Korean Job Discussion Forums

[suadente]

Sorry if this is covered in another thread. I looked and looked, but couldn't find anything.

I am living in a 'wolsae' apartment now, and my lease is finished in one month. I told my landlord that I will not be staying yesterday. She said that she will not give me my key money until after she finds a new renter for my apartment (For those of you who are into Konglish, it's actually a 'villa'). I paid 10,000,000 won key money. My contract states that I will get my money when I finish the contract, which is August 27, 2006.

But, she said that it doesn't matter.

This means that I cannot leave my apartment until she finds a new person. If I contract an apartment now, and she doesn't give me my key money, then I'll lose the initial deposit and have to give up my new contract. What if this takes weeks or a month?

Is this legal? If she doesn't give me my money, what can I do? Do you know of anyone else that this has happened to? What did he/she/they do?

I talked to someone who said that I could file a lien against the building, but that doesn't solve the problem of me finishing one contract, and not being able to start another.

[RACETRAITOR]

I've seen this happen way too many times. However, she did say she'd return the money at some point, right?

It's probably in your best interest to fight for your money as much as you can, regardless.

[Zyzyfer]

Yeah apparently people like to pump the key money they get into other crap. Maybe it's a loan they took out for another place or whatever, but they essentially used your money to pay for something else. That's why they say they have to wait for a new tenant. They intend to give you that person's key money and wash rinse repeat with whoever moves in next.

Even my girlfriend is pulling this crap (not on me).

[SuperHero]

technically it's illegal, but like many other laws it isn't enforced. Good luck.

[rocklee]

I have a similar situation, except I was asked to take over someone's place because they were leaving early. Boss wants me to move into this apartment for a couple of months just to help out, but I don't know if there is anything more to this.

Should I move in???

I've already found a place I really want and its available now, but I don't think that will be available in a couple of months if I wait.

I'm afraid that I may have to stay in the school's apartment once I move in because of this key money thing that the company paid for the previous teacher.

[Col.Brandon]

Doesn't the local city government office (Gu) have a system for policing this? It might pay to go and find out. Doesn't all key money have to be registered wuth the Gu office?

[suadente]

Apparently, I can place a lien on the property if they don't return my key money deposit, however, that doesn't really help me. Placing a lien doesn't get me money in time to move into a new apartment.

[jacl]

I guess that each time your landlord gets people to rent, it's kind of like winning the lottery.

It's not your responsiblility. It's not your problem.

Contract's up = Give me my fuking money

[Captain Corea]

Did you sign with them directly or did an agent help you?

[Roch]

[Julius]

Never hand money over on trust to a Korean. or any other nationality either. Its as good as giving it away.

[suadente]

[cubanlord]

[Paji eh Wong]

If it makes you feel better, Koreans do this to each other all the time. I had a Korean friend call me up a few months ago asking ME for advice about the same situation. She got her money eventually but had to spend some time in limbo.

[T-dot]

1. did u do a check on her finances (loan /debt history etc..)
2. Is the apt. in your name?

3. This is the advice I usually get from Korean acquaintances if a landlord ever withholds key-money. I CAN stay in that said apt. rent free; until the key- money is returned.