Renting your first apartment

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Renting in Japan involves a substantial payment at move-in. A deposit, key money, the agency's commission, the first month's rent, fire insurance, and a lock change stack up, and together they commonly come to several months' rent. Budgeting on the monthly figure alone will leave you short. The deposit is applied to restoring the property when you leave, and whatever remains is returned. Key money is not returned at all. Properties without key money have become more common, though this varies by region. Contracts often require a joint guarantor. If you cannot provide one, a guarantee company takes that role for an initial fee and a renewal fee thereafter. Some landlords decline foreign tenants; agencies experienced with foreign residents, and municipal housing consultation desks, will widen your options considerably. Before signing, confirm whether there is a renewal fee and how much, what restoration on departure covers, whether instruments and pets are permitted, and how much notice you must give to leave. A month's notice is common. An explanation of important contract terms is given before signing. If a clause is unclear, do not sign in the room — ask for it to be explained, or for time to have it translated.