Tenants who are victims of jeonse fraud and cannot get leaks or boiler failures repaired on time because the landlord has disappeared will be able to receive up to 5 million won in repair costs from the Seoul city government.
Seoul city said on the 30th it will expand the scope of safety management support for homes affected by jeonse fraud from shared areas of buildings to the interiors of individual units.
Eligible applicants are tenants recognized as "victims of jeonse fraud, etc." under the Special Act on Support for Victims of Jeonse Fraud and Residential Stability who actually reside in the damaged home and whose landlord is untraceable or out of contact.
Seoul city will cover actual construction costs of up to 5 million won per unit for urgent work to ensure safety or restore damage, such as leaks and waterproofing, insulation, heating and piping, electricity, and windows and doors. Simple interior work and structural changes requiring permits are excluded.
Whether the work is urgent will be determined after an on-site inspection by an expert following the application. Even if the landlord cannot be reached, the tenant of the unit may apply directly for interior repairs.
Repairs to shared areas of buildings and support for fire safety and elevator safety management previously in place will continue. Maintenance costs for shared areas will be supported up to 20 million won depending on the number of dwelling units. Support for shared areas and safety management must be applied for by the representative of a building where victims of jeonse fraud make up at least one-third of all units.
This expansion of support follows the May revision of the Jeonse Fraud Victims Act, which broadened local governments' authority to manage damaged homes.
Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. After document review and an on-site inspection, those selected for support must complete the work within 40 days from the date of notification and submit completion documents to receive funds.
Applications can be submitted by email to the Seoul city Housing Welfare Division, by visiting Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building 2 at 124 Seosomun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, or by mail. For details, contact the Seoul Jeonse and Monthly Rent Support Center (02-2133-1200~1208).
Myeong No-jun, head of Seoul city's Housing Bureau, said, "We will reduce the blind spots where tenants had to shoulder everything from leaks to boiler repairs in damaged homes where the landlord has disappeared," adding, "We will strengthen practical support to help victims return to everyday life."