The landlord won't make repairs.

What the Law Says

South Korean law gives tenants clear rights when landlords neglect necessary repairs, especially for defects that impair normal use of the leased property.

Under the Civil Act, if a leased property has a defect that prevents normal use, the tenant may demand repairs from the landlord. If the landlord fails to act without just cause, the tenant may carry out repairs themselves and deduct reasonable costs from rent — up to one-tenth of the monthly rent.

The Housing Lease Protection Act strengthens tenant protections: if the landlord does not repair a serious defect after written notice, the tenant may terminate the lease early without penalty. The law also requires landlords to maintain the property in a condition suitable for its intended use throughout the lease term.

A 'serious defect' includes issues like broken heating in winter, leaking roofs causing water damage, non-functional plumbing, or structural hazards — anything that substantially interferes with safe, habitable use.

Statutory Text

If the thing leased has a defect which prevents its normal use, the lessee may demand that the lessor repair it.

— Civil Act, s. 615 — Obligation to Repair

Statutory Text

Where the lessor fails to repair a defect without justifiable grounds after being requested to do so by the lessee, the lessee may repair it himself and claim reimbursement of the necessary expenses from the lessor, or deduct such expenses from the rent payable to the lessor up to one-tenth of the monthly rent.

— Civil Act, s. 615 — Obligation to Repair

Statutory Text

If the leased dwelling has a defect seriously affecting its use and the lessor fails to repair it despite a written request, the lessee may terminate the lease agreement.

— Housing Lease Protection Act, s. 10 — Termination Due to Defect

What to Do

Sources