Rental self-check guides
Security Deposit in Japan: What Shikikin Means and What to Check
The deposit is not the confusing part. The confusing part is what happens to it when you move out, especially when cleaning fees and restoration clauses are written in different places.
Main points to check
- Shikikin (敷金) is deposit-like and is different from reikin (礼金).
- Deductions can depend on the contract, room condition, cleaning clauses, and genjo kaifuku (原状回復) wording.
- Before signing and before moving out, keep documents, photos, and written explanations organized.
What is shikikin, or a security deposit, in Japan?
Shikikin (敷金) is a deposit-like amount paid around move-in and is often listed as 0-2 months' rent. A listing that says 敷金1ヶ月 usually means a deposit equal to one month of rent, but the amount returned at move-out can vary depending on unpaid rent, cleaning/restoration clauses, room condition, and the contract.
Shikikin vs reikin
Shikikin (敷金) is connected to settlement after or around move-out, while reikin (礼金) is usually a one-time move-in fee. If a listing says 敷金なし / 礼金なし, it can reduce some upfront cost lines, but you should still check cleaning fees, guarantor company fees, support fees, and move-out clauses.
Why deductions may happen
Deductions may relate to unpaid rent, cleaning costs, damage, pet or smoking conditions, or contract-specific clauses. For restoration costs, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism publishes a public reference on restoration-related rental trouble. It can be useful background, but the actual settlement still depends on the contract, room condition, and individual situation.
Cleaning fees and restoration clauses
Cleaning fees and genjo kaifuku (原状回復) clauses are easy to mix up. Look for whether cleaning is a fixed amount or actual cost, whether air-conditioner cleaning is separate, whether pet or smoking conditions add costs, and how normal wear and tear is described. These details are easier to ask about before move-in than after the final settlement arrives.
What to check before signing
Check the cleaning fee clause, restoration scope, pet or smoking clauses if relevant, whether the amount is fixed or estimated, and whether the same wording appears in the estimate and contract. If you are unsure, ask the real estate agency or management company before signing and keep the answer in writing when possible.
What to keep before moving out
Keep the lease agreement, important matters explanation, move-in photos, move-out photos, repair or cleaning estimate, and messages with the management company. Having the timeline and documents together makes it easier to organize questions about the deposit settlement.
How Chintai Checker can help
Before signing, paste listing or contract-related text into Chintai Checker to organize deposit, cleaning, and restoration clauses worth checking. If you already have a move-out estimate, use the move-out cost checker to organize items worth reviewing. These tools are self-check aids and do not replace legal advice, brokerage, or final confirmation by the parties involved.
FAQ
Is shikikin refundable in Japan?
Shikikin is often listed as 0-2 months' rent. It may be settled after move-out, but the amount returned can vary by contract, room condition, unpaid rent, and move-out costs. Check the settlement explanation against the contract wording.
What can be deducted from a security deposit?
Possible deductions may include unpaid rent, cleaning costs, repair costs, or other items described in the contract. The details depend on the documents and situation.
Is shikikin the same as reikin?
No. Shikikin (敷金) is deposit-like, while reikin (礼金) is usually a one-time move-in fee. Compare both when reading the estimate.
Can cleaning fees be deducted from shikikin?
They may be settled that way depending on the contract and estimate. Check whether the cleaning fee is fixed or actual cost, when it is charged, and how it relates to the deposit.
What should I check before signing?
Check whether the listing says 敷金なし, 敷金1ヶ月, or a different amount. Also review the cleaning fee clause, restoration clause, pet or smoking conditions if relevant, and whether the estimate and lease documents describe the same terms.
What should I keep before moving out?
Keep photos, the lease agreement, important matters explanation, estimates, invoices, and messages with the management company. They can help you organize questions about the settlement.
Questions to ask before signing
- How is shikikin (敷金) handled when I move out?
- Is the cleaning fee fixed, estimated, or based on actual cost?
- How does the contract describe genjo kaifuku (原状回復)?
- What documents or photos should I keep before moving out?
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.