Cleaning and rental terms in Japan

Terms

Minpaku (民泊)

Short-term accommodation in a private home or apartment. In Japan it is regulated under the Minpaku law (up to 180 days a year), the Ryokan Business Act or special-zone rules.

Turnover cleaning

Cleaning between one guest's check-out and the next check-in.

Ōsōji (大掃除)

The traditional deep clean carried out before the New Year.

Genjō-kaifuku (原状回復)

Restoring a rental to its condition at move-in, apart from normal wear. What is charged to the tenant depends on the lease and guidelines.

Shikikin (敷金)

A refundable deposit paid to the landlord at the start of a lease.

Reikin (礼金)

Non-refundable "key money" paid to a landlord, common in some Japanese rentals.

Unit bath (ユニットバス)

A prefabricated bathroom module. Surfaces scratch easily, so non-abrasive cleaning is best.

IH cooktop

Induction heating stove with a glass-ceramic top. Clean with non-abrasive products.

LDK / 1K / 1LDK

Japanese layout notation: L = living, D = dining, K = kitchen. A 1LDK has one bedroom plus a combined living, dining and kitchen area.

Jūtaku shukuhaku kanri gyōsha (住宅宿泊管理業者)

A registered manager that runs a minpaku property on behalf of the owner.

Tax-inclusive price (税込)

A price that already includes consumption tax. All eStreet! cleaning prices are tax-inclusive.

Key box (キーボックス)

A lockable box holding a key so cleaners can enter without the resident present.

How to use this glossary

This glossary explains words you will meet when renting, hosting or cleaning in Japan. Many come from lease documents, minpaku rules or cleaning service descriptions, and they are often used without explanation. We keep the definitions short and plain, and where a term has legal meaning, we describe it in general terms and suggest that you check the exact rules with your landlord, agent or local authority. Nothing here is legal advice.

Renting terms you will see

Lease terms in Japan often include a deposit, key money, a management fee and renewal fees. A move-out inspection, called tachiai, is when an agent or landlord checks the condition of the flat with you. Restoring the flat to its original condition, genjō-kaifuku, is governed by the contract and by government guidelines, which separate ordinary wear from damage. A guarantor or a guarantee company is commonly required. Understanding these words helps you read an offer and prepare for the end of a tenancy.

Short-stay terms for hosts

Hosts will meet the terms for different kinds of short-stay accommodation: the Minpaku law, which allows home sharing up to a set number of days a year, the Ryokan Business Act for lodging businesses and special-zone arrangements in certain areas. A registered manager is a licensed company that manages a property on behalf of the owner. Turnover is the cleaning between guests. Understanding which framework applies to your property matters, because it determines the rules on days of operation, safety and neighbour notices.

Cleaning words and surfaces

Unit bath describes a prefabricated bathroom with seams that trap moisture, and IH cooktop describes the induction stove with a glass-ceramic top that scratches easily. Descaling means removing mineral deposits from taps and glass, degreasing means removing cooking oil, and deep cleaning means a thorough, scoped clean of build-up. Express cleaning is a short visit that resets the core rooms. Knowing these words helps you describe a problem accurately when you ask for a quote.

Prices, taxes and layouts

Prices in Japan are often quoted with tax included or excluded, and it is worth checking which. All eStreet! prices are tax-inclusive. Layouts are described with letters and numbers, such as 1K, 1LDK or 2LDK, where K is a kitchen and LDK combines living, dining and kitchen areas. Floor area is often given in square metres or in tatami mats, jō. These details help us estimate time and price when you book.

Suggest a term

If a word on a lease, a minpaku notice or a cleaning quote is unclear, tell us and we will explain it and may add it here. Terms change over time, and rules differ between local authorities, so always confirm legal details with your landlord, agent or ward office. Definitions here describe general practice, and your own contract or local rules take priority.