Rent (Yachin / 家賃)
The monthly amount you pay for the apartment.

Deposit (Shikikin / 敷金)
Money paid in advance to cover damages or cleaning. Some or all of it may not be returned.

Key Money (Reikin / 礼金)
A non-refundable payment to the landlord as a “thank you.” This is common in Japan.

Agency Fee (Chūkai Tesūryō / 仲介手数料)
The fee paid to the real estate agent, usually one month’s rent.

Maintenance Fee (Kanrihi / 管理費 or Kyōekihi / 共益費)
Monthly fees for building maintenance and shared areas.

Guarantor (Hoshōnin / 保証人)
A person or company that takes responsibility if you can’t pay rent.

Renewal Fee (Kōshinryō / 更新料)
A fee paid when renewing your contract, often after two years.

Cleaning Fee (Kurīningu-hi / クリーニング費)
A fee charged when you move out, sometimes taken from the deposit.

Understanding these terms will make renting in Japan clearer and help you avoid unexpected costs.