Be prepared to pay a security deposit equal to one or two month’s rent. You may also need to pay up to three month’s rent in advance when you sign a contract. The maintenance fee for your apartment may be included in the rent rate but utility bills should be paid separately at a local bank. Make sure your landlord provides receipts to show that they are up to date with payments before you move in. If you found the property through an agent then their commission fee will need to be paid. If the monthly rent is above ¥3,500 then the landlord should be responsible for this but make sure you check in advance.