Korean Job Discussion Forums

[njp6]

So the wife and I signed a 2 year contract on an apartment and wanted to extend for only 9 more months. My landlord and their realtor said that was fine, but we'd need to sign another contract (for 2 years) and then, when we left, we'd have to pay the realty fee for the next tenet (about 350 won). It was my understanding that this is usually how things go in Korea when you want out of housing contract.

Now the landlord is crying because she says we are leaving early and she is losing money (what?! she got 9 more months of rent out of us). Now she wants between 1 and 2 million won. Does anybody have any experience with this, getting out of a housing contract? Any advice on how to deal with the situation?

[alongway]

you should have gotten the exact terms in writing.
Since you are leaving before a full contract cycle it is usually on you to find a new tenant. Though a lot of places do tend to fill up fast these days. Get some ads out there and talk to the realtor about showing the place more. The landlord won't care if there is a replacement waiting to move in.

[optik404]

Why would you sign a two year lease if you only planned on staying for 9 months.

[njp6]

Guys, the blunder in my actions is obvious. I signed the contract because the realtor said they don't do 9 month contracts. They also told me that I just needed to pay the next tenant's fees and all would be cool. I took them at their word. My bad. Also, with the deal as stated, I saved a lot of money. Otherwise I would have had to try and find a different place for 9 months, paid movers, paid additional realty fees, etc.

Alongway, thanks for the info.

[transmogrifier]