{"id":20582,"date":"2026-02-05T22:34:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T13:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mytokyohomes.com\/?p=20582"},"modified":"2026-04-19T11:53:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T02:53:42","slug":"apartment-cost-in-japan-fixed-vs-negotiable-initial-fees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mytokyohomes.com\/en\/apartment-cost-in-japan-fixed-vs-negotiable-initial-fees\/","title":{"rendered":"Apartment Cost in Japan: Fixed vs Negotiable Initial Fees"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

When it comes to renting a place in Tokyo, the <\/span>apartment cost in Japan<\/span> go far beyond just the monthly rent you see advertised. Many people from abroad are surprised at how much money they need before they even turn the key in the door. This article breaks down the typical initial move-in costs (\u521d\u671f\u8cbb\u7528) that you will likely encounter when you <\/span>rent apartment in Japan<\/span>, explains what is negotiable, and shares practical tips to make this process easier and more predictable for anyone planning a move to Japan.<\/span><\/p>

What You Can Expect to Pay When You First Move In<\/h2>

Unlike many Western countries, Japan has a unique rental system that includes several fees at the start of a lease. In Tokyo, it is common for the total required upfront costs to equal several months of rent before you can move in. For example, some estimates say move-in costs in central Tokyo can run 4\u20136 months\u2019 worth of rent or more depending on the property and neighborhood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

For the whole renting process in Japan, see our step-by-step guide for foreigners<\/a>.<\/p>

Here are the main items you are likely to see:<\/span><\/p>

1. First Month Rent (\u524d\u5bb6\u8cc3)<\/h3>

This is simply your first month\u2019s rent paid in advance and is not refundable. It\u2019s usually required before the contract is signed or before you pick up your keys. For example, if you move in on January 10, you pay in advance the prorated rent through January 31, plus the full rent for February.<\/span><\/p>

2. Security Deposit (\u6577\u91d1, Shikikin)<\/h3>

A security deposit is held by the landlord and may be refundable when you leave, minus any costs for damage or deep cleaning. In Tokyo, landlords typically require a security deposit equal to one or two months\u2019 rent, depending on the property, although some apartments require no deposit at all. If pets are allowed and you plan to keep one, an additional one to two months\u2019 rent is often added to the deposit.<\/span><\/p>

3. Key Money (\u793c\u91d1, Reikin)<\/h3>

This is one of the biggest surprises for newcomers. Key money is a non-refundable thank-you payment to the landlord. While this custom is fading in some areas, it is still quite common in Tokyo, often amounting to one or two months\u2019 rent. However, some properties do not require key money. <\/span><\/p>

4. Agency Fee (\u4ef2\u4ecb\u624b\u6570\u6599)<\/h3>

If you use a real estate agent, you normally pay a fee equal to one month\u2019s rent plus consumption tax for their services.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

5. Guarantor or Guarantor Company Fee (\u4fdd\u8a3c\u4f1a\u793e\u5229\u7528\u6599)<\/h3>

Most landlords require tenants to have a guarantor, a person in Japan who promises to cover your rent, if you cannot pay. Since many foreigners do not have a personal guarantor, they instead sign with a guarantor company. Recently, it has become increasingly common for Japanese tenants to use rent guarantee companies as well. These companies charge an initial fee typically between 50% and 100% of one month\u2019s rent, plus a yearly renewal fee of around \u00a510,000\u2013\u00a520,000.<\/span><\/p>

6. Fire and Liability Insurance<\/h3>

Fire insurance is usually mandatory. Expect to pay around \u00a515,000\u2013\u00a530,000 for two years of coverage. <\/span><\/p>

7. Lock Change Fee<\/h3>

For safety, landlords often change the locks before a new tenant moves in. This can cost \u00a515,000\u2013\u00a555,000. <\/span><\/p>

8. Renewal Fee (\u66f4\u65b0\u6599)<\/h3>

In Tokyo, leases are typically two years long, and when you renew you may have to pay a renewal fee equal to one month\u2019s rent. This is separate from initial costs and comes due at the end of your lease term if you decide to stay.<\/span><\/p>

Typical Cost Example (Tokyo)<\/h2><\/div>

To put it in perspective, let\u2019s say you are looking at a \u00a5100,000\/month (approx US$650) apartment in Tokyo:<\/span><\/p>
Item<\/span><\/td>Typical Cost<\/span><\/td><\/tr>

Prorated rent for the remaining days of the move-in month + the full rent for the following month\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

*in case of moving in in the middle of the month<\/span><\/p><\/td>

\u00a5150,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Security deposit<\/span><\/td>\u00a5100,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Key money<\/span><\/td>\u00a5100,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Agency fee<\/span><\/td>\u00a5110,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Guarantor company fee<\/span><\/td>\u00a5100,000*<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Fire insurance<\/span><\/td>\u00a522,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Lock change fee<\/span><\/td>\u00a520,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Estimated total<\/span><\/td>\u00a5602,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

*The actual fee depends on the guarantor company you use. Some charge as high as 100% of one month\u2019s rent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This example shows that the initial <\/span>apartment cost in Japan<\/span> can easily add up to the equivalent of 6 months\u2019 rent or more before you move in, especially in central Tokyo. Additionally, In case of using a parking space, the first month’s fee may apply, and depending on the property, an administrative fee of several tens of thousands of yen may also be charged.<\/span><\/p>

What Is Standard and What You Can Negotiate<\/h2>

Many of these costs are standard in Japan, but some items are easier to negotiate than others.<\/span><\/p>

Standard Fees That Are Usually Hard to Change<\/h3>