Korean Job Discussion Forums

[FastForward]

Who is responsible for the repairs? The breaker blew in my place and they said I have to pay for the repairs. Is this right? Back home if I rent, they are responsible for the repairs. The cost is over 100,000.

[War Eagle]

You are not responsible for anything breaking in your apartment. Every time I had something go wrong in an officetel, the owner took care of it.

[optik404]

You can be responsible if it says you have to pay for repairs in your contract. Read your contract.

[FastForward]

[War Eagle]

IMO that's a crappy thing to do if it's the school that wants you to pay for it. It's their responsibility to provide you functional housing.

I would tell them to go jump in a lake. However, since they pay your salary, you might be SOL.

[waynehead]

I had something break on my water heater a while back, I had to pay the repairman myself, but then the building manager/security guy paid me back after I gave him the receipt. Is it possible there was some miscommunication and you just need to keep your receipt?

Generally, if something breaks from regular wear and tear and through no fault of your own, your building owner/manager should pay to have it repaired.

[Stan Rogers]

[FastForward]

[Stan Rogers]

Here is an example of what the owner won't pay for. My friend got drunk one night and locked himself out of his apartment. He became angry, found a large rock and began smashing the lock off his door trying to break into his own place. He was unsuccessful and had to call a locksmith. He had to pay for the damage to the door and replace the lock.

[schwa]

Having lived in an assortment of apartments, villas, & jutaeks, I've discovered there is a consistent set of customary unwritten rules about who pays for what.

Boiler problems are always on the owner's dime (unless you let it freeze in winter).
Tenants are expected to pay for plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks) that break on their watch, as well as minor electrical problems (fried light fixtures, etc). Maybe a breaker switch falls into that category.

Personally, if I asked & got turned down, I'd just pay for it to keep the peace.

[CP]

Every officetel I have ever lived in the owner has been responsible for the repairs of things that go. I would just contact the owner with what was wrong - told them I would remove the costs from the monthly rent for that month and if they wanted I would keep the receipt for their reference later.