Expat Apartments

F.A.Q.

Introduction F.A.Q. Apartments Contact About Us

Q. What is Reikin? (key money)
A. Key money is the non-refundable money that is paid direct to the landlord upon signing contracts for an apartment. It is more commonly known as 'gift money' in that it is not refundable. The amount of key money that is paid has dropped dramatically over the past 10 years (even more since the 'bubble') Although some apartments don't require key money (they are usually the ones that are far from basic facilities, including train stations or are VERY old)
Key money can be anywhere from one months rental fee to (in extreme cases for highly sought after properties) 2 years of the monthly rental cost! As a rough guide, a 1 bedroom apartment that is close to the city with a rental fee of 70,000yen a month will usually be around 300~400,000yen key money. Usually 100,000yen is refundable. Houses and shops generally require more key money as they are more in demand. A shop around the city areas can cost hundreds of thousands of US$ in key money alone! (We won't even talk about the monthly rent charges....!)
**Expat properties Osaka do not require key money**

Q. What is shikikin? (deposit)
A. Shikikin is the non-refundable deposit that is paid to the landlord for damages/wear and tear on the apartment (see above) Shikikin is not refundable.

**Expat properties Osaka do not require key money** (only a one month, FULLY refundable deposit)

Q.What is Chukai tesuuryou?
A. Chuukai tesuuryou is the non refundable payment made to the real estate agent when a property is rented. It is usually one month of the apartment rental and is non refundable. So a 70,000yen/month apartment will cost you an extra 70,000yen for the real estate agents commission. This fee is seperate to the key money and is non-negotiable.

**Expat properties Osaka do not charge a service fee**

Q. What is kasai hokken? (fire insurance)
A. Kasai Hokken is fire insurance. EVERY apartment that is rented with an agent requires the tenant to pay for this insurance. Whether you are Japanese or a foreigner, you must pay it. Yearly fire insurance costs do vary, but are around 10,000yen a year.

**Expat properties Osaka do not charge for fire insurance. ALL apartments have already been insured. **

Q. What is a hoshonin? (guarantor)
A. A hoshohin is a person (must be a Japanese national, or a foreigner who is married to a Japanese) that guarantees your apartment for you. This person signs contracts and shows tax returns to prove that they are capable of paying your rent for you in case you default, leave the country or damage the property. The hoshohin is responsible for the apartment, so many people (even within families) won't be a hoshohin for anybody else. Many real landlords won't rent their properties to people without very good jobs; this includes the guarantor. This is even more the case when the apartment is new or for shops when rental fees are high. Both Japanese and foreigners require a hoshonin. Many landlords won't rent their properties to foreigners. When I rented my house the first question the real estate agent asked the landlord was "Is a foreigner okay" Out of 10 phone calls, at least 3 said no. It's rather insulting...

**Expat properties Osaka do not require a hoshonin. We pay a private 'hoshonin' company for insurance against damage**

So there you have it-the lowdown on the all the strange (?!) requirements that are needed in order to rent a property in Japan. Expat Properties Osaka has taken all the pain out of dealing with an estate agent. No upfront fees, no hidden costs, no commissions. You just pay the monthly rent and a one month FULLY refundable deposit. Some properties even include water, some include everything! From cable TV, telephone, gas, internet, and all the extras! New propeties will become available, so check back again. If you have any questions, feel free to email! We speak English and Japanese. We provide everything from connecting utilities (gas, water, electricity) to helping with daily life in Japan.
Above all, we wish you a safe, enjoyable and memorable stay in Japan!