Finding a place to live is one of the first and most important steps when moving to Japan. But when you’re handed a rental agreement filled with unfamiliar terms and complicated kanji, the process can feel overwhelming. If you’re not confident in Japanese, even asking basic questions about rent or fees can be stressful.
This guide will walk you through the essential Japanese vocabulary for renting a home in Japan. Whether you’re a student, a worker, or someone planning to stay long-term, this article covers the key real estate terms (不動産用語, fudōsan yōgo) you need to know, along with useful phrases and real-world examples.
Why Knowing Rental Japanese Matters
In Japan, real estate agencies and landlords typically conduct the rental process in Japanese only. Even if you’re using an English-friendly agency, the contract documents (契約書 – keiyakusho) and important explanations (重要事項説明書 – jūyō jikō setsumeisho) will almost always be in Japanese.
Misunderstanding terms like shikikin (security deposit) or reikin (key money) can lead to financial confusion or even disputes. So, understanding this terminology isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Basic Japanese Terms Related to Rent
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 家賃 | yachin | Monthly rent |
| 敷金 | shikikin | Security deposit (partially refundable) |
| 礼金 | reikin | Key money (non-refundable) |
| 仲介手数料 | chūkai tesūryō | Agent commission (usually one month’s rent + tax) |
| 日割り家賃 | hiwari yachin | Daily prorated rent if moving in mid-month |
| 更新費 | kōshin-hi | Contract renewal fee |
| 家財保険 | kazai hoken | Fire/property insurance |
| 鍵交換代 | kagi kōkan-dai | Key exchange fee |
| 保証人 | hoshōnin | Guarantor (often replaced by a guarantee company) |
Common Contract-Related Terms
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 契約 | keiyaku | Contract |
| 賃貸 | chintai | Rental property |
| 契約期間 | keiyaku kikan | Contract period (usually 2 years) |
| 入居審査 | nyūkyo shinsa | Tenant screening |
| 重要事項説明書 | jūyō jikō setsumeisho | Important explanatory document before signing |
| 定期借家 | teiki shakuka | Fixed-term lease (no automatic renewal) |
| 原状回復 | genjō kaifuku | Restoration to original condition (when moving out) |
| 更新 | kōshin | Contract renewal |
Building & Room Structure Terms
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 間取り | madori | Floor plan (e.g., 1K, 2LDK) |
| 畳 | jō | Tatami mat unit (1 jō ≈ 1.62 m²) |
| 管理費 | kanri-hi | Maintenance fee for shared areas |
| 管理会社 | kanri gaisha | Property management company |
| 分譲賃貸 | bunjō chintai | Rental unit in a privately owned condo |
| 共用部分 | kyōyō bubun | Common areas (e.g., hallway, stairs, elevator) |
| 事故物件 | jiko bukken | Property with a past accident or incident |
| おとり物件 | otori bukken | Fake listing to attract customers |
| 未公開物件 | mikōkai bukken | Unpublished property (not on general listings) |
Real-Life Japanese Phrases for Renting
Asking about rent and fees:
「礼金と敷金はそれぞれ何ヶ月分ですか？」
Reikin to shikikin wa sorezore nan-kagetsu bun desu ka?
How many months’ worth are the key money and deposit?
Confirming contract terms:
「契約期間は何年ですか？更新費用はかかりますか？」
Keiyaku kikan wa nan-nen desu ka? Kōshin hiyō wa kakarimasu ka?
What’s the contract period, and is there a renewal fee?
When you have no guarantor:
「保証人がいませんが、保証会社を使えますか？」
Hoshōnin ga imasen ga, hoshō gaisha o tsukaemasu ka?
I don’t have a guarantor—can I use a guarantee company?
Booking a room visit (inspection):
「内見を予約したいです。」
Naiken o yoyaku shitai desu.
I’d like to schedule a room viewing.
Asking if you can move in right away:
「この部屋は即入居可能ですか？」
Kono heya wa soku nyūkyo kanō desu ka?
Can I move into this room immediately?
Recap: Essential Japanese for Rental Contracts
| Topic | Japanese Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent | 家賃 (yachin) | Paid every month |
| Deposit | 敷金 (shikikin) | Refundable in part |
| Key money | 礼金 (reikin) | Non-refundable |
| Agent fee | 仲介手数料 | Typically one month’s rent |
| Renewal | 更新 (kōshin) | May include a fee |
| Contract | 契約 (keiyaku) | Read carefully before signing |
| Inspection | 内見 (naiken) | Visit before committing |
| Important document | 重要事項説明書 | Legally required explanation |
Final Thoughts
Understanding Japanese rental terms isn’t just helpful—it’s a key part of making informed decisions when living in Japan. Whether you’re navigating listings online or sitting down with a real estate agent, knowing these essential Japanese real estate terms (不動産用語) will help you feel more confident and avoid unnecessary costs or misunderstandings.
Even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, having this vocabulary in your back pocket will make the process smoother and help you secure the best apartment for your needs.