How much do you imagine the initial cost of living in a share house might be?

"One of the advantages of a share house is its affordable initial cost."

This statement gives the impression that it is more reasonable compared to a regular rental property. However, many people may not be aware of the specific cost items and the actual amount required.

Here, we compare the initial costs of share houses with regular rental properties and break down the specific cost items. Please take a look.

Initial Costs: Regular Rentals vs. Share Houses

*Example of average initial costs when moving to Tokyo for the first time from the countryside, with a monthly rent of 60,000 yen

＜For Regular Rentals＞

Security Deposit	60,000 yen	*Equivalent to 1-2 months' rent on average
Key Money	60,000 yen	*Equivalent to 1-2 months' rent on average
Advance Rent	60,000 yen	*Equivalent to 1 month's rent on average
Agency Fee	60,000 yen	*Equivalent to 1 month's rent on average
Fire Insurance Fee	15,000 yen
Key Replacement Fee	15,000 yen
Total	270,000 yen

For regular rentals, initial costs typically amount to 4–6 times the monthly rent. In addition to the above, there are other costs such as purchasing furniture and appliances (e.g., TV, bed) and setting up internet access. Altogether, these can bring the total to around 500,000 yen.

＜For Share Houses＞

Deposit	30,000 yen
Advance Rent	60,000 yen
Advance Utility Fee	15,000 yen
Total	105,000 yen

Initial costs for share houses are typically equivalent to 1–2 months' rent. Many properties also offer promotions, such as half-price rent for the first month, further reducing initial costs.

Additionally, share houses often come fully furnished with appliances (and include internet access), eliminating the need for significant additional expenses beyond the rental agreement.

About Initial Cost Items

＜Administrative Fees, Contract Fees, Renewal Administrative Fees＞

These are fees incurred at the time of contract signing or renewal. Similar to agency fees in regular rentals, they are paid as compensation for the operational company handling the contract procedures. Many operational companies do not charge administrative fees.

＜Deposit, Security Deposit, Guarantee Company Fees＞

This constitutes the majority of the initial costs for share houses. Essentially, this is a deposit used for repairs or cleaning after moving out. The typical amount ranges from 20,000 yen to one month’s rent, and it may be refunded upon moving out. It is advisable to confirm the refund conditions when moving in. If enrollment in a guarantee company is mandatory, guarantee fees equivalent to half a month's to one month's rent will apply.

＜Residential Fire Insurance Premium＞

This is the cost of enrolling in fire insurance. For some properties, this may be included in the common service fees, meaning no additional costs will arise upon moving in.

＜Comprehensive Residential Insurance Premium＞

This is the cost of enrolling in comprehensive residential insurance, which includes fire insurance. It is less common for share houses to require this type of insurance.

＜Key Replacement Fee＞

Similar to regular rentals, key replacement may be required after moving out of a share house. However, since many share houses use dial or touch-number locks, this fee is rarely charged.

＜Cleaning Fees＞

This fee is charged for cleaning after moving out. The typical cost ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 yen.

*If the room has water facilities, the cost tends to be higher.

＜Penalty Fees＞

In some cases, campaigns offering discounted rates require tenants to stay for a minimum period. If you move out earlier than the stipulated minimum period, penalty fees will be charged. While not part of the initial costs, it is advisable to confirm these conditions together with the initial costs.


How was that? Compared to regular rentals, initial costs can be significantly reduced for share houses. Additionally, lesser-known benefits include reduced costs upon moving out.

In regular rentals, cleaning fees are often quite high, and moving costs can increase due to the need to hire movers for large amounts of belongings. Although zero deposit and key money rentals have become more common recently, you may still need to pay for cleaning and other costs later, resulting in substantial expenses just for moving out.

In contrast, share houses have no deposit or key money requirements, and cleaning fees are limited to personal rooms without water facilities, making them much cheaper. Additionally, fewer belongings mean reduced moving costs.

Reducing costs for both moving in and out is a significant advantage, not only for those moving out of their family home for the first time but also for short-term international students and business travelers.

Next, let’s look at the actual initial costs of a share house.

Initial Cost Example: Fine Maison Yokohama

A social share house located in the Yamate area of Yokohama.

The extra-large lounge features hammocks and a bar counter. In addition to the lounge, there are shared facilities such as a karaoke room, beauty room, and fitness room, making it a luxurious property. At first glance, the initial cost might seem high, but...

＜Room C102 Initial Cost Breakdown＞

Deposit	30,000 yen
Fire Insurance	10,000 yen
Advance Rent	54,000 yen
Advance Utility Fee	15,000 yen
Total	109,000 yen

The total, including advance rent and other fees, is just over 100,000 yen.

Of course, since the property is furnished with appliances, there’s no need to purchase items like a TV or bed.

Initial Cost Example: Urban Lodge Nishi-Shinjuku

A property located within walking distance of Shinjuku Station.

As the name suggests, this property allows you to live with your dog. Generally, initial costs for dog-friendly regular rentals can reach 500,000 to 600,000 yen, but...

＜Room E Initial Cost Breakdown ※Without Dog＞

Deposit	50,000 yen
Fire Insurance	10,000 yen
Advance Rent	70,000 yen
Advance Utility Fee	15,000 yen
Total	145,000 yen

＜Room E Initial Cost Breakdown ※With Dog＞

Deposit	50,000 yen
Fire Insurance	10,000 yen
Security Deposit	70,000 yen
Advance Rent	70,000 yen
Advance Utility Fee	18,000 yen
Total	218,000 yen

In the case of living with a dog,

the initial costs can be less than half of what’s typically required for regular rentals.

Initial Cost Example: SWITCH Shin-Koenji

A single-house share property furnished with vintage furniture.

The property has a great location, and the initial costs are...

＜Room 1 Initial Cost Breakdown＞

Administrative Fee	15,000 yen
Guarantee Company Fee	21,900 yen
Advance Rent	61,000 yen
Advance Utility Fee	12,000 yen
Total	109,900 yen

The total, including all costs, was also just over 100,000 yen.

However, this property requires an additional cleaning fee of 15,000 yen upon moving out, which must be prepared separately.

Compared to regular rentals, it seems that moving costs can be significantly reduced.

Please note that the above initial cost breakdown assumes moving in on the first of the month. For example, if moving in on the 15th, half a month's rent and utility fees for the current month, as well as a full month's rent and utility fees for the following month, may apply.