Can I exercise my right to request lease renewal?

What the Law Says

South Korean law grants tenants a statutory right to request lease renewal under certain conditions. This right is designed to protect residential tenants from sudden eviction and unreasonable rent hikes.

Under the Housing Lease Protection Act, a tenant who has lived in a residence for at least 2 years may request renewal of their lease contract once, provided they give written notice to the landlord at least 6 months before the lease expires.

The renewed lease must be for a minimum term of 2 years, and the deposit amount remains unchanged unless both parties agree otherwise. The rent may be adjusted only within reasonable limits based on market conditions and property improvements.

This right applies only to leases registered with the local government ("jeonse" or "wolse" contracts) and does not extend to commercial leases or unregistered residential leases.

Statutory Text

A tenant who has used a dwelling for two years or more may request the landlord to renew the lease contract once, by giving written notice to the landlord at least six months prior to the expiration of the lease contract.

— Housing Lease Protection Act, s. 6 — Right to Request Renewal of Lease Contract

Statutory Text

The term of the renewed lease contract shall be two years or more, and the amount of the security deposit shall remain unchanged unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties.

— Housing Lease Protection Act, s. 6 — Right to Request Renewal of Lease Contract

What to Do

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