Here are some Japanese phrases to help you find an apartment in Japan!
Real estate company – 不動産会社, fudousangaisha
Real estate agent – 不動産屋, fudousanya
Tenant – 借家人, shakuyanin
Monthly rent – 家賃, yachin
Deposit – 敷金, shikikin, or 保証金, hoshoukin *Usually one to two months' rent.
Guarantor – 保証人, hoshounin *A guarantor is a person who promises to cover the rent or compensation for damages in the event that you are unable to pay the rent or suddenly have to return to your country. In most cases, a Japanese guarantor is required, but a guarantor company may also be requested, or 保証会社, hoshougaisha.
Key money – 礼金, reikin *Reikin is money paid to the landlord. In Japan, there are many properties that do not require key money.
Contract – 契約, keiyaku
Renewal fee – 更新料, koshinryo *The contract term for general leases in Japan is two years. Some landlords charge a renewal fee of about one month's rent if you continue to live in the apartment for more than two years.
Contract cancellation fee – 解約金, kaiyakukin
Insurance – 保険, hoken e.g fire insurance – 火災保険, kasai hoken
Apartment (older, wooden apartments) – アパート, apaato
Standalone house – 一戸建て, ikkodate
Condominium-type concrete apartments – マンシォン, manshon
Share house – シェアハウス, sheahausu
MINASAN also provides support in English!
