K-Law4U

Q1)  Mr. Fraser, U.S. Citizen, had leased an apartment located at Yongsan-gu, Seoul for two-year period. Prior to the expiration date of the lease, the landlord notified him that he intends to increase monthly rent by 20% in case of a renewal. Mr. Fraser talked to some of his Korean friends; and was told he has right to renewal the lease with 5% rent-increase cap in accordance with [Housing Protection Act]. When Mr. Fraser pointed out his right, the landlord’s realtor said; [Housing Protection Act] is only applicable to Korean-nationals. Is this true?   A1)  In principle, it is correct that [Housing Protection Act] is only applicable to Korean nationals since the Article 1 of the Act stipulates that the purpose of the Act is to ‘secure stability in the residential life of national citizens’.         However, in case the foreigner report/register the address of premise as the place of stay with Immigration Center; it is eligible to claim the right to get protected under the Act.