Before signing a rental contract, check the initial cost estimate.
If you only look at the total price, you can only judge whether it is expensive or cheap, but what is important is the breakdown. If you look at how much it costs, you can see the points you should check.
Security deposit/key money
A security deposit is money you keep in preparation for restoration costs and unpaid rent when you move out.
Key money is money paid to the lender and, in principle, is not returned. Properties with zero security deposit and zero key money can easily reduce initial costs, but be sure to also check the moving-out costs and short-term cancellation penalties.
Advance rent and daily rent
Depending on the contract start date, the first month's daily rent and the next month's rent may be included in the initial cost.
Even for the same property, the initial cost will change if the contract start date changes. Check if it is possible to adjust the date when the rent is due.
Guarantee company costs
If you use a guarantee company, you may be charged an initial guarantee fee, monthly guarantee fee, and renewal guarantee fee.
It is a good idea to check whether there is a monthly renewal fee or annual renewal fee, not just the first time.
Fire insurance and ancillary services
Fire insurance is required in many rental contracts.
On the other hand, 24-hour support, deodorizing, antibacterial, pest control, simple fire extinguishing agents, etc. may be a mixture of mandatory and optional items.
Check to see if the conditions are written on the property drawings or if they are added by the brokerage company.
Brokerage fee
Brokerage fees are fees paid to real estate companies.
Check how many months of rent the amount is and whether it includes consumption tax. This is an item that tends to add up to a large amount in an estimate.
summary
It is important not to judge the initial cost based solely on the total amount.
Check the security deposit, key money, advance rent, guarantee fee, fire insurance, incidental services, and brokerage fees one by one. If you are unsure about an item, it will be easier to organize it by asking whether it is "required or optional" and "only once or monthly."