When applying for rental, you may be asked to pay an application fee or to put a deposit down.
The amount varies from several thousand yen to one month's rent. Before you pay, make sure you know what you're paying for.
First check the name
The meaning may change depending on how it is called, such as application money, deposit, earnest money, or part of contract money.
The most important question is whether you will receive a refund if you cancel.
Before paying, be sure to ask, ``Is this money refundable?'' ``Will it be applied to the contract fee?''
get a receipt
If you pay money, be sure to get a receipt or deposit slip.
Check to see if the amount, payment date, property name, purpose, refund conditions, and recipient name are written there. It is safer to avoid only verbal communication.
Cancellation conditions before contract
You may cancel your application after it has been approved.
However, if you are in the process of drawing up a contract or preparing to move in, depending on the management company, you may be asked to pay cancellation fees or actual expenses.
By checking in advance how cancellations will be handled, it will be easier to avoid problems later on.
Don't rush to pay
I get nervous when I'm told, "If you don't deposit the money right away, it will be taken away."
There are times when speed is important when it comes to popular properties, but it is dangerous to make a deposit without vague payment terms. At the very least, confirm the terms and conditions in writing or via email before proceeding.
summary
It is important to confirm the application fee and deposit before paying.
What kind of money will it be, will it be refunded, will it be applied to the contract fee, and will there be any certificates? Even if the amount is small, not being ambiguous will give you peace of mind.