What can you rent for $700 or Less in Tokyo and not pay key money, deposit, or agency fee?

To lower your expenses when moving into an apartment in Japan look for properties that don’t require a deposit, key money, or agency fee.

Agents and landlords sometimes waive some or all of these fees, especially when they are trying to fill vacancies in the off-peak season (from about April to July). These fees can add at least three months’ rent to your move-in costs, so it pays to shop around.

We currently list over 1,493 properties (about 300 more than last month) in Tokyo’s 23 Wards with no deposit, no key money, no agency fee required. You can see the full list here.

For a list of properties in other parts of Japan, please go here. We currently list over 4,246 properties throughout Japan that don’t charge a deposit, key money, or agency fee.

If you are a full list of short-term rentals in Tokyo, please see this list: Short-Term Apartments for Rent in Tokyo

1BR House for Rent in Nerima Ward, 15-min ride to Ikebukuro

1BR house for rent in Nerima Ward. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: 20-min walk from Oizumi Gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line, about a 15-min ride to Ikebukuro, 30-min to Shibuya,

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥75,000 ($677)
  • Size: 40-sqm (430-sqft)
  • Whole two-story 2DK (1BR) house
  • Notes: Quiet residential area with easy access to Shibuya and Shinjuku, 3-min walk to a park and restaurants, 5-min walk to a supermarket.

Furnished studio apartment for rent – Shimoichi Stn, 11-min to Shinjuku

Furnished studio apartment for rent near Shimo Ochiai Stn. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: 6-min walk from Shimo Ochiai Station on the Seibu Shinjuku line, about 11-min ride to Shinjuku, 14-min walk to Takadanobaba Stn on the Yamanote line

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥70,040 ($634)
  • Size: 15.75-sqm (169-sqft)
  • Floor:  First floor in two-story building
  • Notes: Fully furnished with lofted sleeping space. Unlimited WiFi for an additional 2.268 JPY per month.

Studio apartment for rent – Sangubashi Stn, 2 stops from Shinjuku

Studio apartment for rent near Sangubashi Stn on the Odakyu line Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: 5-min walk from Sangubashi Station on the Odakyu line, two stops from Shinjuku

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥70,040 ($634)
  • Size: 14.10-sqm (151-sqft)
  • Floor:  Second floor in two-story building
  • Notes: Fully furnished, including air conditioner, fridge, washing machine. Excellent location.

Studio apartment for rent – Shin Nakano Stn, 3 stops from Shinjuku

Studio apartment for rent near Shin Nakano Stn on the Marunouchi line. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: 7-min walk from Shin Nakano Station on the Marunouchi line, three stops from Shinjuku

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥71,040 ($643)
  • Size: 17.28-sqm (186-sqft)
  • Floor:  Second floor in two-story building
  • Notes: Room sharing (up to two people) ok!

Furnished studio apartment for rent – Tachiaigawa Stn, 5 stops from Shinagawa

Studio apartment for rent near Tachiaigawa Stn on the Keikyu Main line. Please click on the photo for the full listing, more photos, and to inquire directly to the agent.

Where: 12-min walk from Tachiaigawa Station on the Keikyu Main line, five stops from Shinjuku

  • Total Monthly Cost: ¥75,000 ($679)
  • Size: 16.44-sqm (177-sqft)
  • Floor:  Second floor in two-story building
  • Notes: Fast (two-day) application screening. Possible to move in within two days of application. For details, please inquire directly to the agent.

Useful Vocabulary

If you are going to a bricks-and-mortar agency, here is some vocabulary that may help you in your search.

No deposit: shikikin-nashi (敷金なし) or shikikin-zero 敷金ゼロ

No key moneyreikin-nashi (礼金なし) or shikikin-zero (礼金ゼロ)

Intermediary (Agency)chūkai (仲介)

Feetesūryō (手数料)

No agency feechūkai tesūryō-nashi

Propertybukken (物件)

I’m looking for a “no key money” property:

Reikin-nashi no bukken wo sagashite imasu. (礼金なしの物件を探しています。)


Tokyo Apartments

Browse our comprehensive listings and find your ideal apartment in Tokyo and Japan!

Top image: Oizumi Gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line in Nerima Ward, Tokyo


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