Japanese for Renters: How to Ask About the Security Deposit (Shikikin) and Refund Conditions
Learn to ask 'How much is the deposit?' in Japanese and understand key phrases about shikikin refund conditions for renting an apartment.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When renting an apartment in Japan, understanding the security deposit (shikikin) is crucial. This lesson teaches you how to ask about the deposit amount and refund conditions in natural Japanese. You'll learn key phrases to use during apartment viewings or when discussing lease terms with a landlord or real estate agent. By the end, you'll be able to confidently inquire about shikikin and avoid misunderstandings.
By the end, you can…
- ask 'How much is the deposit?' in Japanese.
- understand and ask about refund conditions for the security deposit.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
敷金はいくらですか？
How much is the deposit?
Shikikin wa ikura desu ka?
Use this to ask the amount of the security deposit. 'Shikikin' is the deposit paid at contract signing; it is generally refundable after deductions for unpaid rent, damage, or cleaning, but the amount returned depends on the contract.
敷金は返金されますか？
Will the deposit be refunded?
Shikikin wa henkin saremasu ka?
Ask this to confirm whether the deposit is refundable. 'Henkin' means refund or repayment.
敷金の返金条件を教えてください。
Please tell me the refund conditions for the deposit.
Shikikin no henkin jōken o oshiete kudasai.
Use this polite request to ask for details about the conditions under which the deposit is refunded. 'Jōken' means conditions or terms.
退去時に敷金は戻りますか？
Will the deposit be returned when I move out?
Taikyo ji ni shikikin wa modorimasu ka?
Ask this to know whether the deposit is returned when you move out. 'Taikyo' means moving out; 'taikyo ji ni' means 'at the time of moving out'.
敷金は家賃の何ヶ月分ですか？
How many months' rent is the deposit?
Shikikin wa yachin no nan kagetsu bun desu ka?
Use this to ask the deposit amount in terms of months' rent, a common way to express it in Japan. 'Nan kagetsu bun' means 'how many months' worth'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask about the deposit amount, use the pattern: [Topic] wa ikura desu ka? For example, 'Shikikin wa ikura desu ka?' means 'How much is the deposit?' You can replace 'shikikin' with other words like 'reikin' (key money) or 'yachin' (rent). To ask about refund conditions, use 'Shikikin wa henkin saremasu ka?' or 'Shikikin no henkin jōken o oshiete kudasai.' The particle 'wa' marks the topic, and 'ka' at the end makes the sentence a question. Note that 'shikikin' is not always fully refundable: deductions for cleaning, repairs, or unpaid rent are common, so ask about the conditions in writing.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you are apartment hunting or discussing lease terms. It's polite to ask about shikikin and its refund conditions before signing a contract. For example, during a viewing, you might say: 'Shikikin wa ikura desu ka?' to the real estate agent. If you want to know whether it is refundable, ask: 'Taikyo ji ni shikikin wa modorimasu ka?' This shows you are serious and helps avoid surprises. Keep in mind that 'reikin' (key money) is a separate, non-refundable fee, so confirm each item on the initial cost estimate (shoki hiyō).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、敷金はいくらですか？
Excuse me, how much is the deposit?Sumimasen, shikikin wa ikura desu ka?敷金は家賃の2ヶ月分です。
The deposit is two months' rent.Shikikin wa yachin no ni kagetsu bun desu.退去時に敷金は戻りますか？
Will the deposit be returned when I move out?Taikyo ji ni shikikin wa modorimasu ka?はい、部屋に損傷がなければ戻ります。
Yes, it will be returned if there is no damage to the room.Hai, heya ni sonshō ga nakereba modorimasu.A little context goes a long way
In Japan, shikikin is a security deposit that is generally refundable, minus deductions for damage, cleaning, or unpaid rent. However, there is also 'reikin' (key money), which is non-refundable. Always clarify both. Additionally, some landlords may require a guarantor or use a guarantor company, which can affect refund conditions. It is common for part of the deposit to be returned after moving out, but deductions for cleaning or repairs are standard, and the exact rules vary by contract. Be sure to ask for a written explanation of the refund conditions.
One thing to watch for
Confusing 'shikikin' with 'reikin' and assuming both are refundable.
Try this instead: 'Shikikin' is generally refundable after deductions, but 'reikin' is not refundable. For example, ask 'Shikikin wa henkin saremasu ka?' (Will the deposit be refunded?) and 'Reikin wa henkin saremasu ka?' (Will the key money be refunded?) to clarify. Always confirm which fees are refundable.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'How much is the deposit?' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
敷金はいくらですか？ (Shikikin wa ikura desu ka?)
This is the standard way to ask the deposit amount. You can also say 'Shikikin wa ikura ni narimasu ka?' for a more polite version.
2What phrase would you use to ask if the deposit is refunded when you move out?
Show a sample answer
退去時に敷金は戻りますか？ (Taikyo ji ni shikikin wa modorimasu ka?)
This directly asks about the refund upon moving out. Alternatively, you can ask 'Shikikin wa henkin saremasu ka?' (Will the deposit be refunded?)
3How do you ask for the refund conditions of the deposit?
Show a sample answer
敷金の返金条件を教えてください。 (Shikikin no henkin jōken o oshiete kudasai.)
This politely requests the refund conditions. You can also say 'Shikikin no henkin jōken wa nan desu ka?' (What are the refund conditions?)
Always ask about shikikin and its refund conditions before signing a lease. Use 'Shikikin wa ikura desu ka?' for the amount and 'Shikikin wa henkin saremasu ka?' for refundability. Clarify the difference between shikikin and reikin to avoid surprises.
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