The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 4th that it will operate a 'leak responsibility exterior verification system' where experts visit the site to directly investigate the damage caused by leaks.
This system involves experts, including architects, lawyers, and civil servants, visiting the leak site to inspect the exterior and propose settlement plans to the parties involved. It differentiates itself from the previous mediation methods that were carried out through meetings and written procedures.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to implement this system as disputes over lease agreements due to leak damage in commercial buildings continue during the rainy season. According to the Seoul Commercial Building Lease Dispute Mediation Committee, 25.1% (49 cases) of the 195 mediation requests filed last year were related to leaks and repair costs.
Such disputes over commercial building leaks are often prolonged. This is because tenants are concerned about business interruptions, repair costs, and property losses, while landlords typically avoid responsibility or cut off communication.
Anyone can apply for mediation for free if a lease conflict occurs in a commercial building within Seoul. Applications can be made through the Seoul Fair Trade Comprehensive Counseling Center's website, via email, or at the Seoul Commercial Lease Consulting Center.
Han Jeong-hoon, the head of the Small Business Policy Division of Seoul, said, "We will continue to resolve commercial lease conflicts quickly and effectively through a field-oriented and practical mediation approach."