Ask these questions about your rental deposit

A deposit can be the largest payment you make when settling in. Treat the return arrangements as part of choosing the home, not something to discuss later.

By Seemile · Sources checked

Before transferring money

  • Ask a qualified adviser to check the property’s rights and the landlord’s authority.
  • Confirm who receives the payment and why that account matches the contract.
  • Keep a traceable payment record rather than relying on a spoken acknowledgement.

Ask about protection

  • Ask whether the property, landlord and your circumstances meet a deposit-return guarantee scheme’s requirements.
  • Get the relevant deadlines, exclusions and required documents directly from the scheme or adviser.
  • Do not treat a guarantee as automatic simply because a broker mentions it.

If the return looks uncertain

  • Keep the contract, payment evidence and messages in one folder.
  • Seek housing or legal advice early if the landlord says payment will be delayed.
  • Before handing back keys or changing your registration, ask how that step could affect your position.

A little Korean goes a long way

  • 보증금 반환보증에 가입할 수 있나요? — Can I apply for a deposit-return guarantee?
  • 보증금은 언제 돌려받나요? — When will my deposit be returned?
Look up a Korean word

Official information

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Seoul is the starting point. National rules and local services are labelled separately; eligibility, fees and opening arrangements can differ elsewhere.

Written and organised by Seemile from official public information, with practical checklists and Korean expressions. We are independent of the institutions linked here. Confirm current requirements with the responsible office before an application, payment or medical decision.