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Understand your lease

Every clause explained simply, with the traps flagged.

Only the Korean contract (the original) is legally binding. This page and any translation are reference material to help you understand it.

The standard contract

Tap a number to jump to what that part means.

주택임대차계약서

[ 전세 · 월세 ]

임대인(Landlord)_1임차인(Tenant)_

[부동산의 표시] 2

소재지 _ · 구조·용도 _ · 면적 _ ㎡

[계약내용]

제1조(보증금) 보증금 金 _ 원정3

계약금 _ · 중도금 _ · 잔금 _4

차임(월세) 金 _ 원, 매월 _일 지급 5

관리비 _ 원 6

제2조(임대차 기간) _ 부터 _ 까지 7

제3조(용도변경 및 전대 등) 8

제4조(계약의 해지) 9

제5조(계약의 종료·보증금 반환) 10

제8조(중개보수) 13

[확인사항] 미납 국세·선순위 확정일자 현황 11

[특약사항] 12

______________________________________________

임대인 _ (인)임차인 _ (인)

The two parties (임대인·임차인)

In plain wordsThe names and IDs of the landlord (임대인) and you, the tenant (임차인). The person signing as landlord must be the real owner of the home.

Watch out: Check the landlord's ID matches the owner on the property register (등기부등본). Never pay a deposit to anyone who is not the registered owner.

The property (부동산의 표시)

In plain wordsThe exact address, structure and size of the home you are renting. It must match the property register.

Deposit (보증금)

In plain wordsA large sum you pay upfront and get back when you move out — often tens of millions of won. It is not rent.

Watch out: This is the biggest risk for foreigners (deposit fraud, 전세사기). Protect it: right after signing, file 전입신고 and get 확정일자.

Payment schedule (계약금·중도금·잔금)

In plain wordsThe deposit is usually paid in parts: 계약금 (down payment, ~10%) at signing, sometimes 중도금 (interim), and 잔금 (balance) on move-in day.

Watch out: If you cancel after paying 계약금 you usually lose it; if the landlord cancels, they owe you double. Pay the balance only after re-checking the property register that day.

Monthly rent (월세·차임)

In plain wordsThe amount you pay every month and the day it is due. Late payment can be grounds to end the contract.

Maintenance fee (관리비)

In plain wordsA monthly building fee charged on top of rent. Always check what it includes — water, internet, cleaning, elevator.

Contract term (임대차 기간)

In plain wordsThe start and end dates. The standard term is 2 years, and you generally have the right to request one renewal (계약갱신청구권).

Use, subletting & restoration (용도·전대·원상복구)

In plain wordsYou must use the home as a residence, cannot sublet it without permission, and must return it in its original condition (원상복구) when you leave.

Watch out: Photograph any existing damage on move-in day so you are not charged for it when you move out.

Ending early (계약의 해지·해제)

In plain wordsRules for ending the lease before it expires — for example if rent is unpaid or terms are broken.

Watch out: Leaving before the term ends can mean losing your deposit or paying the next tenant's brokerage fee. Check the required notice period.

Getting your deposit back (계약의 종료)

In plain wordsThe conditions for returning your deposit when the lease ends, usually after you move out and hand back the keys.

Watch out: With 전입신고 + 확정일자, you gain legal priority to recover your deposit even if the landlord has debts on the property.

Landlord's debts & prior claims (미납 국세·선순위)

In plain wordsThis box shows whether the landlord owes taxes or whether earlier tenants already have priority claims on the deposit.

Watch out: Unpaid taxes and prior claims get paid before your deposit if things go wrong. Ask to see the landlord's tax-payment certificate (납세증명서).

Special terms (특약사항)

In plain wordsExtra conditions written in by hand for this specific contract. This section can override the standard printed clauses.

Watch out: Read every single line here — unfair conditions hide in this box (for example, losing part of your deposit over small damage). Ask for a translation before you sign.

Brokerage fee (중개보수)

In plain wordsThe fee paid to the licensed agent (공인중개사). It is capped by law based on the deposit and rent.

Watch out: Tenant and landlord each pay their own agent fee. Ask for the legal rate so you are not overcharged.

Before you sign: checklist

Check the property register (등기부등본): owner's name and any mortgages (근저당)
The landlord's ID matches the registered owner
The deposit is reasonable vs the home's value and existing loans
Read every special term (특약사항) — get it translated first
Right after signing: file 전입신고 (resident registration) and get 확정일자
File the lease report (전월세 신고) within 30 days
For 전세: check whether deposit insurance (보증보험) is available

General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm the details with a licensed agent.