Attempted to Get Deposit Back After Contract Expiry
"Not Now... Be Grateful for the Cheap Rent"
Returned Immediately After Sending 'Kim & Jang Law Office' Business Card
A story about a legal professional who couldn’t tolerate the 'gapjil' (abuse of power) of some landlords acting like outlaws and used their expertise to 'put the landlord in their place' has become a hot topic.
On the 9th, an anonymous office worker community called Blind posted a message titled “Landlords, seriously.”
Blind requires users to verify their workplace with a company email to join. Also, when posting, the nickname and workplace are displayed.
The author, Mr. A, was employed at Kim & Chang Law Office.
Mr. A said, “Trying to move once is a total nightmare,” and asked, “Why are landlords so stubborn and cowardly?”
Recently, Mr. A’s lease expired, and he was preparing to move to a new home.
He said, “The landlord says they won’t return the deposit until they find a better tenant. They’re gaslighting me to be grateful for living at a relatively cheap price even in a rising market.” Mr. A, who said he couldn’t hold back his irritation while listening, sent his business card to the landlord to let them know he was a lawyer.
Mr. A said, “I told them that returning the deposit is mandatory and that if they don’t comply, I would register my leasehold right. They panicked and quickly found a tenant.”
Mr. A’s troubles didn’t end there. He also suffered from the landlord’s 'atrocities' at the new place he was moving to.
The landlord of the new place was involved in an eviction lawsuit with the previous tenant. However, they concealed this fact and signed a lease contract with Mr. A.
Mr. A said, “Only two weeks before moving, I was notified through the agent to stay temporarily at another place the landlord arranged until the situation was resolved.”
He added, “When I gave them my (lawyer) business card and said I would sue for fraud, they pleaded and called me. The agent hid, fearing the backlash might affect them.”
Mr. A criticized, “Don’t landlords feel any desire to take good care of young people just starting out in society who come looking for a place? Instead, they treat them like ‘young suckers,’ try to lecture them uselessly, and only aim to exploit them.”
Mr. A said, “I didn’t want to show off that I’m a real lawyer or make a fuss, but the landlords are making the situation extreme.”
He added, “I hope a culture of more respect for others takes root. When we become the older generation, I hope we can set a good example for the younger generation.”
The post received numerous comments praising Mr. A, such as “That feels refreshing,” “The evil landlords finally met their match,” and “Justice served.”
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