A Wall-Mounted Bicycle in the Shared Hallway... After Posting a Warning, "We Got Residents' Consent," Lawsuit Filed

Claimed to Hang Bicycle on Wall with Residents' Consent
Manager Posted Warning Notice, Then Was Sued Instead

Recently, there have been cases of damage caused by residents leaving items in common areas such as building hallways. This time, a story has emerged about a building manager who was sued after requesting that items in the apartment hallway be removed. On the 5th, JTBC's 'Incident Commander' aired a story titled "Sued Because of a Bicycle Attached in the Apartment Hallway."

The informant, building manager A, explained, "A neighbor complained that a bicycle mounted on the wall was inconvenient and asked to have it removed. I informed the relevant household of the complaint and, since they were absent during the day, I posted a warning notice according to the management regulations." However, the household removed the warning notice, and even after it was posted a second time, they removed it again.

[Photo by JTBC 'Sageon Banjang']

A said, "After the first warning, the second step is to impose a penalty according to the regulations. A fine of up to 100,000 won can be imposed, so I submitted a proposal for a resolution." He added, "Then the resident barged into the meeting, created a 10-page document criticizing me, distributed it to the representatives, and criticized me for an hour." The resident B demanded, "Reveal who filed the complaint," but A replied, "That cannot be done." A expressed concern, saying, "This is not a world where neighbors fight and even resort to knives. That must never happen."

The homeowner B, who has lived in the apartment for eight years, is known to have six bicycles as mountain biking is his hobby. Among them, he hung bicycles on the wall with the consent of neighbors on the same floor but recently claimed that the building manager's warning notice was unacceptable. B's argument is that the bicycles have not caused any damage such as leaks or fires to other households.

Mr. A explained, "I only implemented the results that came out of the residents' representative meeting." In particular, apartment hallways are classified as common areas under the Multi-Family Housing Management Act, so if complaints are received, they must be addressed. Eventually, the district office issued a correction notice ordering the removal of bicycles, and Mr. A posted the notice for the public interest purpose of informing the owners of the multi-family housing.
[Photo by JTBC 'Sageon Banjang']

A explained, "I only implemented the results from the residents' representative meeting." In particular, since apartment hallways are classified as common areas under the Common Housing Management Act, complaints must be addressed. Eventually, the district office issued a correction notice ordering the removal of the bicycles, and A posted the notice for the public interest to inform the owners of the apartment complex. However, B sued A to the police, claiming that disclosing his building and unit number was a violation of personal information. A insists that he was just doing his job and feels unfairly sued.

Netizens who heard the story responded with comments such as, "If you can't distinguish common areas, you shouldn't live in an apartment," "They should be reported for violating fire safety laws. In case of fire, smoke would block visibility, so this crosses the line. Personal belongings should be kept inside the home," "What kind of behavior is that in a multi-family housing? Hanging bicycles on the wall," and "I've never seen anything like this before."

Maximum Fine of 3 Million Won Under Fire Safety Facilities Act for Storing Items in Common Areas

Leaving belongings in the shared hallway, as Mr. B did, is clearly illegal. Article 16 of the Act on the Installation and Management of Fire-Fighting Facilities prohibits "stacking objects or installing obstacles around evacuation facilities, fire compartments, and fire prevention facilities." Violators may be fined up to 3 million won.
[Photo by Yeom Dayeon, Asia Economy]

Storing items in common hallways like B did is clearly illegal. Article 16 of the Fire Safety Facilities Installation and Management Act prohibits "stacking items or placing obstacles around evacuation facilities, fire compartments, and fire prevention facilities." Violators can be fined up to 3 million won. However, exceptions apply if the hallway or passage is wide enough for evacuation by two or more people or if the items are temporarily stored and can be moved immediately. Although fines may not be imposed in these cases, the act of stacking items itself is illegal.

Experts warn that items stored in hallways not only obstruct emergency situations but also pose additional risks. Professor Lee Young-joo of the Department of Fire and Disaster Prevention at Kyungil University said, "Storing items obstructs firefighters' entry and residents' evacuation, so it is naturally a problem that needs to be resolved." He emphasized, "Especially in cases of fire, stored items can become combustible materials that worsen the fire or block evacuation routes, creating dangerous situations."

Professor Lee added, "Although fire inspections are conducted, the most important thing is for residents themselves to recognize the risks and take sufficient preventive and preparatory measures."