Rental Reporting in Korea – What Foreigners Need to Know in 2025

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Starting June 2025, foreigners renting in Korea must report lease contracts or face fines. Learn who must report, how to file, and what exceptions apply.


Starting June 1, 2025, individuals who fail to report their lease contracts in Korea may face fines of up to KRW 1 million (approximately USD 700). This guide explains Korea’s updated rental reporting regulation – who must report, how to report, what properties are included, and what exceptions may apply. If you're a foreigner renting or leasing in Korea, this guide will help you understand your obligations clearly and avoid penalties.


Table of Contents

1 What Is Korea’s Lease Reporting System?

2 What Types of Properties and Areas Are Covered?

3 When Does Reporting Become Mandatory?

4 Are There Any Exceptions?

5 How to Report Your Lease (Step-by-Step)

6 What Are the Penalties?

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1 What Is Korea’s Lease Reporting System?

The Lease Reporting System (Jeonwolse Singoje) requires landlords and tenants to report their lease contract within 30 days of signing. This system was introduced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in June 2021, with a grace period extended until May 31, 2025. From June 1, 2025, failure to report may result in legal penalties.

The policy applies to lease agreements for residential housing, and both parties (lessor and lessee) are encouraged to cooperate in filing the report jointly.


2 What Types of Properties and Areas Are Covered?

The law applies to residential properties including:

  • Apartments, villas, and houses
  • Semi-residential spaces such as dormitories and goshiwon (mini rooms)
  • Mixed-use properties (e.g., apartments above shops)

Geographic coverage includes:

  • The entire Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon)
  • All metropolitan cities (e.g., Busan, Daegu, Daejeon)
  • Jeju City and all cities (but not counties) in each province


3 When Does Reporting Become Mandatory?

You must report your lease contract if:

  • The deposit (jeonse) exceeds KRW 60 million
  • Monthly rent (wolse) exceeds KRW 300,000

This applies to newly signed contracts and renewed contracts with increased rent. However, renewals with no change in rent or deposit are exempt.


4 Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes. You are not required to report your lease if:

  1. You’re temporarily staying in Korea for business, study, or travel (short-term lease only)
  2. Your lease amount is below the legal thresholds (deposit under KRW 60 million, rent under KRW 300,000)
  3. You already submitted your lease when registering your residence (via local immigration office or district office)
  4. Your lease is under a public housing or registered lease business agreement

5 How to Report Your Lease (Step-by-Step)

There are two main ways to report your lease:

You will need to provide:

  • A signed lease contract
  • Bank deposit records or proof of payment
  • A “single party report” form if your landlord or tenant refuses to co-sign

Note: Even if one party refuses to report, the other party can report independently with the proper documents.


6 What Are the Penalties?

Failure to report a lease contract after June 1, 2025 may result in a fine of up to KRW 1 million. False reporting is also subject to penalties. However, no fines will be issued before that date due to the grace period.

The 30-day period begins from the date of signing or when the deposit is made, even if the contract was not written formally.


7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. I’m a foreigner. Do I still need to report?
A. Yes. The reporting obligation applies regardless of nationality. Use your alien registration number or passport information when filing.

Q. What if my landlord doesn’t agree to report?
A. You can still submit a report on your own using a “single party report” form along with proof of payment or contract details.

Q. Will reporting give me a fixed date stamp (for legal protection)?
A. Yes. Once you report the lease, the contract receives a legal confirmation date similar to a fixed date stamp under Korea’s Housing Lease Protection Act.


Conclusion

Starting June 2025, lease reporting in Korea will become legally binding with real consequences for non-compliance. As a foreigner renting or leasing in Korea, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities and ensure that your lease is properly reported.

Whether you live in a studio apartment, share housing, or rent through an agency, knowing the basics of this policy will help you stay compliant and protected.

Report Online: https://rtms.molit.go.kr
Call for Help (English-speaking assistance may be limited): 1533-2949 (Lease Reporting), 1588-0149 (Real Estate System)

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