Stone-paved street lined with traditional wooden townhouses in Kyoto, with willow branches in the foreground

Japanese term

敷金

shikikin

Meaning

A refundable deposit paid at the start of a rental lease (賃貸借契約), held against unpaid rent and the cost of restoring the property at move-out. The amount and settlement method must be stated for the specific property; verify them in writing before signing.

In a sentence

The estimate listed one month's rent as 敷金, to be settled after the move-out inspection.

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