If you're looking for a rental property in Tokyo that requires no security deposit or key money and comes furnished with appliances and furniture, there are two main ways to find one. One is to narrow down your search criteria on a general rental portal, and the other is to choose a property from a real estate agency that bundles initial costs together. While the initial costs for a regular rental property are typically equivalent to 4-5 months' rent, choosing a furnished property can reduce this to just tens of thousands of yen. This article compares the breakdown of initial costs using a simulation table and outlines how to choose the right property in Tokyo without making mistakes.
How to find a rental apartment in Tokyo with no security deposit or key money and furnished with appliances.
In short, you can find properties in Tokyo that require no security deposit or key money and come furnished with appliances. There are two main ways to do this. One is to use a rental portal site to narrow down your search by combining the conditions of "no security deposit," "no key money," and "furnished with appliances." The other is to choose a real estate agent who manages properties that come furnished with appliances from the start, keeping initial costs down.
The former offers a large number of properties, but rooms that meet the criteria tend to be filled quickly, and brokerage fees and guarantee fees are often charged separately. The latter limits the range of properties you can choose from, but initial costs, brokerage fees, and furniture purchase costs can be kept down, so the difference in total cost tends to be significant.
What are security deposits and key money? (What percentage of initial costs do they represent?)
A security deposit is money paid to the landlord to cover the cost of restoring the property to its original condition upon moving out and to cover any unpaid rent. In Tokyo, it is typically equivalent to one to two months' rent. Any unused portion is refunded upon moving out. Key money is paid to the landlord as a token of appreciation and is non-refundable. This is also typically around one month's rent.
In a typical rental, in addition to the security deposit and key money, there are also brokerage fees (up to one month's rent plus tax), advance rent, fire insurance, and key replacement fees. The total often amounts to four to five months' rent. For a room with a monthly rent of 70,000 yen, this means you'll need around 280,000 to 350,000 yen before moving in.
How does choosing a furnished apartment affect initial costs?
Choosing a furnished apartment eliminates the burden of security deposits and key money, as well as the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances—another initial expense. Buying a refrigerator, washing machine, bed, desk, etc., can cost around 100,000 to 200,000 yen, but these are unnecessary if the apartment is furnished. You can move in with just a single bag, reducing both the cost and hassle of setting up your new life.
In 2026, driven by the weak yen, there will continue to be an influx of people from overseas to Japan, as well as people from regional areas moving to Japan for work or education. In Tokyo, there will continue to be high interest in short-term housing that can be rented with minimal initial costs. Furnished apartments with no security deposit or key money are a good fit for these needs.
[Simulation] Comparison of initial costs between a standard rental and a furnished apartment.
Using a 70,000 yen per month studio apartment as an example, let's compare the initial costs incurred before moving in for a regular rental and a furnished apartment from Cross House. The figures are estimates based on general guidelines, and the actual amount will vary depending on the property and contract conditions.
| item | Typical rental property | Furnished apartment (Cross House) |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | Approximately 70,000 yen (equivalent to one month's rent) | 0 yen |
| key money | Approximately 70,000 yen (equivalent to one month's rent) | 0 yen |
| Brokerage fee | Approximately 77,000 yen (one month's rent + tax) | 0 yen |
| Initial costs (administrative fees, etc.) | — | 30,000 yen (with campaign discount / normally 50,000 yen) |
| Cost of purchasing furniture and home appliances | Approximately 100,000 to 200,000 yen | 0 yen (provided) |
| Estimated total before moving in | Approximately 310,000 to 420,000 yen plus advance rent, insurance, etc. | 30,000 yen + first month's rent, guarantee fee, etc. |
With regular rentals, the costs of security deposits, key money, brokerage fees, and furniture/appliance purchases often add up, and it's not uncommon for the total cost before moving in to exceed 300,000 yen. On the other hand, furnished apartments are characterized by the fact that all of these costs can be kept down. Cross House's furnished apartments have no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees, and the initial cost is 30,000 yen with the campaign applied (normally 50,000 yen). Campaign conditions and duration may change, so please check the latest details individually. A more detailed breakdown of initial costs can also be found on the pricing page .
If you'd like to learn more about how to think about initial costs, please also refer to "How much does it cost for a university student to live alone? Initial costs, living expenses, and ways to save money ."
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Breakdown of monthly costs incurred after moving in
Checking not only the initial costs but also the monthly expenses will help prevent the surprise of finding out it's "more expensive than expected" after you move in. The monthly cost for furnished apartments consists of rent plus a safety support fee.
How to think about the monthly cost of a furnished apartment
Cross House's furnished apartments charge a monthly fee of 1,500 yen (tax included) in addition to the rent. This fee covers assistance with any problems that may arise in your home. There are no common area fees or management fees for furnished apartments. Amenities vary depending on the property, but generally include an air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, bed, desk, chair, storage, and curtains.
For furnished apartments, tenants are responsible for arranging their own water, electricity, and gas contracts. If you are unsure about the contract process, you can choose from our partner companies' contract assistance or a plan that bundles utilities into a fixed monthly fee. Further details can be confirmed upon inquiry.
Costs related to moving out and contract
The costs and guarantee fees incurred upon moving out vary depending on the property and contract details. Individual contracts require membership in a guarantee company, incurring an initial guarantee fee and monthly guarantee fees. The amount varies depending on the guarantee company and is determined at the time of application. The contract is a one-year fixed-term lease, and a renewal fee is charged upon renewal. It's advisable to confirm these conditions before moving in.
Key points when choosing a property with no security deposit or key money, and furnished with appliances.
Choosing a place solely based on low initial costs can lead to problems after moving in, as the conditions may not be suitable. It's important to consider both the total cost and the ease of living when making your decision.
Compare initial costs based on the "total amount".
Even if a property advertises "no security deposit or key money," the total cost can vary significantly if additional fees such as brokerage fees, guarantee fees, and key replacement fees are charged separately. Don't just compare the listed rent; compare the total amount you'll pay before moving in. Listing what each property costs will make the differences between properties much clearer.
Check the contents and condition of the equipment.
Even if a property is advertised as furnished with appliances, the included equipment varies from property to property. Checking in advance whether basic equipment such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves are included and in what condition will prevent discrepancies after moving in. It's also a good idea to check if there is a contact point for assistance in case of equipment malfunction.
The balance between location/accessibility and rent
Because Tokyo has a well-developed transportation network, rent prices vary depending on the distance from the station and the train line. While closer to the station is more convenient, rent tends to be higher. Expanding your search to include a bit of walking distance allows you to find more spacious and well-equipped properties for the same budget. It's best to consider the balance between commute time and rent, and choose a location that suits your lifestyle.
Short-term travel and ease of movement
If you're new to living in Tokyo or haven't decided where to live yet, properties that allow for short-term stays and easy relocation are ideal. Cross House offers rentals starting from a minimum of one month, and transfers between properties across prefectures are free. You can try living there first, and if it doesn't suit you, you can move.
If you'd like to learn more about the points to be aware of when renting a property with no security deposit or key money, please also see "Should I Avoid Rental Properties with No Security Deposit or Key Money? Disadvantages, Advantages, and Points to Note ."
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
The option of a furnished apartment from Crosshouse.
If you want to minimize security deposits, key money, and brokerage fees, and move into a furnished apartment with just a suitcase, then Cross House's furnished apartments are perfect for you. These apartments offer completely private rooms with exclusive use of bathrooms and kitchens, making them ideal for those who want complete privacy.
Cross House is a real estate management company that operates furnished rental properties in 11 prefectures, primarily in Tokyo. There is no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, and initial costs start from 30,000 yen with campaign discounts (normally 50,000 yen). Amenities vary depending on the property, but basically all necessary furniture and appliances are provided. Contracts can be completed online, and applications from overseas are accepted. If you feel that a property is not suitable after moving in, you can move to another property free of charge.
If you're unsure about living alone for the first time, this article will help you understand the pros and cons of living alone, the differences from living with family, and who it's best suited for .
FAQ
Are there any furnished apartments in Tokyo that require no security deposit or key money?
Yes, it is possible. In addition to searching on rental portals using a combination of "no security deposit," "no key money," and "furnished," you can also choose a company that operates furnished apartments that keep initial costs down. Cross House operates furnished apartments with no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees, primarily in Tokyo.
What are the initial costs for a furnished apartment?
Cross House's furnished apartments have no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees, and initial costs are ¥30,000 with the campaign applied (normally ¥50,000). In regular rentals, security deposit, key money, brokerage fees, and furniture/appliance purchase costs add up, often exceeding ¥300,000 before moving in. Campaign conditions and duration are subject to change.
Besides rent, what other monthly expenses do you have?
Cross House's furnished apartments require a monthly safety support fee of 1,500 yen (tax included) in addition to the rent. There are no common area fees or management fees. Residents are responsible for contracting for water, electricity, and gas themselves, although contract assistance and plans that bundle utilities into a fixed monthly fee are also available.
If there is no security deposit or key money, will there be any fees when I move out?
The costs and security fees incurred upon moving out vary depending on the property and the terms of the contract. While normal wear and tear is generally the landlord's responsibility, damage caused by intent or negligence is the tenant's responsibility. It's advisable to check the contract details beforehand and to keep photographs of the property's condition upon moving in.
Is it possible to stay here for just a short period?
Yes, you can. Cross House offers rentals starting from a minimum of one month, and there are no early termination penalties with one month's notice. Moving between properties across prefectures is also free, so you can try living in one first and move if it doesn't suit you.
What is the difference between a furnished apartment and a shared house?
Furnished apartments offer completely private rooms with exclusive use of bathrooms and kitchens, allowing you to maintain your privacy. Share houses, on the other hand, allow you to share living spaces and bathrooms while keeping costs down, with initial costs starting from 30,000 yen. You can choose based on your budget and lifestyle preferences.
If you're looking for a furnished apartment in Tokyo with no security deposit or key money, Cross House can help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding initial costs, amenities, or your desired area.
Supervised by the operations team of Cross House, a real estate management company that operates rental properties in 11 prefectures (as of July 2026)
