How can we help you?
Q) I signed a two-year contract with my landlord with a deposit of 20 million won and a monthly payment of 400,000 won. I need to break the contract, but there are five months remaining. How much compensation should I pay the landlord for breaking the contract? And is the tenant (renter) responsible for finding and paying a real-estate agent for their services? Or is this the responsibility of the landlord?
A) Unfortunately, there is no such law regarding breaking a contract. You will have to negotiate that with your landlord. Your landlord has the right to hold onto your deposit until he/she finds a new tenant. Also, you may be required to pay the monthly payment until either your contract expires or a new tenant is found. You may want to try finding a new tenant yourself.
Q) I arranged to renew my key money lease contract through a real estate agent. I have heard that it is illegal to raise the amount of key money by more than 5 percent. Is this true? If so, why did my real estate agent allow my landlord to raise mine by 15.6 percent and why did the agent validate the contract?
A) The Lease Councilor at City Hall advises that once the contract has expired, the landlord can increase the key money rate.
However, raising the amount before the contract expires would be illegal.
If you have more questions on this, contact the Lease Councilor at (02) 731-6239.
Q) I would like to take my pet to the vet but I only speak English. Can you give me any information on English speaking vets? Preferably on subway line number one in Seoul.
A) You could try CINDY (Canines In Need Deserve You). You can contact them at 010-2776-9994 or (02)-3143- 0403.
Or you can also contact Chungwha at (02) 792-7602 and get more information through www.cwhospital.com.
The Seoul Help Center for Foreigners (SHC), operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), is an organization that provides foreigners in Seoul with comprehensive information and advice in daily life, business and tourism.
Seoul Help Center for Foreigners (SHC)
Tel: (02) 731-6800
Fax: (02) 731-6803
http://shc.seoul.go.kr
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