Korea Move-Out Guide: How to Get Every Won of Your Deposit Back
Moving out of a Korean apartment involves more than packing your bags. Done wrong, it can cost you part — or all — of your deposit. Done right, you walk away with everything you're owed. This guide covers everything from notice deadlines to large item disposal, so nothing catches you off guard.
Step 1: Give Notice — 2 Months Before Your Lease Ends
This is the step most foreign renters miss, with the most serious consequences.
Under Korean tenancy law (주택임대차보호법), if you don't notify your landlord at least 2 months before the lease end date that you won't be renewing, your lease automatically renews for another 2 years — on the same terms. This is called 묵시적 갱신 (implied renewal).
If the lease has already auto-renewed, you can still terminate — but you must give 3 months' written notice from that point.
How to give notice:
- In writing — KakaoTalk message, email, or text
- Keep a clear record of the date sent
- State explicitly that you will not be renewing (계약 갱신을 원하지 않습니다)
- Verbal notice is not sufficient
Step 2: Schedule the Move-Out Inspection
Book a joint inspection with your landlord (or their agent) before your move-out day. Walk through the unit together, agree on the condition, and document everything in writing.
This inspection determines what, if anything, can be deducted from your deposit. Having your landlord present — and getting their written sign-off — is your strongest protection.
Step 3: Understand What You Do and Don't Have to Restore
What landlords CAN deduct
- Holes in walls from mounting heavy items
- Broken appliances, cracked tiles, damaged fixtures
- Significant stains on floors or walls
- Unusually dirty unit requiring professional cleaning
What landlords CANNOT deduct
- Natural wear and tear (자연소모): paint fading, minor scuffs, carpet wearing from daily walking, small nail holes from picture frames
- Pre-existing damage you documented at move-in
- Structural repairs (plumbing, boiler, electrical) that are the landlord's responsibility
💡 Your move-in photos are your strongest defense. If you photographed existing damage at move-in and shared it with the landlord at the time, that timestamped record protects you. Without it, disputed claims are harder to contest.
What you're generally expected to restore
- Remove all your belongings and clean the unit to a standard living condition
- Replace lightbulbs you burned out
- Fill and touch up any significant wall damage you caused
- Return all keys, access cards, and remote controls
What you're not expected to do: repaint entire walls because of minor fading, replace appliances that broke from normal use, or professionally clean beyond standard turnover.
Step 4: Large Item Disposal (대형폐기물)
In Korea, large items — furniture, appliances, mattresses — cannot simply be left on the street. They must be disposed of through the official large item waste system (대형폐기물 처리).
How to do it:
- Go to your local district office (구청/동주민센터) website or visit in person
- Purchase a large item waste sticker (대형폐기물 스티커) — fees range from ₩1,000 to ₩10,000+ depending on the item
- Attach the sticker to the item and leave it at the designated spot outside your building on the scheduled collection day
- Some items (working appliances like refrigerators and washing machines) can be registered for free collection — ask your district office
💡 Many apps like 빼기 (PPAEGI) or the district office website allow you to apply online. Some landlords arrange this themselves — confirm with your landlord whether you're expected to handle it or they will.
Step 5: Moving Day Checklist
Step 6: Deposit Return
Under Korean tenancy law, landlords must return the deposit on the day you hand back the keys. In practice, many landlords time your return around the new tenant's move-in — using the incoming deposit to fund yours.
Before handing over the keys:
- Confirm with your landlord when the new tenant is moving in and when your deposit will be returned
- Do not change your 체류지변경신고 (address registration) until the deposit is in your account — changing your address beforehand can weaken your legal claim
If there's any delay or dispute, see → [LINK: korea-deposit-not-returned] 보증금을 돌려받지 못할 때 대응법
CheckmateKorea's move-out support service coordinates the inspection process and deposit return follow-up — so you can leave Korea without the deposit hanging over you.