Korean Job Discussion Forums

Smithington · Joined: 14 Dec 2011

My job ends in twenty minutes, then I will take off to the States for a few weeks before looking for a new job. I moved out of my apartment this morning. As always, I left it much cleaner that when I moved in. I am a very conscientious tenant who respects other people's property. My apartment was left in perfect condition. The landlord has absolutely no grounds for complaint.

Ten minutes ago a teacher comes into my room to tell me that the landlord says there's a "problem" with my apartment and that she'll have to deduct part of my security deposit. My BS radar starts clicking because I know there is no grounds for complaint again me. I ask what the problem is, but the teacher said he wasn't quite sure. The landlord didn't go into details. I said emphatically that they were not to deduct a single penny from my deposit for damages. My apartment was left in perfect condition.

Working at a public school I have to give a 900,000 won security deposit. My feeling is that the landlord knows that I'm heading to the airport and that I won't be around to challenge her phony 'damages' claim. The teacher said it might only be 50,000 won, but still that's my money. And that number could jump once I'm out of the country and unable to confront her.

I get so tired of unethical business practices in Korea.

KimchiNinja · Joined: 01 May 2012 Location: Gangnam

That sucks.

The last time the owner tried something like this I worked with the agent who handled the original deal. Agent lady fought with owner lady. We won.

But yeah, they are looking for any reason to screw you.

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

That bites.

i wonder if "in" and "out" photos would protect ya much.

dairyairy · Joined: 17 May 2012 Location: South Korea

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

And often it gets to a point where you're arguing over $100.

I'm guessing many ppl would just write that off.

dairyairy · Joined: 17 May 2012 Location: South Korea

highstreet · Joined: 13 Nov 2010

Iirc, floors and walls are not the responsibility of the tenant.

giraffe · Joined: 07 Apr 2009

BigBuds · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Location: Changwon

I always walk around the apartment right in front of the landlord and real estate agent, taking photos of any and all damage before I move in.

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

There once was a time when foreign teachers didn't have to put down a deposit because the Koreans assumed the foreign teachers were good honest people.

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

The "management fee' or "cleaning fee" is another landlord scam.

(He picks up the odd cigarette butt from the hallway, you pay him W50.000 per month.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Are you sure it's the Landlord that's scamming?

Maybe the school just came up with some mystery complaints?

dairyairy · Joined: 17 May 2012 Location: South Korea

One of the worst things a school can do is tell one of those sleazy landlords is "There's a 900,000 deposit so if you can think of any damages done by the evil foreigner please let us know." That looks like a retirement fund to one of those scumbags. They'll blame you for everything they can imagine but the school still doesn't have to pay without at least inspecting the damage.