Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MoneyMike]

So here's my situation:

I've been living in the same apartment for almost 3 and a half years now. Recently my boiler started going on the fritz, so I had my gf help me contact my landlord to see about getting it fixed. While she was talking to him, he asked if there were any more problems with my apartment. She told him that there was also a problem with the sink, but that I hadn't complained about it. (It didn't really bother me at all)

Anyways, the boiler got fixed, and the landlord had new taps put onto the bathroom sink/shower, fixing the problem with it. He popped by my apartment a day later, however, and told me that I should pay for the replacement taps, and that it cost 100k won. I played it off like I didn't understand what he wanted, (I was reasonably sure, but my Korean's not great so I wasn't positive) and talked to my gf later about it. She's since talked to him and he is maintaining that since I've lived there for over 2 years, I should be responsible for paying for that. Now that's obviously a bs reason.

The sink fixing was done with no consultation to me. (Meaning he didn't suggest that I should pay for it until after)

Anyways, I'm going to meet him tomorrow morning some time with my gf there to translate, and my plan is to basically tell him there's no way in hell I'm paying for the sink. (I'll be polite about it, but it ain't happening)

A few more details that might be relevant. I pay 15k a month in 'maintenance fees' to the landlord, and this is the first time in 3 and a half years that I've had to get anything fixed or replaced.

So I'm in the right here, correct? My gf tells me that as far as she knows for a monthly renter like me the landlord is supposed to be responsible for all maintenance.

Any input is appreciated.

[thurst]

it depends on what exactly what was wrong with the taps and if they were new when you moved in

honestly, i think your gf dropped the ball (on your behalf) when complaining to him by not making sure that you were covered.

[MoneyMike]

So what does that mean exactly? And are you speaking from knowledge of the law in regards to something like this?

Like, if there's one problem with the tap I'd have to pay to fix it, but if it's another problem it's his responsibility? That doesn't sound right.

If it's at all relevant, the part of the sink that the water drains out of on the bottom was busted, so it couldn't be closed. Also, the water was permanently set to shower, and couldn't be set to the faucet. As I always wash my hands in the kitchen sink and never use the faucet, I didn't really care about it being fixed.

It definitely wasn't new when I moved in 3 years ago, but at that point it had all been working.

[Lucas]

Have you paid a large deposit for the house (Jeonse) 전세 - if so it is your responsibility to have things fixed.

If you pay monthly rent then I believe it's the land lords responsibility - I'm sure some more enlightened folks will give you more and better info than me though

[MoneyMike]

Oh, stupid me, I guess I forgot to mention. I didn't pay jeonsae, I'm just a monthly renter.

[Lucas]

Although I've not seen the contract you signed - I�d maybe bet that there is a part that say's something along the lines of;

'Landlord will be responsible for all payments .....................blah blah

Tenant will be responsible for payments where reasonable wear and tear has taken place?'

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If is does I'd say the guy is within his rights to ask/make you pay to have that repair done.......

This is all a side issue anyway because I guess you gave him a bit of a deposit anyway didn't you? - say 300,000 or so......?

He'l ljust take it from that anyway!

[MoneyMike]

Oh, further posting more information that I should've included.

I'm in EPIK supplied housing. I've paid no deposit, and I've never seen any tenancy agreement, so to be honest I have no idea what's in it.

[newb]

[thurst]

[schwa]

The landlord pays for a busted plumbing system*, but the tenant pays for busted taps, toilet tank problems, etc. Likewise the landlord pays for a faulty electrical system, but the tenant pays for light fixtures, etc, that happen to die.

Thats the customary standard that Korean tenants abide by. I've lived in several apartments & thats been exactly my experience too.


[*unless you let it freeze up in winter]

[Lazio]