Key Money in Japan (礼金): What It Is and Why You're Paying It
Quick Answer Key money (礼金, reikin) is a non-refundable payment of 1–2 months’ rent made directly to the landlord when signing a Japanese lease. It is not a deposit — you get nothing back. Combined with security deposit (敷金), agency fee (仲介手数料), and guarantor insurance, move-in costs in Japan typically reach 4–6 months’ rent before you spend a yen on furniture. Key money has no legal requirement — many apartments, especially newer ones and UR housing, no longer charge it. ...