Housing Checklist for Foreign Residents

• Choose your preferred area (based on work/school) and your maximum acceptable commute time.
• Set your budget: deposit / monthly rent / estimated maintenance fee / upfront costs (agent fee, moving, etc.).
• Decide housing type: one‑room · officetel · apartment · shared house.
• List must‑haves and deal‑breakers: pets, smoking, elevator, parking, included appliances (washer/AC, etc.).
• Confirm contact channels: standardize to 1–2 methods (phone, KakaoTalk, WeChat, email).

• Review the real estate register (등기부등본): owner, mortgages/seizures, and any priority claims (senior security interests).
• Check the building register (건축물대장): permitted use, illegal construction issues, and whether actual use matches registration.
• Verify the landlord’s identity: matches the registered owner; if an agent is involved, confirm power of attorney and ID.
• Confirm you can file a move‑in report (전입신고) and obtain a confirmed date (확정일자) (key steps for deposit protection).
• Deposit risk check: assess whether the sum of senior claims and your deposit is too high (request a clear risk explanation).
• Confirm how maintenance fees are calculated: what’s included (electricity/water/gas/internet/common areas) and settlement rules.
• Verify the real estate agent/broker: registered and licensed office (name/registration no.), and request the fee schedule in advance.

• Fill in accurate party information (landlord/tenant name, address, contact details).
• Match the property details: address, building/unit, size, and inventory/appliance list (attach as an appendix if possible).
• Clearly define the lease term, move‑in date, and move‑out date.
• Confirm deposit, rent, maintenance fee, payment dates, and bank account (preferably under the landlord’s name).
• Agree on repair responsibility: leaks, boiler, AC, door lock, and other faults.
• Write special terms: pets, smoking, no sublease, early termination/penalties, and scope of restoration.
• Keep the payment schedule and evidence for deposit/interim/final payments (receipts, bank transfer records).

• Check water pressure/hot water (kitchen & bathroom) and drainage.
• Electricity: breaker panel, outlets, and lights functioning properly.
• Inspect for mold/leaks/condensation: window frames, ceiling, wallpaper, bathroom.
• Test heating/cooling (boiler & AC) and check filter condition.
• Noise: outside noise with windows closed, neighbor noise, upstairs/downstairs noise.
• Security: door lock, building entrance, CCTV, and night route/lighting.
• Check gas and safety equipment: fire alarm detector, extinguisher, etc.
• Confirm internet/telecom installation availability and any extra fees.

• Passport
• Alien Registration Card (ARC) or application receipt (if applicable)
• Certificate of enrollment/employment (if required) and an emergency contact
• Proof of income / bank balance (if required)
• Rental guarantee insurance / guarantor documents (if applicable)
• Seal (stamp) or signature 준비, and a transfer method (be cautious with requests for overseas remittance)

• Receive keys/access card and change the digital door‑lock PIN.
• Photograph meter readings (electricity/gas/water) for before/after comparison.
• Record defects with photos/videos (wallpaper, floors, furniture, appliances, bathroom).
• Confirm appliances/included items operate properly.
• Get contacts for management/guard, trash separation rules, and parcel delivery location.
• Note the schedule for filing the move‑in report and obtaining a confirmed date.

• Listings priced far below market require extra verification of the reason.
• Do not pay a “deposit” before signing (beware of cash payments or overseas accounts).
• Beware of unlicensed brokers or off‑the‑books deals: verify registration/licensing.
• Always verify landlord/agent identity (agents must provide a valid power of attorney).
• If pressured with “today only” or “pay now,” pause and re‑check everything.
• Keep all contracts, receipts, and transfer records (including screenshots).

※ This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice for any specific case.