South KoreaWhat is the scope of the tenant's restoration obligation?
Under South Korean law, tenants must restore the leased premises to their original condition at the end of the lease, excluding normal wear and tear, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
What the Law Says
South Korean law defines a tenant’s duty to restore leased property upon termination of the lease. This obligation is rooted in the Civil Act and clarified by the Act on Private Leases.
The tenant must return the leased premises in the same condition as at the start of the lease, except for deterioration caused by ordinary use — known as 'normal wear and tear'.
This duty arises automatically under law but may be modified or waived by a written agreement between landlord and tenant.
If no specific restoration terms are agreed, the default rule applies: restoration to the original state within a reasonable period — typically interpreted as within 30 days after lease termination.
Statutory TextThe tenant shall return the leased property in its original condition, except for deterioration resulting from normal use.
— Civil Act, s. 615 — Obligation to Return Leased Property
Statutory TextParties may agree in writing to exempt or limit the tenant’s obligation to restore the leased property.
— Act on Private Leases, s. 12 — Restoration Agreement
What to Do
Review your lease agreement for any written clauses modifying restoration duties.
Document the property’s condition at move-in (photos, inspection report) to distinguish normal wear from damage.
Before moving out, clean thoroughly and repair non-wear-related damage (e.g., holes, stains, broken fixtures).
Return keys and request a joint final inspection with the landlord within 30 days of lease end.
Keep copies of all communications and receipts related to repairs or cleaning.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.