Before signing the lease, it is crucial to verify that the person you are signing with has the legal right to lease the property.

The Basic Principle

  • The Lessee shall verify that the Lessor is “entitled to lease the house” to legally obtain the residential right.
  • Please do not sign the lease agreement when you are unable to verify the identity of the Lessor.

Scenario 1: The Lessor is the Owner

You should ask to see and verify the following documents:

  1. The owner’s PHOTO ID.
  2. Type 1 of the building registration transcript or the house tax statement.
  • Verification points: The photo on the ID should match the Lessor. The name and ID number on the ID must be the same as on the transcript or tax statement. The address on the transcript or tax statement must be the same as the rental address.

Scenario 2: The Lessor is a Sub-lessor

You should ask to see and verify the following documents:

  1. The sub-lessor’s PHOTO ID.
  2. A written sub-lease consent document from the owner.
  • Verification points: The ID should be the same as the person named in the sub-lease consent document. Confirm the scope and term of the sub-lease fall within what the owner has consented to.

Scenario 3: The Lessor is an Agent

You should ask to see and verify the following documents:

  1. Both the Owner’s and the Agent’s PHOTO ID.
  2. Type 1 of the building registration transcript or the house tax statement.
  3. A Power of attorney / authorization letter from the owner.
  • Verification points: Pay close attention to the scope of authorization, as some owners only engage an agent for house viewing.

Scenario 4: The Lessor is a Rental Housing Subleasing Business (RHSB)

You should verify the business’s legal status:

  • Service Staff: Should have a Rental Housing Manager Certificate.
  • The Company: Should have a registration certificate of RHSB and an identification mark for a duly incorporated RHSB.
  • Verification: You may check and verify their information on the information system for real estate service businesses published by the Ministry of the Interior.

※The content and image are adapted from the Ministry of the Interior‘s Guide.