Reikin & Shikikin Explained: No Key Money Apartments in Tokyo (2026)
By Ibuki — Affarah Friendly Homes · 2026-07-16
Short answer: Reikin (礼金 / key money) is a non-refundable thank-you payment to the landlord. Shikikin (敷金 / deposit) is a refundable security deposit, reduced for cleaning or damage when you leave. No key money (礼金なし) apartments are common in Tokyo now and can cut your move-in cash by roughly one month of rent — but deposit, agency fee, and guarantor fees often remain.
If you only remember one line: key money ≠ deposit.
Why Japan still has “key money”
Key money is a historical custom, not a tax and not a government fee. In tight markets it was a way for landlords to capture value at move-in. In softer markets, landlords compete by advertising 礼金なし (no key money) or 初期費用抑えめ (lower initial costs).
You will still see key money on some premium or older listings. Treat it as a negotiable market condition, not a law of nature.
The cost stack at move-in (typical private lease)
| Item (JP / EN) | Refundable? | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 敷金 / Shikikin (deposit) | Mostly | 0–2 months rent | Cleaning/damage deducted at exit |
| 礼金 / Reikin (key money) | No | 0–2 months rent | “No key money” = 0 |
| 仲介手数料 / Agency fee | No | 0–1 month + tax | Often 1 month + consumption tax |
| 保証会社 / Guarantor fee | No | ~0.5 month to start | Plan-dependent |
| 火災保険 / Fire insurance | No | ¥15,000–¥25,000 / 2 yrs | Often required |
| 前家賃 / First rent + proration | N/A | 1 month (pro-rated) | Timing depends on start date |
Rule of thumb: total cash before keys is often about 2–6× monthly rent depending on whether key money appears.
Use Affarah’s rent upfront cost calculator to model a specific listing.
What “no key money apartments Tokyo” actually means
A 礼金なし listing removes one non-refundable line. It does not automatically mean:
- zero deposit
- zero agency fee
- free guarantor company
- foreigner-friendly screening
Always read the full 初期費用 (initial cost) block. Some “cheap move-in” ads shift cost into higher rent or stricter restoration clauses.
How to search for lower upfront cost (practical filters)
On SUUMO / HOME’S / agent shortlists, prioritize:
- 礼金なし — no key money
- 敷金なし or 敷金1ヶ月 — zero/low deposit (rarer; weigh risk)
- フリーレント — free rent period (1–2 months sometimes)
- UR賃貸 — often no key money and no guarantor company
- Share houses / monthly mansions — higher monthly, lower document friction
Citable pattern: removing 1 month of key money on a ¥120,000 rent unit saves ¥120,000 cash at move-in, before tax effects on other fees.
Shikikin: how you get money back (and how you don’t)
At move-out, the management company inspects the unit. Deductions often include:
- professional cleaning (even if you cleaned)
- worn tatami / wallpaper beyond “normal use”
- missing keys, broken fixtures
Japan’s MLIT restoration guidance distinguishes normal wear from tenant damage. Photograph everything on move-in day — that photo set is your best deposit defense. See also: Getting your deposit back.
Reikin vs shikikin vs “security deposit” in English ads
English listings sometimes blur terms. Translate back to Japanese concepts:
| English label you see | Usually means |
|---|---|
| Key money | 礼金 (non-refundable) |
| Deposit / security deposit | 敷金 (refundable framework) |
| Agency / brokerage fee | 仲介手数料 |
| Guarantor fee | 保証会社費 |
| Move-in fee / initial cost | Bundle of the above |
If an English ad says “deposit = 2 months” without naming reikin, ask for a Japanese itemized breakdown.
When paying key money can still make sense
- The unit is uniquely good (commute, size, light) and alternatives are worse
- Rent is meaningfully lower than comparable 礼金なし units
- You’re staying long enough that amortized key money is small per month
Example: ¥100,000 key money over 24 months ≈ ¥4,167/month. Compare that to a no-key-money unit that costs ¥10,000 more in rent.
Decision checklist before you apply
- Itemized move-in cost in writing
- Which lines are refundable
- Guarantor company fee table
- Cleaning / restoration language
- Whether “no key money” raised the monthly rent
Related: Upfront costs of renting in Japan · Deposit, key money & agency fee
FAQ
Is key money illegal or required by law?
No. It is a private contract custom. Many Tokyo listings have zero key money in 2026.
Are no-key-money apartments lower quality?
Not necessarily. Landlords use 礼金なし as a marketing lever. Always judge building age, noise, and commute — not the fee slogan.
Can foreigners negotiate key money down?
Sometimes, especially on vacant units or at month-end. A bilingual agent helps; don’t expect miracles on hot properties.
Is 敷金ゼロ safe?
Zero deposit can mean higher cleaning charges later or stricter guarantor terms. Read the exit clauses carefully.
What’s the fastest way to cut cash needed this month?
Filter 礼金なし + reasonable 敷金, avoid peak season if possible, and keep your document pack ready so you can secure a good unit without panic-bidding.