How to rent an apartment in Tokyo
Apartments are usually rented through real estate agents rather than landlords. Real estate offices can be recognized by listings of available apartments in their show windows. They also advertise on signs in the neighborhood and in various publications.
Not at last, entering a rental contract with a conventional real estate company is very expensive. A number of refundable and non refundable fees have to be paid, often totaling three to ten months’ rent, depending on the company and apartment:
- Reservation fee (tetsukekin)
- The tetsukekin is paid when you apply for an apartment, and before the actual rental contract is signed. It serves as a guarantee for you that the apartment is not given to somebody else, and for the agent that you do not change your mind. It is refunded after the actual contract is signed and is usually equivalent to about one month’s rent.
- Deposit (shikikin)
- The deposit is used to cover eventual future damage to the apartment. The deposit minus the cost for repairs is refunded when you move out. The deposit is usually equivalent to several months’ rent.
- Key money (reikin)
- This is a non refundable payment to the landlord in the amount of up to several months’ rent.
- Service fee (chukai tesuryo)
- This is a non refundable payment to the real estate agent in the amount of at most one month’s rent.
In most cases, apartments come unfurnished, utilities are not included in the rent, and pets are not allowed.
Reference: Tokyo Guest House at http://www.share-style.net/