Rental self-check guides
Key Money in Japan: What Reikin Means Before Renting
Key money is one of those fees that can make a listing look very different once the estimate arrives. If you see reikin (礼金), take a moment to compare it with the deposit, total move-in cost, and other fees before signing.
Main points to check
- Reikin (礼金) is a one-time move-in fee that is different from shikikin (敷金).
- A listing with no key money is not automatically the cheapest when other fees are added.
- Check whether the listing says 礼金なし, 礼金1ヶ月, or a different amount, then compare the full estimate.
What is key money, or reikin, in Japan?
Key money, reikin (礼金), is a one-time move-in fee commonly seen in some Japanese rental listings. Reikin is often shown as 0-2 months' rent. For example, 礼金1ヶ月 usually means an amount equal to one month of rent, but you should compare the full initial-cost estimate rather than judging the listing by key money alone.
Key money vs security deposit
Reikin (礼金), often translated as key money, is a one-time payment to the landlord. It is historically understood as a thank-you or gratuity-style payment, and it is usually treated differently from a refundable deposit. Shikikin (敷金) is deposit-like and may be settled against unpaid rent or move-out costs, so compare the two labels separately.
Common ways reikin appears in listings
You may see expressions such as 礼金1ヶ月, 礼金なし, 敷金・礼金なし, or 敷/礼 in summary tables. On SUUMO, at home, LIFULL HOME'S, and similar sites, it can appear near the rent, deposit, guarantee deposit, or initial cost fields. If the label is abbreviated, keep the Japanese term in your question memo.
Is zero key money better?
A zero key money listing can be attractive, but it does not automatically mean the total cost is lower. Other items such as cleaning fees, guarantor company fees, support fees, brokerage fee, or higher monthly rent may affect the overall amount. Compare the total initial cost and the two-year cost if you plan to stay longer.
What to check before signing
Check whether reikin (礼金) is included in the estimate, whether the amount matches the listing, and whether any campaign or condition changes the total move-in cost. Also compare it with shikikin (敷金), brokerage fee, hosho gaisha / guarantor company (保証会社) fee, insurance, and cleaning fees. If something is unclear, ask the real estate agency before signing.
How Chintai Checker can help
Paste the listing or estimate text into Chintai Checker to see whether key money and other initial cost items are mentioned. The tool organizes points to check; it does not decide the contract outcome, negotiate fees, or replace the important matters explanation and lease agreement.
FAQ
Is key money refundable in Japan?
Reikin (礼金) is generally different from a deposit and is often not treated as money to be returned. It is commonly shown as 0-2 months' rent, so check the exact amount in the estimate and lease documents because the wording can vary by property.
Is reikin the same as a deposit?
No. Reikin (礼金) and shikikin (敷金) are different labels. Shikikin is deposit-like and may be settled later, while reikin is usually a one-time move-in fee.
What does 礼金1ヶ月 mean?
It usually means key money equal to one month of rent. Check whether the calculation is based only on rent or whether any other amount is involved in the estimate.
Are apartments without key money cheaper?
Not necessarily. Listings with 礼金なし are common enough to compare, but other costs or different monthly conditions may change the total. Compare the full estimate, not only the key money line.
Why does key money exist in Japan?
Key money is a long-running rental custom often explained as a thank-you payment to the landlord, with roots in older housing-market practices after periods of housing shortage. Today, it is best understood as one fee in the total move-in cost, not as money that works like a deposit.
Where can I find key money in a rental listing?
Look near the rent, deposit, initial cost, or summary table fields. It may appear as 礼金, 礼, or reikin in English explanations.
Questions to ask before signing
- Is reikin (礼金) included in the initial cost estimate?
- How does the total move-in cost compare with similar listings?
- Are there other fees that offset the zero-key-money label?
- Do the listing and contract documents show the same amount?
Make a checklist from pasted rental listing text
Paste text from a rental listing page and Chintai Checker will organize items such as initial costs, renewal fees, cleaning costs, special clauses, and contract conditions. It does not fetch external websites or save the pasted listing text.
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Important note
This page is for general informational and self-check purposes only. It is not legal advice, real estate brokerage, or a final conclusion about any fee or clause. Please confirm the actual terms with the important matters explanation document, lease agreement, initial cost estimate, property manager, real estate company, or a qualified consultation service.