Who pays for repairs, mold or a broken boiler?

The landlord must keep the home livable, so major repairs such as a broken boiler, cracked walls or rain leaking in are the landlord's job. Small, cheap fixes and consumables are usually yours. What to do 1. Tell the landlord (or the agent) as soon as something breaks; tenants must report needed repairs. Keep messages and photos. 2. If the landlord won't make a necessary repair, you can have it fixed and claim the cost right away. Keep the receipts. 3. If repairs still don't happen, you may be able to withhold rent until it's fixed, ask for lower rent for the part you can't use, claim damages, or end the lease if the rest of the home can't serve its purpose. 4. For disputes, try a Lease Dispute Mediation Committee (adrhome.reb.or.kr) or call 132 for free legal advice. Good to know • A clause saying the tenant handles repairs, if it doesn't spell out what's covered, generally means only small, routine fixes, not major work or replacing basic facilities. • Mold: we found no official rule just for mold. Who pays usually depends on the cause, such as a leak or building defect versus daily use. Photograph it, report it in writing early, and air the home out. • When you move out, you fix damage you caused, but not normal wear and tear. Take photos when you move in. Official sources • Seoul FAQ, broken boiler: https://global.seoul.go.kr/hmpg/sinf/cnew/faqu/bordContDetail.do?mode=W&bbs_no=13&pst_no=0E2A34BF83DF014CE063C0A8A0233B62&lang=en • Easy Law (Korean), landlord's duties: https://www.easylaw.go.kr/CSP/CnpClsMain.laf?popMenu=ov&csmSeq=629&ccfNo=4&cciNo=2&cnpClsNo=2 This is general information, not legal advice. Checked by the Verihood team on October 3, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you act.