Politics
Seoul Metropolitan Council Housing Bill Tracker Revises Rental Deposit Rules for Tenants
Seoul residents applying for rental support programs will encounter new eligibility checks and reporting steps at district offices starting in August.
How we reported this
The Seoul Metropolitan Council passed amendments to the housing regulations on July 7 that revise how rental deposits are recorded and verified for tenants across all 25 districts.
Housing costs rank among the top daily expenses for Seoul households, and the legislation updates the city registry system used by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to track deposits in both private and public units.
Effects on Residents Seeking Rental Support
Families in Jongno-gu and Seocho-gu who apply for subsidized units will now submit deposit details directly through district offices rather than through private agents. The changes require verification against the national housing database before approval, which the legislation states will occur within 10 business days.
Local advocates note that single-person households under age 35 in Mapo-gu and Gwanak-gu may see faster processing if their income documents match the updated thresholds. The legislation states that landlords must file deposit amounts within 30 days of signing a lease to avoid penalties.
The 2025 Seoul Budget Document shows housing program funding at 1.5 trillion won, and the amendments direct a portion of those funds to staff the new verification process at each gu office.
Next Steps for Implementation
The government says the policy will begin on August 1 with updates to the Seoul Housing Portal. District offices will hold information sessions for residents in each of the 25 gu during the final two weeks of July.
Residents can review their individual status through the portal or by visiting their local office, where staff will explain how the deposit rules apply to specific lease situations.