How do I protect my housing deposit?

Check these before you sign.

• Look at the property register (등기부). You can get it at iros.go.kr (인터넷등기소).
• Use an ID to confirm that the person signing is the owner named in the 등기부. If it's an agent, get a power of attorney (위임장) and a seal certificate (인감증명서).
• Avoid homes with many mortgages (저당권) or jeonse rights (전세권), and homes under seizure (압류).
• When signing, the landlord must show you a tax payment certificate (납세증명서) and fixed-date information (확정일자), or agree to let you check them.
• Look at the 등기부 again before paying the balance.

After you move in, do two things.

• Report your change of residence (체류지 변경 신고): the deadline is 15 days from the day you move in, but to protect your deposit, do it on moving day. For foreigners, this report replaces the move-in report (전입신고). Don't leave out the building and unit number. Once you have moved in and reported, from the next day you can assert your right to keep living there against a new owner, even if the home is sold.
• Fixed date (확정일자): take your original contract and ARC to the community service center (주민센터). The fee is 600 won.

If you do both, when the home is sold at auction (경매), you can get your deposit back ahead of later-ranked right holders.

Be sure to check your own situation with 1345 or an immigration office.

Any questions about your housing contract? Leave your question below.