Filed a Complaint for Property Damage, but Case Dismissed
"Cleaning Costs Exceeded 1 Million Won... Uncertain How Much More for Restoration"
Public outrage has erupted after a story surfaced about a tenant who lived in a studio apartment on a monthly rent basis without a security deposit, then turned the place into a garbage dump and left as the move-out date approached.
On October 31, a post titled "Running a studio apartment, but the tenant turned it into a trash room and fled. Seeking advice" was uploaded to an online community along with photos and a detailed account from the informant.
According to the post, the informant's father operates the studio apartment and had treated the tenant kindly, even choosing not to collect a security deposit and frequently allowing rent payments to be delayed. When one tenant notified them of their intention to move out, the tenant mentioned there was some trash left behind. The informant's father, understanding the tenant had lived there for a long time, replied that he would handle that much himself.
However, upon entering the room, they found far more trash than the tenant had indicated. Mold was growing in the corners of the walls, and the accumulated grime produced a severe stench throughout the apartment.
The informant stated, "I was at a loss for words. I called the tenant and said, 'Isn't this too much? I'll find a cleaning company for you, just transfer the cleaning fee directly to them and please take care of the trash,' but the tenant refused. Since the tenant had lived there for quite a while, I requested about 500,000 won for cleaning costs, but that was also rejected. The tenant said they had enough money and told us to handle it ourselves."
The informant told the tenant that if they agreed to use a cleaning company, the matter would end there, but if they refused, the informant would pursue both civil and criminal lawsuits to recover all damages. However, the tenant maintained their refusal until the end.
After filing a complaint on charges such as property damage, the informant reported that the case was dismissed with a "no charges" decision. The informant said, "I paid 1,050,000 won just to dispose of the trash, and I am frustrated not knowing how much more it will cost or how long it will take to restore the room. In cases like this, how can compensation typically be obtained? I would appreciate advice from anyone with experience," they appealed.
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