Checking a lease contract

There are things to check before you sign. Following the order prevents most disasters.

Check before signing

1. The property register — anyone can obtain it at www.iros.go.kr.
   • Is the owner's name the same as the person you are contracting with?
   • How much mortgage debt is secured on it?
   • Are there seizures or injunctions?
2. The landlord's ID — compare the face and name with the registered owner.
3. If an agent acts for them, check the power of attorney and seal certificate.
4. The building ledger — confirm it is not an illegal structure.
5. The estate agent's licence — check the registration certificate and mutual aid certificate displayed in the office.

What the contract must state

• The address, exact to the unit number
• Deposit, rent and maintenance fee amounts and payment dates
• Contract period
• Details of the landlord and tenant
• Special terms (repair responsibility, pets, early termination)

Steps

1. Check the property register.
2. Read the contract carefully. If Korean is hard, go with an interpreter or support organisation.
3. Send all money to an account in the registered owner's name. Avoid handing over cash.
4. Get the contract and receipts. Photograph and back them up.
5. File the move-in report and get the fixed date stamp immediately. Not even a day's delay.

Where to go

• Internet registry www.iros.go.kr
• Your community service centre (move-in report, fixed date)
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
• Ministry of Land 1599-0001
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpreted advice

Questions people ask

I can't read a Korean contract. Ask for a translation or bring an interpreter. Family Centers and support centres for foreign workers can accompany you. Never sign a contract you do not understand.

The landlord wants cash. Always transfer by bank and keep the record. If unavoidable, get a receipt and photograph it.

They want a deposit up front. Send no money at all before checking the register and their identity.

How much is the agent's commission? There is a legal cap. Check the local government website or the notice in the agent's office.

Take care

Always take a copy of the contract. Save the contract, receipts, property register and ID photos to the cloud. If a dispute arises later, this material is everything.

Related

deposit-protection · housing-scam · real-estate-agent · jeonse-wolse

Source

Ministry of Land www.molit.go.kr / Supreme Court registry www.iros.go.kr / As of 2026-08