Korea's Rental Transaction Reporting System 2026: What Tenants and Landlords Must Know
If you’re renting in Korea, there’s a mandatory reporting requirement you need to know about — and ignoring it could cost you up to 1 million KRW in fines.
Korea’s rental transaction reporting system (전월세신고제) has been in effect since June 2021. After multiple extensions of the grace period, penalties are now being actively enforced. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Rental Transaction Reporting System?
The system requires all qualifying jeonse (전세, lump-sum deposit) and wolse (월세, monthly rent) contracts to be reported to local government authorities.
The goals are straightforward:
- Increase transparency in the rental market
- Build official data on rental prices and trends
- Prevent rental fraud (전세 사기)
- Automatically grant fixed-date stamps for tenant protection
Who Needs to Report?
Contracts That Must Be Reported
- Deposit (보증금) exceeding 60 million KRW
- Monthly rent (월세) exceeding 300,000 KRW
- If either condition is met, reporting is mandatory
- Applies to new contracts, renewed contracts (with changed terms), and terminations
Exempt Contracts
- Deposit of 60 million KRW or less and monthly rent of 300,000 KRW or less
- Special housing like school dormitories or company housing
Deadline
- Within 30 days of signing the contract
- Late reporting may result in fines
What Are the Penalties?
- Non-reporting: Fine of up to 1 million KRW
- False reporting: Fine of up to 1 million KRW
- Fines vary based on delay duration and contract amount
- Both landlord and tenant may be fined separately
How to Report
Online (Recommended)
- Visit the Real Estate Transaction Management System (rtms.molit.go.kr)
- Log in with your Korean ID verification
- Select the rental contract reporting menu
- Enter contract details (address, deposit, rent, contract period)
- Attach a copy of the lease agreement
- Submit — fixed date stamp is automatically granted
You can also report through Government 24 (gov.kr).
Offline
- Visit your local community center (주민센터/행정복지센터)
- Submit a reporting form with a copy of your lease
- Either landlord or tenant can report independently
Through a Real Estate Agent
- If you used a licensed agent, they can file the report on your behalf
- Ask your agent at the time of contract signing
Automatic Fixed Date Stamp
One major benefit of reporting is the automatic fixed date stamp (확정일자).
This is a critical legal protection for tenants that establishes your priority right to recover your deposit. Previously, you had to visit a community center and pay a fee separately. Now it’s free and automatic with your rental report.
Given the ongoing concerns about jeonse fraud in Korea, this alone makes reporting worthwhile.
Do I Need to Report Contract Renewals?
- Renewals with changed amounts: Yes, must be reported
- Same-term automatic renewals: No reporting needed
- Tacit renewals (묵시적 갱신): No reporting needed if amounts unchanged
- Contract termination: Must be reported
Key Takeaways
The rental reporting system adds a small administrative step, but the benefits — especially the automatic fixed date stamp — make it well worth the effort. With penalties now being enforced, don’t risk a fine.
Report within 30 days of signing. It takes about 10 minutes online.
🛡️ Jeonse Fraud Prevention — 7 Must-Check Items Before Signing
📋 Rental Contract Checklist — Before, During, and After Signing
What is Korea's rental transaction reporting system?
It's a mandatory system requiring landlords and tenants to report jeonse (lump-sum deposit) and wolse (monthly rent) contracts to local government within 30 days. It applies to contracts with deposits over 60 million KRW or monthly rent over 300,000 KRW.
What happens if I don't report my rental contract?
You may face a fine of up to 1 million KRW for non-reporting or false reporting. Both landlords and tenants can be penalized. The grace period has ended, and fines are now actively enforced.
How do I report a rental contract in Korea?
You can report online through the Real Estate Transaction Management System (rtms.molit.go.kr) or Government 24 (gov.kr). Offline reporting is available at your local community center (주민센터). Either the landlord or tenant can file independently.
Do I get a fixed date (확정일자) automatically when I report?
Yes, reporting your rental contract automatically grants you a fixed date stamp, which is essential for protecting your deposit legally. You no longer need to visit a community center separately for this.
