Japan Apartment Vocabulary Quiz: Learn Key Terms Before Renting

Question 1: You see an apartment listed as “1K.” What does it mean?

• A. 1 bedroom + kitchen

• B. 1 room + kitchen

• C. 1 living + dining + kitchen
  

Answer: B. “1K” means one single room with a small kitchen space — basically a compact studio.

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Question 2: The listing says “礼金なし (Reikin nashi).” Is that good or bad?

• A. Good — no key money required

• B. Bad — you have to pay more deposit

• C. It means no deposit
  

Answer: A. Good! No key money is required, so you save one month’s rent upfront.

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Question 3: What does “駅徒歩10分 (Eki to-ho 10 pun)” tell you?

• A. The station is 10 minutes by car

• B. The station is 10 minutes on foot

• C. The train ride takes 10 minutes
  

Answer: B. It means the apartment is a 10-minute walk from the nearest train station.

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Question 4: You’re asked for a “保証会社 (Hoshō Gaisha)” when applying. What is that?

• A. Moving company

• B. Guarantor company

• C. Insurance provider
  

Answer: B. A guarantor company promises to pay the rent if you can’t. Many landlords require it, especially for foreign tenants.

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Question 5: You see “管理費込み (Kanri-hi Komi)” on the listing. What does that mean?

• A. Management fee is included in the rent

• B. You must pay an extra management fee

• C. No management fee is required
  

Answer: A. It means the monthly management or maintenance fee is already included in the rent.

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Question 6: The agent asks for your “在留カード (Zairyū Kādo).” Why?

• A. To confirm your residence status

• B. To register your address

• C. To apply for utilities
  

Answer: A. This is your residence card, which verifies your visa type and length of stay for the tenant screening process.

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Question 7: “更新料 (Kōshin-ryō)” appears in your contract. What is it?

• A. Renewal fee paid every 2 years

• B. Deposit for key replacement

• C. Utility prepayment
  

Answer: A. It’s a renewal fee, usually equal to one month’s rent, paid when extending your lease.

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Question 8: The landlord requires “2ヶ月敷金 / 1ヶ月礼金.” How much total extra cost is that?

• A. 1 month

• B. 2 months

• C. 3 months
  

Answer: C. That’s three months of rent in total: 2 months as deposit (shikikin) and 1 month as key money (reikin).

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Question 9: The agent mentions “内見 (Naiken).” What are they inviting you to do?

• A. Sign the contract

• B. Visit and view the property

• C. Meet the landlord
  

Answer: B. A “Naiken” is a property viewing — your chance to check the apartment in person.

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Question 10: What does “即入居可 (Soku Nyūkyo Ka)” mean?

• A. Move-in is available soon

• B. Move-in not allowed yet

• C. Waiting list only
  

Answer: A. It means you can move in immediately after approval and contract signing.

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How Did You Do?

• 9–10 correct: You’re ready to rent like a pro! 🇯🇵

• 6–8 correct: Almost there — just review a few terms before applying.

• 0–5 correct: No worries! A bilingual agent can guide you smoothly through the process.
  

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Need Help Finding an Apartment in Japan?

Learning the vocabulary is just the first step. We help foreign tenants with:

• Bilingual support during property search

• Smooth tenant screening and paperwork

• Communication with landlords and management

• Finding English-friendly, foreigner-approved apartments
  

📩 Contact us today to make your Japan apartment search simple and stress-free!