Questions to Ask During a Room Inspection

Before visiting any property, ask the landlord or agent for a copy of the property registry (등기부등본). This document shows:

• Who legally owns the property • Existing mortgages or liens • Any ongoing legal disputes

You can also check it yourself at the Supreme Court Registry (www.iros.go.kr) for around 700–1,000 KRW. If the total mortgage value is close to the property value, your deposit may not be fully protected if the landlord defaults.

When you are inside the property, check the following:

• Mold or water stains (벽면 곰팡이) — look behind furniture, under windows, in bathroom corners • Water pressure — turn on all taps and flush the toilet • Hot water — run it for 30 seconds to confirm the boiler works • Heating (온돌/난방) — in winter, test the floor heating; in summer ask when it was last maintained • Sunlight — note which direction windows face (south-facing is most desirable) • Phone signal and internet readiness • Condition of appliances included in the rent • Pest evidence — look for droppings or damage along baseboards

Do not leave without asking these:

• What is included in the maintenance fee (관리비)? — water, gas, heating, cleaning? • How is garbage disposed of? Are there designated bags? • What is the contract length and minimum notice period? • Is the deposit protected by 전세권 설정 or 확정일자? • Are there any planned renovations in the building? • What appliances/furniture stay? • Has there been any flooding or structural issues? • What is the process for repairs — who pays and how quickly do they respond?

Trust your gut, but here are concrete warning signs:

• Landlord refuses to show the registry or is evasive about the mortgage • Pressure to sign the contract the same day • Rent significantly below market rate for the area • Evidence of mold they have "freshly painted over" • No written contract — verbal agreements are not enforceable • Agent who represents both landlord and tenant (conflict of interest) • Missing or non-functional smoke detectors, fire extinguisher, or escape routes