If you are renting a house or apartment now in Tokyo,
you probably heard these words.

For most expatriate-grade properties the lease agreement
will be drafted in Japanese and English, with the Japanese
version controlling.  You should familiarize yourself with the
following lease terms.

                               

RENT
Paid monthly in advance to the owner.  A late fee may be
exacted if rent is overdue.  Payment of first and next month's
rent is generally required upon initiation of the lease.


SHIKIKIN = DEPOSIT
Most of the properties
(except some short term & monthly apartments)
in Japan require a deposit. 
The size of the deposit may vary from two months rent to
four to six months for expatriate grade properties.
The deposit is technically refundable.  In most cases,
a portion of the deposit is deducted to pay for restoration of
property when the tenant leaves.  Restoration costs can be
greatly minimized by careful maintenance of the property.


REIKIN = KEY MONEY
Sometimes called "thank you" money.  A sum generally
equivalent to two months' rent and paid to the owner at the
initiation of the lease.  It is not refundable.


MANAGEMENT FEE
A monthly fee for general building maintenance and, possibly
to defer the cost of an on-site building manager.


AGENT FEE
Industry standard provides for one month's rent to be paid to the
real estate agent as commission.


Thinking about moving in Tokyo?   Visit our web-site
http://www.realestate-tokyo.com/