How do I protect my jeonse deposit against fraud?

Question

Accepted Answer

You can safeguard your jeonse deposit by using the Seoul lease‑counseling service and, if needed, applying for a Jeonse Deposit Guarantee from HUG; both are free or low‑cost options for international residents. Full details below.

**Details**

- **Right:** International tenants have the right to free, multilingual counseling on jeonse contracts and to obtain a government‑backed deposit guarantee that secures the return of the jeonse amount if the landlord defaults【1†L1-L9】【3†L1-L7】.

- **First step – Lease counseling:** 
 - Visit the Seoul Foreign Resident Center (40 Dosin‑ro, Yeongdeungpo‑gu) or call 02‑2229‑4900 / email help@sfrc.seoul.kr. 
 - Attend the Monday 2 PM–5 PM session for a basic consultation in English or other languages; a certified real‑estate agent will follow up for detailed advice【2†L10-L20】.

- **Second step – Deposit guarantee (if needed):** 
 - Apply at any HUG sales branch or Wooribank branch. 
 - Submit the signed jeonse contract and required documents; the process includes credit review and fee payment【3†L31-L40】【3†L45-L53】. 
 - Fees vary by credit grade; guarantee is issued within a few days of payment【3†L55-L61】.

- **What the guarantee covers:** 
 - Guarantees the full refund of the jeonse deposit to the tenant if the landlord fails to return it at lease end.

- **If you suspect fraud:** 
 1. Report immediately to the Seoul lease‑counseling office during the next Monday session. 
 2. Request a HUG guarantee to protect the remaining deposit. 
 3. If the landlord has already taken the deposit, you may also file a complaint with the local police and the Ministry of Justice’s fraud hotline.

- **Hotlines for urgent help:** 
 - **Seoul lease counseling:** ☎ 02‑2229‑4900 (English‑speaking staff) 
 - **HUG guarantee inquiries:** Visit any HUG branch or call the nearest branch (check HUG website). 
 - **General fraud/reporting:** 1350 Labor Office, 132 Legal Aid Corp., 1577‑0071 Foreign Worker Counseling.

These steps give you legal protection and practical assistance to prevent or recover from jeonse‑related fraud.