JARGON TO MASTER

Jyo:
Unit in tatami mats to measure floor area. 1 jyo is approximately equal to 1.6 square meters.

Tsubo:
1 tsubo = 2 jyo, unit to measure land area.

LDK:
Letters standing for living room, dining room and kitchen) A 4LDK apartment would consist of 4 bedrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen.

Shikikin:
Security deposit usually worth 2 month's rent. This deposit is refundable although sometimes cleaning costs may be deducted from the amount when you are moving out.

Reikin:
Also called the "thank you money". It may be equals to 1 or 2 month's rent. A post war custom showing gratitude for being provided a place to stay. Reikin is still very popular with Japanese locals, however, with a bit of research, you may find some places that do not require it.

Koshinryo:

Renewal fee to be paid to the property owner before the lease expires to secure another lease term. Contracts are usually for 2 years after which you will be required to renew or cancel and find another property.