Originally posted by tasuki
It'd take some time explaning the Japanese housing system here. But basically, when you rent a place, you have to pay:
Reservation fee (tetsukekin)
The tetsukekin is paid when you apply for an apartment through a real estate agency, before the actual rental contract is signed. It's a guarantee to you that the apartment will not given to anybody else, and to the agent that you will not change your mind. It is refunded after you sign the lease contract and is usually equivalent to about one month's rent.
Deposit (shikikin)
The deposit is used to cover eventual future damage to the apartment. The deposit minus the cost for repairs is refunded when you move out (in theory). The deposit is usually equivalent to several months' rent.
Key money (reikin)
This is a non-refundable fee to the landlord in the amount of up to several months' rent.
Service fee (chukai tesuryo)
This is a non-refundable fee to the real estate agent in the amount of one month's rent, tops.
Don't forget this one,
Japanese Girl (Nihonjin Onnanoko)
There is no deposit, no bill, no cover-charge, no rent, easily obtained through pen-pal/keypal (email penpalship,) and the only requirement is that you be a foreigner (or in my case a foreigner with boyish good looks.)
"Dear Penpal, I want to experience Japan and it's beautiful culture! I love Japanese food, will you cook for me sometime? I also want to experience a Japanese family way-of-life, here is my photo, would your family like to be my homestay? We could learn from each other and it'd be a really fun experience!
Your Penpal,
Josh"
"Dear Josh, My family really liked your photo and skateboardo bideo! Choooooooo kakkoiiiiiiii (^_~#) You will be here fall season? OK! Please call from airport and I will pick you up in my car. My mom is also excelentt cook and she wants to cook you meal everyday! My sister is at college so you can even sleep in her room!!!! tanoshimiinishitemasuuuuuu~~~ Here is my cellphone number please call me when you arrive! My family is vary excited!
Your Japanese Penpal,
(Japanese Penpal's name)"
, and in the matter of three to five letters, my photo and a video of me skateboarding I just saved myself a few thousand dollars, I have a place to throw all my luggage, shower and come home to in the late afternoon (after clubbing and love-hotelling.)
That's what I do for housing,
Josh