Rental company scam or real?

Currently in Tokyo on working holiday visa. Finalising an apartment for the next year but rental company is asking me to pay deposit + 1st month before signing the contract.
Is this normal?
They seem legit but I’m wary as the housing market in the UK is garbage and I’ve been burned before.
Company is c-plus.

by JazzTheRazz

6 comments
  1. Yeah that’s absolutely normal, if not less than usual. Most places will want 1-2 months upfront rent + security deposit. A cheap place like UR that rents to anyone will want half a year worth of rent deposit.

  2. it’s normal to pay 3-4 months of rent in japan beforehand and you will never see 3/4 of that ever again

  3. Did they at least say you were approved or present you with a contract with their stamp? If so then its OK to pay. If they didn’t give you at least a verbal approval, I wouldn’t pay anything.

  4. You got lucky……..They didn’t ask for key money, management fee, cleaning fee, guarantor service upfront too. Yes all real and too common here, but not sure before signing the contract but due before moving in or holding apartment.

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