Seoul releases free guide to 82 common commercial lease disputes

Disputes between landlords and tenants over commercial lease contracts are common. Recurring questions include who must act first — returning the deposit or vacating the premises — when a deposit must be returned after a contract expires, and who bears responsibility when a water leak occurs.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Sunday it has published an e-book compiling 82 such cases under the title "82 Commercial Lease Consultation Cases Citizens Seek Out Most, Most Often."

The city drew on data accumulated at its Commercial Lease Consultation Center to identify frequently repeated questions and similar cases, then selected 82 based on the issues that drew the most public attention. Each case is structured in three parts — the conflict scene, a resolution approach, and practical wisdom — so that any resident can easily understand and apply the information to real situations, the city said. The casebook is available as a free download from the resource section of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Livelihood Economy Safety Center website.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government also continues to publish major consultation and mediation cases on the Livelihood Economy Safety Center website. Kim Gyeong-mi, head of the city's Small Business Policy Division, said she hoped the casebook would "serve as a practical guide for both landlords and tenants" and help "reduce unnecessary disputes."