Translation guide
A non-refundable payment to a landlord or agent when renting property in Japan, distinct from a security deposit.
The standard term for key money paid directly to the landlord as a one-time, non-refundable fee when signing a lease.
The most common term for key money. It is a non-refundable payment to the landlord, typically equivalent to one or two months' rent.
A similar fee paid to the real estate agent, often called 'agency fee' in English, but sometimes loosely referred to as key money.
The broader concept of upfront costs when renting, which may include key money, deposit, and other fees.
礼金 (key money) is a non-refundable gift to the landlord. 敷金 (security deposit) is refundable after deductions for damages. Do not confuse them.
敷金は退去時に戻りますが、礼金は戻りません。
The security deposit is returned when you move out, but the key money is not.
In recent years, some properties offer 礼金なし (no key money) to attract tenants. It's worth searching for such listings.
この部屋は礼金が一ヶ月分です。
The key money for this room is one month's rent.
礼金なしの物件を探しています。
I'm looking for a property with no key money.
This is the agent's commission, legally capped at one month's rent plus tax. It is not key money in the strict sense, but learners may encounter it in similar contexts.
仲介手数料は家賃の一ヶ月分です。
The agency fee is one month's rent.
Refers to all initial costs when moving in, including key money, deposit, agent fees, and first month's rent.
初期費用が高くて引っ越せません。
The move-in costs are too high, so I can't move.