Housing Terminology in japan

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Housing Terminology in Japan

Sample Floor Plan: 3LDK

Contract ("Keiyakusho" 契約書)

A document that states the conditions to be observed by the landlord and tenant.

Rent ("Yachin" 家賃)

A stated amount of money to be paid every month for the use of the house or apartment rented from the landlord

Management fee ("Kyouekihi" 共益費)

These are the fees the Tenant pays in addition to rent, to cover maintenance and management (cleaning, repair, etc.) of communal facilities in apartments.

Insurance ("Hoken" 保険)

Insurance is usually required to restore any damage, to the property; e.g., by the fire, water damage, etc. The tenant would be responsible for fixing the property for the landlord or for other tenants. The insurance helps you financially in those cases.

Commission ("Chukai Tesuryou" 仲介手数料)

This is the real estate agent's fee, and the amount is one month of rent and consumption tax.

Deposit ("Hoshokin" 保証金)

Money left with the landlord as security.

Deduction ("Shokyaku" 償却)

The landlord could deduct some money from the deposit for cleaning cost and repairs at the same time of the contract.

Key money ("Reikin" 礼金)

This is literally a "gift money" paid with the deposit to landlord.
It is returned to tenant.

Guarantor ("Hoshou-nin 保証人)

A person who is regarded equally responsible with the tenant. If the tenant failed to pay the rent, the guarantor would be required from the landlord to pay it.