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.
The key money for this room is one month's rent.
I'm looking for a property with no key money.
A similar fee paid to the real estate agent, often called 'agency fee' in English, but sometimes loosely referred to as 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.
The agency fee is one month's rent.
The broader concept of upfront costs when renting, which may include key money, deposit, and other fees.
Refers to all initial costs when moving in, including key money, deposit, agent fees, and first month's rent.
The move-in costs are too high, so I can't move.
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.
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.