Moving to Japan: Essential Apartment Hunting Vocabulary

Contract-Related Vocabulary

When renting an apartment, understanding contract-related terms is crucial:

• 家賃 (Yachin): Rent
• 共益費 (Kyouekihi): Common Area Maintenance (CAM) Fee, This means common area maintenance charge (elevator, garbage) and it's always put separatly in the listings but have to be pay monthly with the rent
• 敷金 (Shikikin): Security deposit, it often coming back and can be used if the appartment got degradation outside of time one can you correcy my sentences

• 礼金 (Reikin): Key money, also known as gift money, which can range from zero to one or two months’ rent (there is no set limit).

• 契約 (Keiyaku): Contract
• 普通賃借権 (Futsuuchinshakuken) Basic rule this type of lease gives the tenant an automatic renewable contract usually 2 years
• 定期賃借権 (Teikichinshakuken) ‘Fixed term’ lease right. In contrast to a regular lease, this type of lease does not give the tenant the right to renew upon expiration
• 保証人 (Hoshounin): Guarantor, or 連絡保証人 (Renraku Hoshounin), which is often mandatory, especially for foreigners. Having a guarantor can unlock access to better apartments
• 更新料 (Koushinryou): Renewal fee, which is often zero, but there are a few exceptions that require one month’s rent to renew the rental contract.

• 保証会社 (Hoshougaisha): Guarantee company, which acts as a substitute guarantor. This is often mandatory for renters, especially foreigners, and can provide access to better apartments by ensuring landlords that the rent will be paid.

• 火災保険 (Kasai Hoken): Fire insurance, which typically costs around 20,000 yen for a two-year policy. This insurance is often mandatory for renters and protects against damages caused by fire, theft, and other disasters, offering peace of mind for both tenants and landlords.

• 水道 (Suido): Water supply, usually included in the rent but can vary based on usage. Monthly costs typically range from 2,000 to 5,000 yen. Access to clean water is essential for daily living, and tenants are responsible for paying the water bill, which is usually billed quarterly. For more information, visit Selectra Japan - Water.

• 電気 (Denki): Electricity costs vary depending on usage and provider, generally ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 yen per month. Prices may fluctuate based on seasonal demand. To learn more about starting your electricity service in Japan, visit Selectra Japan - Electricity.

• ガス (Gas): Gas bills can range from 3,000 to 8,000 yen monthly, depending on consumption and type (city gas or propane). It is essential for cooking and heating. For more details, refer to Selectra Japan - Energy.

• 初期費用 (Shoki Hiyou): Initial costs for renting an apartment in Japan can include the first month’s rent, security deposit (敷金, shikikin), key money (礼金, reikin), and agent fees. Typically, these expenses can total one to three months’ worth of rent, and are generally around 4-5 times the monthly rent. For example, if your rent is ¥50,000, the total initial cost could easily reach ¥200,000. Understanding these costs is essential for effective budgeting when looking for a new home.

• 紹介手数料 (Shoukai Tesuuryou): Referral fee, often charged by real estate agents, typically amounts to one month’s rent. This fee is paid for the agent’s services in helping you find and secure a rental property. It is a common expense that should be factored into your overall budget when renting an apartment in Japan. Understanding this fee can help you prepare financially for your move.

• 不動産 (Fudousan): Real estate refers to properties and land, along with the business of buying, selling, and renting them. In Japan, navigating the real estate market can be complex, especially for foreigners. Understanding key terms and regulations is essential for successfully renting or purchasing property. For detailed guidance, it’s recommended to consult local experts or real estate agents familiar with the process.

Room Search Vocabulary

When browsing listings, understanding the descriptions used for different apartments is essential:

• 物件 (Bukken): Property
• アパート (Apaato): Appartment, but contrary to the english, it often used for less modern apartments located in older buildings. Generally apaato refer to two floors residential buildings made of wood.
• マンシォン (Mansion): Nowadays, the most common type of housing is condominium apartments. Mansions usually have three or more stories and are typically constructed of steel, reinforced concrete, or steel-reinforced concrete
• ワンルーム (Wanruumu): Studio apartment
• 和室 (Washitsu): Japanese-style room
• 洋室 (Youshitsu): Western-style room
• 専有面積 (Sen'yuu menseki): Usable floor space

Tatami: The Japanese Way to Measure Space

In Japan, the tatami mat is not just a traditional floor covering, but also a fundamental unit of measurement for space. Rooted in centuries of cultural practice, tatami mats are typically made from woven straw and measure about 0.9 by 1.8 meters. Although generally they are equal to about 1.53 square metres/16.5 square feet. Room sizes are often expressed by how many tatami mats they can hold, such as a “6-jo” (六畳) room, which refers to a space that fits six tatami mats and measures around 9 to 10 square meters. This system of measurement is still used widely in modern real estate listings, even in homes that no longer feature tatami flooring. It’s a simple, yet effective way to convey the dimensions of a room and is essential for understanding space in the context of Japanese housing. While international measures like square meters are now common, the tatami remains an iconic and culturally significant method for assessing room sizes, seamlessly blending tradition with modern life.

I invite you to read our dedicated guide for the the differents Japanese Apartment Layouts

Apartment Features

Here are common features you may want to look for in an apartment:

• エアコン (Eakon): Air conditioner
• インターネット対応 (Intānetto taiou): Internet-ready
• 駐車場 (Chuushajou): Parking space
• オートロック (Autolock): Automatic lock system
• 宅配ボックス (Takuhai bokkusu): Delivery box

Surrounding Environment

The location is just as important as the apartment itself. Consider the following:

• 駅近 (Ekichika): Close to the station
• 商店街 (Shoutengai): Shopping street
• 静かなエリア (Shizukana eria): Quiet area
• 住宅街 (jutakugai): Residential area
• オフィス街 (officegai): Office area

Adjectif to describe an Appartment

By Alan

Project Manager

As a former Telecom Engineer who worked for one of the main carriers in France, I moved to Japan six years ago and have been living in Osaka ever since. Since 2021, I have been working at Selectra, and I recently started leading our English content. Our ambition is to become the primary energy guidance service for expats and newcomers in Japan and to expand our reach by the end of the year.