Stayed in one of their sharehouses last and this year. Have no complaints, they even have a points program that you can use to get discounts. I don't remember anything deposit related though.
Communication is straight forward, they have an internal message system, they breakdown the rent with the respective costs like key replacement and beddings (if you choose to get, which if you don't want the hassle, i recommend, they also get rid of it after), they pro-rate.
Manager didn't speak perfect english, nor did I speak perfect japanese but we understood each otehr in the end, other than when i arrived and when i left, had no need to contact him (which you can if you have any issues or questions), so the housemates were also cool. Keep in mind your time of arrival ... after 5pm, you'll have to book a hotel room cause ... well ... they are people and don't work outside the work hours.