敷金

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 敷金, read しききん, is money deposited as security when renting a room or home.
• Basic usage: It is used when discussing the amount before moving in or its settlement after moving out.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Different from 礼金
  • 敷金 is deposited as security, while 礼金 is key money given to the landlord. In the refund example, repair costs are deducted before the remaining deposit is returned.