas assignee, make sure you&#8217;re aware of the <strong>11 key costs<\/strong> involved in renting a property here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Asian Property&#8217;s APARTMENTS TOKYO<\/strong><\/a>, we specialize in luxury apartments for expats relocating to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can search properties with filters such as pet-friendly, concierge service, or in-house gym to find your ideal apartment.<br>Our English-speaking staff can support you with property tours, area insights, and commute advice\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">so feel free to reach out!<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><div class=\"like_button\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Frenting-apartment-tokyo-costs%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=21&amp;locale=en_US&amp;width=90\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:96px; height:21px;\" allowTransparency=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><div class=\"twitter_button\"><iframe allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets\/tweet_button.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Frenting-apartment-tokyo-costs%2F&#038;counturl=http%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Frenting-apartment-tokyo-costs%2F&#038;count=horizontal&#038;text=Renting%20an%20Apartment%20in%20Tokyo%3A%20Deposit%2C%20Key%20Money%2C%20and%20Hidden%20Costs%20Explained%3A&#038;via=API_tokyo\" style=\"width:101px; height:20px;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-linkedin\"><div class=\"linkedin_button\"><script type=\"in\/share\" data-url=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/renting-apartment-tokyo-costs\/\" data-counter=\"right\"><\/script><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you moving to Japan on a long-term assignment and looking for an apartment in Tokyo, but unsure of what rental costs you\u2019ll face? When renting an apartment in Tokyo, you\u2019ll come across a number of costs unique to Japan\u2014like key money, which can be surprising for many foreigners. That\u2019s &hellip;<\/p>\n<div class=\"sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled\"><div class=\"robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-official sd-sharing\"><h3 class=\"sd-title\">Share this:<\/h3><div class=\"sd-content\"><ul><li class=\"share-facebook\"><div class=\"like_button\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Frenting-apartment-tokyo-costs%2F&amp;layout=button_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=21&amp;locale=en_US&amp;width=90\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:96px; height:21px;\" allowTransparency=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-twitter\"><div class=\"twitter_button\"><iframe allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets\/tweet_button.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Frenting-apartment-tokyo-costs%2F&#038;counturl=http%3A%2F%2Fapartment-japan.tokyo%2Fblog%2Frenting-apartment-tokyo-costs%2F&#038;count=horizontal&#038;text=Renting%20an%20Apartment%20in%20Tokyo%3A%20Deposit%2C%20Key%20Money%2C%20and%20Hidden%20Costs%20Explained%3A&#038;via=API_tokyo\" style=\"width:101px; height:20px;\"><\/iframe><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-linkedin\"><div class=\"linkedin_button\"><script type=\"in\/share\" data-url=\"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/renting-apartment-tokyo-costs\/\" data-counter=\"right\"><\/script><\/div><\/li><li class=\"share-end\"><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2415,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2411"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2411"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2449,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2411\/revisions\/2449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apartment-japan.tokyo\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}