Japanese Real Estate Guide for International Residents
Shinagawa Seaside Real Estate — Tokyo (Shinagawa area). This page explains common Japanese real estate terms and customs for people from other countries.
Our staff and the property owners can respond in Japanese only. We cannot support inquiries in English or Chinese. Please contact us only if you can communicate in Japanese and are familiar with Japanese real estate practices.
Jump to: Glossary ｜ Japanese customs ｜ vs. English-speaking countries ｜ vs. China ｜ Points to be careful about ｜ 中文版
Real estate glossary (Japanese – English – Chinese)
| 日本語 | English | 中文 | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 敷金 shikikin | Security deposit | 押金 | A refundable deposit paid to the landlord (often 0–2 months' rent). Repair/cleaning costs beyond normal wear may be deducted when you move out. |
| 礼金 reikin | Key money | 礼金（酬谢金） | A non-refundable "thank-you" payment to the landlord (often 0–2 months' rent). Not returned when you move out. |
| 仲介手数料 chūkai tesūryō | Brokerage (agent) fee | 中介费 | Paid to the real estate agent. For rentals, the legal maximum is 1 month's rent plus tax in total (both sides combined). For sales, the maximum is (3% of price + ¥60,000) plus tax for prices over ¥4 million. |
| 管理費・共益費 kanri-hi / kyōeki-hi | Management / common-area fee | 管理费・共用部分费 | A monthly fee for cleaning and maintaining shared areas (lobby, elevators, etc.). Usually paid together with the rent. |
| 更新料 kōshin-ryō | Renewal fee | 续约费 | A fee paid when renewing a lease (often about 1 month's rent every 2 years). Not required in every contract. |
| 保証会社 hoshō-gaisha | Guarantor company | 担保公司 | A company that guarantees your rent payments instead of (or in addition to) a personal guarantor. An initial fee and sometimes an annual fee apply. |
| 連帯保証人 rentai hoshōnin | Joint guarantor | 连带保证人 | A person who is legally responsible for your obligations if you cannot pay. Many landlords now use a guarantor company instead. |
| 普通借家契約 futsū shakuya keiyaku | Standard lease | 普通租赁合同 | The usual lease, typically 2 years, that can be renewed. The tenant is strongly protected under Japanese law. |
| 定期借家契約 teiki shakuya keiyaku | Fixed-term lease | 定期租赁合同 | A lease that ends on a set date and does not renew automatically. Re-contracting requires the landlord's agreement. |
| 原状回復 genjō kaifuku | Restoration to original condition | 恢复原状 | Responsibility for returning the unit to its condition at move-in when you leave. Normal wear and tear is generally the landlord's cost; damage you cause is yours. |
| 重要事項説明 jūyō jikō setsumei | Explanation of important matters | 重要事项说明 | A mandatory verbal explanation (with a written document) given by a licensed real estate transaction specialist before you sign a contract. It is given in Japanese. |
| 宅地建物取引士（宅建士） takken-shi | Licensed real estate transaction specialist | 宅地建物取引士（持证不动产交易专员） | A national qualification. Only this person may give the explanation of important matters and sign the related documents. |
| 専有面積 sen'yū menseki | Private floor area | 专有面积 | The floor area of your own unit in ㎡, not including shared areas. For sale condominiums it is usually measured to the wall center. |
| 間取り（1R・1K・1DK・1LDK） madori | Floor plan (1R, 1K, 1DK, 1LDK) | 户型（1R、1K、1DK、1LDK） | The number in front is the number of rooms. R = one room (kitchen included), K = kitchen, DK = dining-kitchen, LDK = living-dining-kitchen. Example: 2LDK = 2 bedrooms + living/dining/kitchen. |
| 畳（じょう） jō | Tatami mat (room-size unit) | 榻榻米（面积单位） | Room sizes are often given in tatami. One tatami is about 1.62 ㎡ or more (industry guideline). A "6-jō" room is roughly 9.7 ㎡. |
| 築年数 chiku nensū | Building age | 房龄 | Years since the building was completed. Buildings before June 1981 follow older earthquake standards. |
| 内見 naiken | Viewing | 看房 | Visiting a property before applying or buying. |
| 入居申込・入居審査 nyūkyo mōshikomi / shinsa | Application and tenant screening | 入住申请・入住审查 | You apply with your details; the landlord and guarantor company screen you (job, income, residence status, etc.) before a contract is offered. |
| 解約予告 kaiyaku yokoku | Notice of cancellation | 解约通知 | The advance notice required to end a lease, usually 1 month (sometimes 2), given in writing as specified in your contract. |
| 火災保険 kasai hoken | Fire insurance | 火灾保险 | Usually required for rentals (about ¥15,000–20,000 for 2 years) and covers fire, water damage, and liability to neighbors. |
| 鍵交換費用 kagi kōkan hiyō | Lock-change fee | 换锁费 | A fee for changing the lock when you move in, usually ¥10,000–20,000. |
| 手付金 tetsuke-kin | Earnest money (deposit on purchase) | 定金（购房手付款） | Paid when signing a sales contract. Before performance begins, the buyer can cancel by forfeiting it, and the seller by paying double. |
| 登記 tōki | Property registration | 登记（不动产登记） | Recording ownership at the Legal Affairs Bureau. Usually handled by a judicial scrivener. |
| 固定資産税・都市計画税 kotei shisan-zei / toshi keikaku-zei | Property tax / city planning tax | 固定资产税・都市规划税 | Annual taxes paid by the owner of a property (as of January 1 each year). |
| 修繕積立金 shūzen tsumitate-kin | Repair reserve fund | 修缮公积金 | Monthly amount owners of a condominium pay into a fund for future large-scale repairs. |
| 住宅ローン jūtaku rōn | Home loan (mortgage) | 住房贷款 | Banks set their own conditions for foreign nationals (such as permanent residency, income, and length of stay). Conditions vary by bank. |
Japanese real estate customs
Initial costs when renting
Initial costs are often around 4–6 months' rent in total: security deposit, key money, agent fee, the first month's rent (and sometimes the next month in advance), guarantor company fee, fire insurance, and a lock-change fee. Some properties have no key money or no deposit—check each listing.
Application and screening
You apply for a specific unit and are screened before signing. Employment, income, residence status, and emergency contacts are commonly checked. A Japanese-speaking emergency contact is often requested, and a guarantor company is commonly required.
Lease term and renewal
A standard lease is often 2 years and can be renewed. A renewal fee (often about 1 month's rent) may be charged. Fixed-term leases end on a set date and do not renew automatically.
Moving out
Give written notice in advance (usually 1 month; check your contract). Some contracts include a penalty for cancelling within a set period. At move-out, an inspection decides restoration costs, which are deducted from your deposit.
Unfurnished apartments
Rentals are usually unfurnished. Lighting, curtains, and sometimes air conditioners or refrigerators may not be included. You arrange electricity, gas, water, and internet yourself.
Living rules
Garbage must be separated and put out on set days. Quiet hours, balcony use, and smoking are regulated by the building rules. Pets are allowed only where the contract permits.
Buying a property
Before the purchase contract, a licensed specialist gives the explanation of important matters (in Japanese). An earnest-money deposit is paid at signing, the balance at settlement, and ownership is registered at the Legal Affairs Bureau. Buyers also pay taxes and fees beyond the price.
Floor area is measured differently
For sale condominiums, area is often measured to the wall center (larger figure); the registered area is measured to the inner wall surface (smaller figure). Rental listings usually show the unit's floor area.
Differences from English-speaking countries
Key money and multiple upfront payments
In many English-speaking countries you pay a deposit and the first month's rent. In Japan there may also be key money, an agent fee, a guarantor fee, and insurance.
Longer, renewable leases with renewal fees
A 2-year lease is common (12 months is more typical abroad), and renewal fees may apply.
The tenant often pays the agent
Agent fees are frequently paid by the tenant in Japan (up to 1 month's rent plus tax in total by law), whereas in some countries the landlord pays.
Unfurnished units
Fridge, lights, and sometimes air conditioners are not included. Furnished units are less common.
Guarantor system
A guarantor or a guarantor company is usually required. Credit history from your home country generally cannot be used.
Contracts and explanations are in Japanese
Contracts and the explanation of important matters are normally in Japanese. Bring an interpreter or a trusted Japanese speaker if needed.
Buildings lose value, land keeps it
In Japan, houses and condominium buildings generally depreciate over time while land value is more stable. Resale value depends heavily on location and building age.
Earthquake standards
Buildings from June 1981 onward follow stricter earthquake-resistance rules. Ask about the building's age and structure.
Differences from China
Freehold ownership
In Japan you can generally own land and building outright (freehold). In mainland China land is held under land-use rights (e.g., 70 years for residential).
Complete units, not bare shells
Japanese condominiums are normally delivered with kitchen, bath, and toilet installed. Rentals are typically unfurnished (no furniture or often no lighting/air conditioners).
Usable area vs. shared area
The area shown is generally the private area of the unit (shared areas are separate), so the percentage lost to common areas is usually smaller than in China. Check whether the figure is wall-center or inner-wall measurement.
Rent is paid monthly
Rent is paid monthly, usually in advance for the next month, via bank transfer or auto-debit—not in quarterly or half-year blocks.
Annual property tax and monthly building costs
Owners pay property tax every year, and condominium owners pay monthly management fees and a repair reserve. These are ongoing costs of ownership.
Purchase costs beyond the price
For pre-owned property, agent fee, taxes, registration, and loan costs often add up to around 6–10% of the price (varies widely).
Loans for non-residents are limited
Many banks require permanent residency or a long stay for a home loan. Non-residents often need to pay in cash.
Agent explanations are given in Japanese
The legally required explanation of important matters and contract documents are in Japanese. Bring an interpreter for important steps.
Points to be careful about in Japan
Our staff speak Japanese only
This site is translated automatically, but our staff and the owners can respond in Japanese only. We cannot handle inquiries by phone in English or Chinese. If you cannot speak or read Japanese, or are unfamiliar with Japanese transactions, customs, and contracts written in Japanese, we may be unable to assist. Please contact us only if you can communicate in Japanese and are familiar with Japanese real estate practices.
Contracts are legally binding in Japanese
Do not sign anything you do not understand. Translations (including this website) are for reference only.
Check the agent's license
Real estate agents must hold a license. Do not pay money to anyone who is not a licensed company, and be careful about transfers to personal accounts.
Tenant screening can take time
Screening typically takes several days. Prepare ID, residence card, proof of income or employment, and an emergency contact.
Follow the building rules
Noise, garbage, smoking, balcony use, and pets are regulated. Short-term rentals (such as minpaku) are prohibited unless expressly permitted. Some buildings do not allow pets at all.
Natural disasters
Japan has earthquakes and typhoons. Check the building's age, evacuation routes, and the hazard map of the area, and keep fire and (if needed) earthquake insurance.
Purchases by non-residents
Foreign nationals can generally buy property in Japan, but reporting obligations, tax treatment, remittance, and loan eligibility can differ depending on your residency. Consult a tax accountant or lawyer.
This page is general information
Amounts and rules shown are typical examples and may differ by property, contract, and the date of change in the law. This is not legal or tax advice; please confirm with the licensed specialist explaining your contract.