Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Wad]

With Chonsei who is responsible for apartment repairs?

I have a water supply valve leaking in my bathroom. The valve needs to be replaced. I imagine I could do it if I had to, but I'm no plumber. On who's dime should the repairs be done?

[schwa]

Conventional rules (based on experience in several apartments & conversations with Koreans):

Toilet & sink repairs above the floor are typically paid for by the tenant. Owner pays for infrastructure problems under the floor, unless the tenant was the obvious cause.

Likewise, broken light fixtures, switches, or sockets are the tenant's responsibility but inside-the-wall wiring problems go to the owner.

The tenant pays for a broken thermostat, but a busted boiler is on the owner.

I'd guess you're on the hook, unless you just moved in. But a new water supply valve (installed) shouldnt cost much. Tradesmen here work cheap.

[nicwr2002]

They are cheap. We had a guy come replace our shower faucet for like 30k ₩. We had already bought the replacement faucet.

[Wad]

Thank you kindly! Figure I can fix this one myself with a trip to the hardware store.

[Weigookin74]

Old building aka slumlord - you replace and they stonewall.

New building aka not a slumlord - you call, he sends a repair man to fix it.

(My experience anyhow.)

[Stan Rogers]

[Wad]

A trip to the hardware store, 4000w for a valve, 500w for PTFE thread seal, and 10 minutes to remove the old valve and replace. Good as new. It would have been a shame to pay some plumber 30,000w for this!

[schwa]

I just this afternoon had an electrician overhaul the two-bedroom jutaek that I rent. It was an all-new reno when I moved in three years ago but stuff has been crapping out. Shoddy original contractor. This guy rebuilt my main living room ceiling fixture back to new with five new ballasts & fluorescent tubes, replaced five broken wall sockets & reinforced all the others, & some other odds & ends. He worked hard & efficiently for over two hours & charged me w100k for parts & labor. No argument from me.

Meanwhile, my busybody landlady was here throughout. She had the guy dismantle every light in the house so she could scrub the glass. She bleach-cleaned every wall switch & assorted floorboards & tiles. She even took out last night's beer bottles. I just sat & watched, it was great.

Two confessions: I smoke without restraint at home & I'm lazy. I actually have an ajumma who comes once a week to tidy, launder, & do the dishes, but she's a lousy detail person. She's worked for me for 12 years & she's like family now.

Ah Korea. The landlady loves me too. I worried she'd by annoyed by my cumulative grime & tobacco damage but she laughed it off. Older single male = does what he does, no grief. We'll part on friendly terms in a couple months when I leave Korea.

A welll-spent $100.