敷金(しききん)

しききん
noun
security deposit
1. security deposit, damage deposit
A refundable deposit paid when renting an apartment in Japan, typically 1-2 months' rent. Used to cover repairs for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
敷金(しききん)は家賃(やちん)の2ヶ月(かげつ)分(ぶん)です。
The security deposit is two months' rent.
退去(たいきょ)時(じ)に敷金(しききん)の一部(いちぶ)が返(かえ)ってきた。
Part of the security deposit was returned when I moved out.
敷金(しききん)礼金(れいきん)なしの物件(ぶっけん)を探(さが)している。
I'm looking for a property with no deposit or key money.
Common when apartment hunting

Compound: 敷(し)く (to spread, lay) + 金(きん) (money)

CULTURAL NOTE (the rental system):

  • 敷金(しききん) (security deposit) - refundable
  • 礼金(れいきん) (key money) - non-refundable
  • Both are typically paid upfront when signing a lease

Common patterns

Note: In recent years, more '0ゼロ物件(ぶっけん)' (zero-zero properties) with no 敷金(しききん) or 礼金(れいきん) have become available.

Related Words

Related: 礼金(れいきん)
Related: 家賃(やちん) (rent)
Related: 大家(おおや) (landlord, landlady)
Compare: 更新料(こうしんりょう) (renewal fee (especially on a rental contract))
Related: 原状回復(げんじょうかいふく) (restoration to original condition)
Related: 保証会社(ほしょうがいしゃ) (guarantor company)
general
Added 2026.1.17 11:09 · Revised 2026.10.11 4:52
06000/06079_shikikin