{"content_id":"pktd5r368v","slug":"check-real-estate-register-before-rent-contract","locale":"en","schema_type":"Article","category":"knowledge_base","category_name":"Knowledge Base","title":"What It Means to Check the Property Registry Extract Before Signing a Lease for a Rental Apartment","summary":"Checking the property registry is a procedure performed before signing a lease or monthly rent agreement to verify the official ownership status of the property and assess risks related to the owner, address, mortgage, liens, and prior claims. To minimize the risk of not recovering your security deposit, you must also verify prior security deposits for multi-unit properties and any delinquent taxes, which may not be apparent from the property registry alone.","key_points":["The official name for a certified copy of the real estate registry is a “Certificate of Registration Details,” and it is a public record used to verify the description of a property and the rights associated with it.","Before signing a lease or rent-to-own agreement, you must verify the address and unit number in the title section, the owner in Section A, and any security interests, such as mortgage liens, in Section B.","Since the maximum amount of a mortgage may differ from the actual outstanding loan balance, you should compare the home’s value, the security deposit, and any prior liens.","Information regarding existing tenants' security deposits, the landlord's tax arrears, and the status of registered residents in a multi-family residence may not all be reflected in the property registry.","To be on the safe side, it’s best to check the latest version of the property registry before the contract is signed, on the day of the contract, and just before the final payment is made."],"content_markdown":"When we say to check the property registry extract, we don’t just mean looking at a single piece of paper. Before signing a monthly rent or lease agreement, it means you should check the official registry to confirm **who actually owns the property you intend to rent, whether the address and unit number are correct, and whether there are any encumbrances such as mortgages, liens, or auction orders**.\n\n## Key Definition: The Meaning of “Checking the Property Registry Extract”\n\nThe official name of the document commonly referred to as a “property registry extract” in current practice is the **Certificate of Registration Details**. It is a document certifying the contents recorded in the real estate registry and serves as an official record for verifying the description and title status of a house or land.\n\nSimply put, the real estate registry extract is **a property’s ID card and a record of its rights history**. Just as a person’s ID card confirms their name and identity, the real estate registry extract confirms the property’s address, area, owner, and the status of key rights such as mortgage liens, attachments, provisional dispositions, and jeonse rights.\n\n## Why Should You Check the Property Registry Extract Before Signing a Jeonse or Wolse Lease?\n\nIn a jeonse or wolse lease, the **security deposit** is what tenants are most concerned about protecting. The security deposit is money that the landlord must return at the end of the lease, but it can be difficult to recover if the landlord’s financial situation is poor or if the property is seized in an auction.\n\nChecking the property title abstract is a procedure designed to reduce the following three risks:\n\n1. It reduces the **risk of signing a contract with a fake landlord or an unauthorized person**.\n2. It reduces the **risk that the property you viewed differs from the one described in the contract**.\n3. It allows you to check in advance for **rights that could affect the recovery of your security deposit, such as mortgages, liens, or auction commencement orders**.\n\nFor example, even if Person A says, “I own this apartment,” if the owner listed in the property registry is Person B, you should not sign a lease with Person A directly. You must verify whether they are the actual owner or, if they are an agent, whether they have legal authority to act on behalf of the owner, such as a power of attorney or a certificate of registered seal.\n\n## The Three Sections of a Property Register Extract: Heading Section, Section A, and Section B\n\nA property register extract is typically divided into **the Heading Section, Section A, and Section B**. Beginner tenants should review them in the following order.\n\n| Section | What It Shows | Points to Check Before Signing a Jeonwolse Lease |\n|---|---|---|\n| Heading Section | Property location, lot number, building name, building and unit number, structure, area, etc. | Verify that the address, building, and unit number on the lease match the property you actually viewed. |\n| Section A | Matters related to ownership | Check who the current owner is and whether there are any liens, provisional attachments, provisional dispositions, auction commencement orders, or trust registrations. |\n| Section B | Rights Other Than Ownership | Check for rights that could affect the priority of security deposit recovery, such as registered mortgage liens, jeonse rights, and leasehold rights. |\n\nIn particular, for multi-unit buildings such as apartments, officetels, and multi-family homes, the **building and unit number** are extremely important. If the addresses listed in the registry, the contract, and the change-of-address registration differ, it may lead to issues regarding protection under the Residential Lease Protection Act.\n\n## What It Means When There Is a Mortgage\n\nThe phrase “the house has debt” usually means that a **mortgage** has been registered in Section B of the property registry. A mortgage is a security interest established by a creditor when money is borrowed using real estate as collateral.\n\nThe item tenants should pay particular attention to is the **maximum amount of the claim**. The maximum claim amount may not be equal to the actual outstanding loan balance; it should be understood as the maximum amount secured, which includes not only the principal but also interest and late payment penalties. Therefore, you must consider both “the maximum claim amount of the mortgage” and “the amount of any other prior security deposits.”\n\nThe presence of a general mortgage does not automatically mean that every contract is risky. However, you should exercise greater caution in the following situations:\n\n- When the sum of the maximum claim amount and the security deposit is excessively large compared to the property’s value or market price\n- When it is stated that the mortgage will be discharged on the balance payment date, but the conditions for discharge are not clearly specified in the contract\n- When other red flags are present, such as seizure, provisional seizure, a decision to commence auction, or an order to register a tenant’s right\n- When the landlord or real estate agent avoids providing information on prior security deposits\n\n## When to Check the Property Register Extract: A Single Review Is Not Enough\n\nYou should not rely solely on a “previously obtained copy” of the property register extract. This is because ownership rights can change both before and after the contract is signed.\n\nThe recommended times for verification are as follows:\n\n| Timing | Reason for Verification |\n|---|---|\n| Property review stage | To screen out basic risks such as owner, address, and mortgage liens. |\n| Immediately before signing on the day of the contract | To re-verify changes in rights using the latest registry, not a photo or previous printout. |\n| Immediately before the final payment | Verify that no new mortgages or liens have been established between the signing of the contract and the final payment. |\n| After filing the change of address and obtaining the certified date | Check whether follow-up procedures necessary for security deposit protection—such as property handover, change of address registration, and obtaining the certified date—have been completed. |\n\nIn residential lease agreements, the tenant’s right of priority generally takes effect at 12:00 a.m. on the day following the handover of the property and the completion of the change-of-address registration. Therefore, it is advisable to include a special clause in the contract stating, “From the date of contract execution until the date the tenant’s right of priority takes effect, no new encumbrances, such as mortgage liens, shall be established without the tenant’s consent.” Since the specific wording may vary depending on the circumstances of the contract, it is safest to have a licensed real estate agent or legal expert review it if the risks are significant.\n\n## Practical Checklist Before Signing the Contract\n\nIf you have received a copy of the real estate registry, check the following items in order.\n\n### 1. Do the address and unit number match?\n\nThe location, building name, block and unit number, and designation of the exclusive use area listed in the title section must match the property you are viewing. In particular, for multi-family dwellings, officetels, and urban residential complexes, there may be cases where the unit number on the front door differs from the one on the title deed; therefore, the address on the contract must be written accurately based on the title deed.\n\n### 2. Are the owner and the lessor the same person?\n\nCompare the name of the current owner listed in Section A with the lessor’s name on the lease agreement and the personal information on your ID. In the case of joint ownership, the consent of all joint owners or confirmation of lawful agency authority is generally required.\n\nIf an agent is present, simply stating “I am a family member” is insufficient. You must also verify a power of attorney, a seal registration certificate or a certificate of personal signature, confirmation of a phone call with the landlord, and the name on the account into which the security deposit is to be deposited.\n\n### 3. Are there any red flags in Section A?\n\nIf Section A contains entries such as seizure, provisional seizure, provisional disposition, a decision to commence auction, or trust registration, you must halt the contract and investigate the cause. In particular, for properties with trust registration, the registered owner and the actual lessor may differ; therefore, obtaining the trust company’s consent or verifying the lessor’s authority is crucial.\n\n### 4. Are there any mortgage liens or similar encumbrances listed in Section B?\n\nCheck Section B for mortgage liens, jeonse rights, easements, leasehold rights, and other registrations. If a mortgage lien exists, review the maximum debt amount, filing date, rights holder, and whether it is scheduled for cancellation. If the condition states that “the lien will be discharged upon payment of the balance,” the contract must specify the amount required for discharge, the method of discharge, and the terms for simultaneous performance.\n\n### 5. Are there any rights that take precedence over yours?\n\nIn real estate rights relationships, **rights established first** often take precedence over subsequent rights. Although a tenant acquires the right to oppose third-party claims and the right to priority repayment through registration of residence, handover of the property, and a confirmed date, their priority in recovering the security deposit may be lowered if there is an existing mortgage or a higher-ranking leasehold right.\n\n## There are also risks not shown on the property register\n\nAlthough a property registry extract is a very important document, it does not reveal all risks. In particular, in cases such as multi-family homes—where multiple households live in a single building but the registry lists it as a single property—the total amount of security deposits held by other tenants may not be fully disclosed in the registry.\n\nIn such cases, it is advisable to also review the following documents:\n\n- **Certificate of Registered Households**: This document confirms whether any households are registered at the address.\n- **Status of Certified Dates**: This is used to verify the certified dates and security deposit status of tenants with higher priority.\n- **Documents regarding the landlord’s delinquent national and local taxes**: Since tax claims can affect the recovery of the security deposit depending on the situation, it is necessary to verify any unpaid taxes.\n- **Building Register**: This supplements physical and administrative information—such as whether the building is in violation of regulations, its designated use, and its area—that is not fully covered by the land registry alone.\n- **Eligibility for Jeonse Security Deposit Return Guarantee**: This serves as an indirect safety check to verify whether the property meets the underwriting criteria of guarantee institutions.\n\nThe National Tax Service’s system for accessing information on delinquent national taxes allows for access without the landlord’s consent, provided certain conditions are met, from the time the lease agreement is signed until the lease commencement date. For local taxes, there is a system in place that allows you to view outstanding local tax amounts across all local governments nationwide from the time the contract is signed until the start date of the lease term, provided the security deposit exceeds 10 million won. Since tax information is sensitive, access is typically limited to on-site viewing, and the landlord may be notified that the information was accessed.\n\nWhen signing a lease for a multi-family residence, you should not assume it is safe simply because “there are no registered mortgages in the registry.” From the landlord’s perspective, the security deposits of previous tenants are effectively debts that must be repaid, so you must verify the total amount of prior security deposits.\n\n## Can You Trust What the Real Estate Agent Prepares for You?\n\nWhile licensed real estate agents often provide a certified copy of the property registry, tenants must read it themselves. You should verify that the agent’s explanation matches the information in the registry, and ask questions about any items you do not understand before signing.\n\nDetails exchanged via text or phone—such as “cancellation of a mortgage,” “security deposit adjustment,” “conditions for the final payment date,” or “conditions for contract termination”—can serve as crucial evidence in future disputes. It is safer to document important agreements not just verbally, but through verifiable means such as special provisions in the contract or text messages.\n\n## When to Pause the Contract and Request Further Verification\n\nIf any of the following items apply, do not sign immediately; instead, request additional documentation.\n\n- The owner listed in the property registry differs from the contracting party.\n- There is insufficient documentation verifying the agent’s authority.\n- Section A of the property registry shows a seizure, provisional seizure, provisional disposition, or a decision to commence auction.\n- The maximum debt amount for the mortgage listed in Section B is large, and the plan for its cancellation is unclear.\n- It is a multi-unit residence, but you have not been able to verify the total amount of security deposits held by prior tenants.\n- The landlord avoids confirming any unpaid taxes or the possibility of obtaining rental guarantee insurance.\n- On the day of signing, the landlord shows you only a photo taken a few days prior, rather than the current property registry.\n- The address, building number, unit number, or floor area differs from the actual property.\n\n## Summary in One Sentence\n\n“Checking the certified copy of the real estate registry” is a procedure performed before signing a lease for a studio apartment or a jeonse/wolse property to **examine the property’s official identification and verify factors that could affect the recovery of your security deposit, such as the owner, address, mortgage, liens, and prior rights**. The property registry is the starting point of the contract, and you can more effectively reduce deposit risks by also verifying matters such as prior security deposits for multi-unit properties, tax arrears, change-of-address registration, and the date of registration.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eWhen we say to check the property registry extract, we don’t just mean looking at a single piece of paper. Before signing a monthly rent or lease agreement, it means you should check the official registry to confirm \u003cstrong\u003ewho actually owns the property you intend to rent, whether the address and unit number are correct, and whether there are any encumbrances such as mortgages, liens, or auction orders\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#key-definition-the-meaning-of-checking-the-property-registry-extract\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"key-definition-the-meaning-of-checking-the-property-registry-extract\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eKey Definition: The Meaning of “Checking the Property Registry Extract”\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe official name of the document commonly referred to as a “property registry extract” in current practice is the \u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Registration Details\u003c/strong\u003e. It is a document certifying the contents recorded in the real estate registry and serves as an official record for verifying the description and title status of a house or land.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimply put, the real estate registry extract is \u003cstrong\u003ea property’s ID card and a record of its rights history\u003c/strong\u003e. Just as a person’s ID card confirms their name and identity, the real estate registry extract confirms the property’s address, area, owner, and the status of key rights such as mortgage liens, attachments, provisional dispositions, and jeonse rights.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#why-should-you-check-the-property-registry-extract-before-signing-a-jeonse-or-wolse-lease\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-should-you-check-the-property-registry-extract-before-signing-a-jeonse-or-wolse-lease\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy Should You Check the Property Registry Extract Before Signing a Jeonse or Wolse Lease?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a jeonse or wolse lease, the \u003cstrong\u003esecurity deposit\u003c/strong\u003e is what tenants are most concerned about protecting. The security deposit is money that the landlord must return at the end of the lease, but it can be difficult to recover if the landlord’s financial situation is poor or if the property is seized in an auction.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChecking the property title abstract is a procedure designed to reduce the following three risks:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt reduces the \u003cstrong\u003erisk of signing a contract with a fake landlord or an unauthorized person\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt reduces the \u003cstrong\u003erisk that the property you viewed differs from the one described in the contract\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt allows you to check in advance for \u003cstrong\u003erights that could affect the recovery of your security deposit, such as mortgages, liens, or auction commencement orders\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, even if Person A says, “I own this apartment,” if the owner listed in the property registry is Person B, you should not sign a lease with Person A directly. You must verify whether they are the actual owner or, if they are an agent, whether they have legal authority to act on behalf of the owner, such as a power of attorney or a certificate of registered seal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#the-three-sections-of-a-property-register-extract-heading-section-section-a-and-section-b\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-three-sections-of-a-property-register-extract-heading-section-section-a-and-section-b\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe Three Sections of a Property Register Extract: Heading Section, Section A, and Section B\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA property register extract is typically divided into \u003cstrong\u003ethe Heading Section, Section A, and Section B\u003c/strong\u003e. Beginner tenants should review them in the following order.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSection\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat It Shows\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoints to Check Before Signing a Jeonwolse Lease\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeading Section\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProperty location, lot number, building name, building and unit number, structure, area, etc.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVerify that the address, building, and unit number on the lease match the property you actually viewed.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSection A\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMatters related to ownership\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck who the current owner is and whether there are any liens, provisional attachments, provisional dispositions, auction commencement orders, or trust registrations.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSection B\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRights Other Than Ownership\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck for rights that could affect the priority of security deposit recovery, such as registered mortgage liens, jeonse rights, and leasehold rights.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn particular, for multi-unit buildings such as apartments, officetels, and multi-family homes, the \u003cstrong\u003ebuilding and unit number\u003c/strong\u003e are extremely important. If the addresses listed in the registry, the contract, and the change-of-address registration differ, it may lead to issues regarding protection under the Residential Lease Protection Act.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#what-it-means-when-there-is-a-mortgage\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-it-means-when-there-is-a-mortgage\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat It Means When There Is a Mortgage\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe phrase “the house has debt” usually means that a \u003cstrong\u003emortgage\u003c/strong\u003e has been registered in Section B of the property registry. A mortgage is a security interest established by a creditor when money is borrowed using real estate as collateral.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe item tenants should pay particular attention to is the \u003cstrong\u003emaximum amount of the claim\u003c/strong\u003e. The maximum claim amount may not be equal to the actual outstanding loan balance; it should be understood as the maximum amount secured, which includes not only the principal but also interest and late payment penalties. Therefore, you must consider both “the maximum claim amount of the mortgage” and “the amount of any other prior security deposits.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe presence of a general mortgage does not automatically mean that every contract is risky. However, you should exercise greater caution in the following situations:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen the sum of the maximum claim amount and the security deposit is excessively large compared to the property’s value or market price\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen it is stated that the mortgage will be discharged on the balance payment date, but the conditions for discharge are not clearly specified in the contract\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen other red flags are present, such as seizure, provisional seizure, a decision to commence auction, or an order to register a tenant’s right\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen the landlord or real estate agent avoids providing information on prior security deposits\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#when-to-check-the-property-register-extract-a-single-review-is-not-enough\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"when-to-check-the-property-register-extract-a-single-review-is-not-enough\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhen to Check the Property Register Extract: A Single Review Is Not Enough\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou should not rely solely on a “previously obtained copy” of the property register extract. This is because ownership rights can change both before and after the contract is signed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recommended times for verification are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTiming\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eReason for Verification\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProperty review stage\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTo screen out basic risks such as owner, address, and mortgage liens.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImmediately before signing on the day of the contract\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTo re-verify changes in rights using the latest registry, not a photo or previous printout.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImmediately before the final payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVerify that no new mortgages or liens have been established between the signing of the contract and the final payment.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAfter filing the change of address and obtaining the certified date\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCheck whether follow-up procedures necessary for security deposit protection—such as property handover, change of address registration, and obtaining the certified date—have been completed.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn residential lease agreements, the tenant’s right of priority generally takes effect at 12:00 a.m. on the day following the handover of the property and the completion of the change-of-address registration. Therefore, it is advisable to include a special clause in the contract stating, “From the date of contract execution until the date the tenant’s right of priority takes effect, no new encumbrances, such as mortgage liens, shall be established without the tenant’s consent.” Since the specific wording may vary depending on the circumstances of the contract, it is safest to have a licensed real estate agent or legal expert review it if the risks are significant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#practical-checklist-before-signing-the-contract\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"practical-checklist-before-signing-the-contract\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePractical Checklist Before Signing the Contract\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have received a copy of the real estate registry, check the following items in order.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#1-do-the-address-and-unit-number-match\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"1-do-the-address-and-unit-number-match\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e1. Do the address and unit number match?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe location, building name, block and unit number, and designation of the exclusive use area listed in the title section must match the property you are viewing. In particular, for multi-family dwellings, officetels, and urban residential complexes, there may be cases where the unit number on the front door differs from the one on the title deed; therefore, the address on the contract must be written accurately based on the title deed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#2-are-the-owner-and-the-lessor-the-same-person\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"2-are-the-owner-and-the-lessor-the-same-person\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e2. Are the owner and the lessor the same person?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompare the name of the current owner listed in Section A with the lessor’s name on the lease agreement and the personal information on your ID. In the case of joint ownership, the consent of all joint owners or confirmation of lawful agency authority is generally required.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf an agent is present, simply stating “I am a family member” is insufficient. You must also verify a power of attorney, a seal registration certificate or a certificate of personal signature, confirmation of a phone call with the landlord, and the name on the account into which the security deposit is to be deposited.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#3-are-there-any-red-flags-in-section-a\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"3-are-there-any-red-flags-in-section-a\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e3. Are there any red flags in Section A?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf Section A contains entries such as seizure, provisional seizure, provisional disposition, a decision to commence auction, or trust registration, you must halt the contract and investigate the cause. In particular, for properties with trust registration, the registered owner and the actual lessor may differ; therefore, obtaining the trust company’s consent or verifying the lessor’s authority is crucial.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#4-are-there-any-mortgage-liens-or-similar-encumbrances-listed-in-section-b\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"4-are-there-any-mortgage-liens-or-similar-encumbrances-listed-in-section-b\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e4. Are there any mortgage liens or similar encumbrances listed in Section B?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck Section B for mortgage liens, jeonse rights, easements, leasehold rights, and other registrations. If a mortgage lien exists, review the maximum debt amount, filing date, rights holder, and whether it is scheduled for cancellation. If the condition states that “the lien will be discharged upon payment of the balance,” the contract must specify the amount required for discharge, the method of discharge, and the terms for simultaneous performance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"#5-are-there-any-rights-that-take-precedence-over-yours\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"5-are-there-any-rights-that-take-precedence-over-yours\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e5. Are there any rights that take precedence over yours?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn real estate rights relationships, \u003cstrong\u003erights established first\u003c/strong\u003e often take precedence over subsequent rights. Although a tenant acquires the right to oppose third-party claims and the right to priority repayment through registration of residence, handover of the property, and a confirmed date, their priority in recovering the security deposit may be lowered if there is an existing mortgage or a higher-ranking leasehold right.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#there-are-also-risks-not-shown-on-the-property-register\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"there-are-also-risks-not-shown-on-the-property-register\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThere are also risks not shown on the property register\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough a property registry extract is a very important document, it does not reveal all risks. In particular, in cases such as multi-family homes—where multiple households live in a single building but the registry lists it as a single property—the total amount of security deposits held by other tenants may not be fully disclosed in the registry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn such cases, it is advisable to also review the following documents:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Registered Households\u003c/strong\u003e: This document confirms whether any households are registered at the address.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatus of Certified Dates\u003c/strong\u003e: This is used to verify the certified dates and security deposit status of tenants with higher priority.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDocuments regarding the landlord’s delinquent national and local taxes\u003c/strong\u003e: Since tax claims can affect the recovery of the security deposit depending on the situation, it is necessary to verify any unpaid taxes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilding Register\u003c/strong\u003e: This supplements physical and administrative information—such as whether the building is in violation of regulations, its designated use, and its area—that is not fully covered by the land registry alone.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEligibility for Jeonse Security Deposit Return Guarantee\u003c/strong\u003e: This serves as an indirect safety check to verify whether the property meets the underwriting criteria of guarantee institutions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe National Tax Service’s system for accessing information on delinquent national taxes allows for access without the landlord’s consent, provided certain conditions are met, from the time the lease agreement is signed until the lease commencement date. For local taxes, there is a system in place that allows you to view outstanding local tax amounts across all local governments nationwide from the time the contract is signed until the start date of the lease term, provided the security deposit exceeds 10 million won. Since tax information is sensitive, access is typically limited to on-site viewing, and the landlord may be notified that the information was accessed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen signing a lease for a multi-family residence, you should not assume it is safe simply because “there are no registered mortgages in the registry.” From the landlord’s perspective, the security deposits of previous tenants are effectively debts that must be repaid, so you must verify the total amount of prior security deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#can-you-trust-what-the-real-estate-agent-prepares-for-you\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"can-you-trust-what-the-real-estate-agent-prepares-for-you\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCan You Trust What the Real Estate Agent Prepares for You?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile licensed real estate agents often provide a certified copy of the property registry, tenants must read it themselves. You should verify that the agent’s explanation matches the information in the registry, and ask questions about any items you do not understand before signing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetails exchanged via text or phone—such as “cancellation of a mortgage,” “security deposit adjustment,” “conditions for the final payment date,” or “conditions for contract termination”—can serve as crucial evidence in future disputes. It is safer to document important agreements not just verbally, but through verifiable means such as special provisions in the contract or text messages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#when-to-pause-the-contract-and-request-further-verification\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"when-to-pause-the-contract-and-request-further-verification\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhen to Pause the Contract and Request Further Verification\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf any of the following items apply, do not sign immediately; instead, request additional documentation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe owner listed in the property registry differs from the contracting party.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere is insufficient documentation verifying the agent’s authority.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSection A of the property registry shows a seizure, provisional seizure, provisional disposition, or a decision to commence auction.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe maximum debt amount for the mortgage listed in Section B is large, and the plan for its cancellation is unclear.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is a multi-unit residence, but you have not been able to verify the total amount of security deposits held by prior tenants.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe landlord avoids confirming any unpaid taxes or the possibility of obtaining rental guarantee insurance.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the day of signing, the landlord shows you only a photo taken a few days prior, rather than the current property registry.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe address, building number, unit number, or floor area differs from the actual property.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003ca href=\"#summary-in-one-sentence\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"summary-in-one-sentence\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eSummary in One Sentence\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Checking the certified copy of the real estate registry” is a procedure performed before signing a lease for a studio apartment or a jeonse/wolse property to \u003cstrong\u003eexamine the property’s official identification and verify factors that could affect the recovery of your security deposit, such as the owner, address, mortgage, liens, and prior rights\u003c/strong\u003e. The property registry is the starting point of the contract, and you can more effectively reduce deposit risks by also verifying matters such as prior security deposits for multi-unit properties, tax arrears, change-of-address registration, and the date of registration.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Property registry","Rental lease","Collateral mortgage","Jeonse fraud prevention","Living alone"],"faqs":[{"question":"Are a certified copy of the real estate registry and a certificate of registered matters the same thing?","answer":"The official name of the document commonly referred to as a “registration transcript” in practice is the “Certificate of Registration Details.” It is a document that certifies the description and rights related to real estate as recorded in the real estate registry."},{"question":"If the real estate agent shows me a copy of the property registry, do I still need to look at it myself?","answer":"No. Even if a licensed real estate agent prepares the documents, the tenant must personally verify the address, owner, mortgage, liens, and priority of rights. It is especially important to confirm that the documents are up to date on the day the contract is signed."},{"question":"If there’s a mortgage on the property, does that mean I absolutely shouldn’t sign the contract?","answer":"Just because there is a mortgage on the property doesn’t necessarily mean the contract can’t be signed. However, you must consider the maximum debt amount, the property value, your security deposit, any prior tenant’s security deposit, and the conditions for removing the mortgage; if the risk is too high, it’s safer to cancel the contract."},{"question":"Is the maximum debt amount the same as the actual outstanding loan balance?","answer":"This may not be the case. The maximum debt amount primarily refers to the upper limit secured by the mortgage; the actual remaining loan balance must be verified separately."},{"question":"Is it sufficient to just check the photo of the property registry I received before signing the contract?","answer":"The photos are for reference only. Since ownership details are subject to change, it is advisable to double-check the latest property registry just before signing the contract and just before paying the balance."},{"question":"Why do we need to be more careful with multi-family homes?","answer":"In the case of multi-family housing, even if multiple tenants live in the same building, the status of existing tenants’ security deposits may not be accurately reflected in the property registry. You must separately verify the total amount of priority security deposits and the status of registered households."},{"question":"What should I do if the owner listed in the property registry and the contract signatory are different?","answer":"Do not sign the contract immediately; you must first verify that the agent has proper authority. You should check the power of attorney, the seal registration certificate or the certificate of signature authentication, confirmation of the landlord’s intent, and the name on the bank account where the security deposit will be deposited."},{"question":"Is a house safe if the back door is unlocked?","answer":"If the “Other” column is left blank, it may indicate that there are no rights other than ownership—such as a mortgage—listed in the property registry; however, this alone does not guarantee complete safety. You must also verify whether there are any priority security deposits for multi-family units, any tax arrears, the building registry, and whether rental guarantee insurance is available."},{"question":"Why are change-of-address registration and the date of confirmation important?","answer":"The handover of the property and the registration of your change of address form the basis for third-party enforceability, and the date of confirmation is crucial for acquiring the right to priority repayment. To help protect your security deposit, you should complete the change of address registration and obtain the date of confirmation as soon as possible after signing the contract."},{"question":"Should I also consider the details agreed upon via text message or phone call?","answer":"Text messages, recordings, and phone call transcripts regarding important contract terms can serve as evidence in the event of a dispute. It is safest to clearly specify important details—such as the cancellation of a mortgage, the terms for the final payment, and the conditions for contract termination—in the special provisions section of the contract."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.easylaw.go.kr/CSP/CnpClsMain.laf?ccfNo=2\u0026cciNo=1\u0026cnpClsNo=1\u0026csmSeq=629","title":"Easy-to-Find Information on Everyday Laws: Checking the Property Registry Before Signing a Residential Lease Agreement, etc.","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.easylaw.go.kr/CSP/CnpClsMain.laf?ccfNo=2\u0026cciNo=3\u0026cnpClsNo=1\u0026csmSeq=629","title":"Easy-to-Find Information on Everyday Laws: Acquiring the Right of Setoff and the Right to Priority Repayment","type":"source"},{"url":"https://easylaw.go.kr/CSP/CnpClsMain.laf?ccfNo=3\u0026cciNo=1\u0026cnpClsNo=2\u0026csmSeq=1972\u0026popMenu=ov","title":"Easy-to-Find Information on Everyday Laws: Preventing Jeonse Fraud—Things to Keep in Mind When Signing a Contract","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.khug.or.kr/jeonse/web/s03/s030105.jsp","title":"Korea Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (KHUG) Safe Lease Portal: Checking the Certified Copy of the Real Estate Register","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.nts.go.kr/nts/na/ntt/selectNttInfo.do?mi=2207\u0026nttSn=1325154","title":"National Tax Service: Guide to Requesting Access to Information on Unpaid Taxes, etc.","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.mois.go.kr/video/bbs/type019/commonSelectBoardArticle.do?bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000255\u0026nttId=99612","title":"Ministry of the Interior and Safety: Information on the System for Viewing Landlords’ Unpaid Local Taxes","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/lsInfoP.do?ancYnChk=0\u0026lsId=001248","title":"National Law Information Center: Housing Lease Protection Act","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%EB%AF%BC%EB%B2%95","title":"National Law Information Center: Civil Code","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.iros.go.kr/","title":"Supreme Court Online Registry Office","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":32,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzMwLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--166e97c8c1219c6d139009fbf2053e3c0b856056/ChatGPT%20Image%202026%E1%84%82%E1%85%A7%E1%86%AB%207%E1%84%8B%E1%85%AF%E1%86%AF%205%E1%84%8B%E1%85%B5%E1%86%AF%20%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A9%E1%84%8C%E1%85%A5%E1%86%AB%2008_07_20.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"upload","mime_type":"image/webp","original_filename":"ChatGPT Image 2026년 7월 5일 오전 08_07_20.png","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"주택과 등기 서류를 돋보기로 확인하며 소유자, 근저당, 보증금 위험을 점검하는 인포그래픽","caption":"전월세 계약 전 등기부등본으로 집의 권리관계와 보증금 위험을 확인하는 과정을 보여줍니다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Infographic showing a house and property document inspected with a magnifying glass for rental risks","caption":"The illustration shows checking a property register before signing a rental contract.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"住宅と登記書類を虫眼鏡で確認し、所有者や担保、保証金リスクを点検する図解","caption":"賃貸契約前に登記情報で権利関係と保証金リスクを確認する流れを示しています。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Infografía de una vivienda y un documento revisado con lupa para detectar riesgos del alquiler","caption":"La ilustración muestra la revisión del registro de una vivienda antes de firmar un contrato de alquiler.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Infografik rumah dan dokumen properti diperiksa dengan kaca pembesar untuk menilai risiko sewa","caption":"Ilustrasi ini menunjukkan pemeriksaan dokumen properti sebelum menandatangani kontrak sewa.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Infográfico de uma casa e documento imobiliário examinados com lupa para avaliar riscos do aluguel","caption":"A ilustração mostra a verificação do registro do imóvel antes de assinar um contrato de aluguel.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"用放大鏡檢查住宅與登記文件，確認屋主、抵押與押金風險的資訊圖","caption":"這張圖示呈現租屋簽約前查核不動產登記與押金風險的流程。","description":null}}},{"id":33,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzM3LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--fcdca751c15ece4b183fe9db7105ab468881ade3/ChatGPT%20Image%202026%E1%84%82%E1%85%A7%E1%86%AB%207%E1%84%8B%E1%85%AF%E1%86%AF%205%E1%84%8B%E1%85%B5%E1%86%AF%20%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A9%E1%84%8C%E1%85%A5%E1%86%AB%2008_11_00.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"upload","mime_type":"image/webp","original_filename":"ChatGPT Image 2026년 7월 5일 오전 08_11_00.png","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"다가구주택의 숨은 보증금과 세금 위험을 단계별 서류 확인으로 점검하는 벡터 인포그래픽","caption":"등기부에 드러나지 않는 선순위 보증금과 세금 위험까지 여러 시점에 확인해야 함을 보여줍니다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Vector infographic showing hidden tenant deposits, document checks, and safe or risky rental outcomes","caption":"The illustration highlights hidden rental risks and repeated document checks before completing a lease.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"集合住宅の隠れた保証金リスクと書類確認の流れ、安全・危険な結果を示す図解","caption":"登記だけでは見えにくいリスクを、契約前から残金前まで確認する重要性を示しています。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Infografía vectorial sobre depósitos ocultos, revisión de documentos y resultados seguros o riesgosos","caption":"La imagen muestra la importancia de revisar riesgos ocultos y documentos en varias etapas del alquiler.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Infografik vektor tentang deposit tersembunyi, pemeriksaan dokumen, dan hasil sewa aman atau berisiko","caption":"Ilustrasi ini menekankan pemeriksaan risiko tersembunyi dan dokumen pada beberapa tahap sebelum sewa.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Infográfico vetorial sobre depósitos ocultos, verificação de documentos e desfechos seguros ou arriscados","caption":"A imagem mostra a importância de verificar riscos ocultos e documentos em várias etapas do aluguel.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"顯示多戶住宅隱藏押金、文件查核流程與安全或風險結果的向量資訊圖","caption":"圖中強調租屋前應分階段查核文件，並留意登記資料未完全揭露的風險。","description":null}}},{"id":35,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzUxLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--9296b7012fd126e56e1dfab6354617c4c738a9eb/ChatGPT%20Image%202026%E1%84%82%E1%85%A7%E1%86%AB%207%E1%84%8B%E1%85%AF%E1%86%AF%205%E1%84%8B%E1%85%B5%E1%86%AF%20%E1%84%8B%E1%85%A9%E1%84%8C%E1%85%A5%E1%86%AB%2008_18_58.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"upload","mime_type":"image/webp","original_filename":"ChatGPT Image 2026년 7월 5일 오전 08_18_58.png","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"창가 테이블에서 돋보기로 서류를 살피는 남성과 뒤편의 아파트 건물","caption":"전월세 계약을 앞두고 집 관련 서류를 꼼꼼히 확인하는 모습을 보여줍니다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Man at a table examining property papers with a magnifying glass, with an apartment building outside","caption":"The scene shows careful review of housing documents before signing a rental contract.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"窓辺の机で虫眼鏡を使って書類を確認する男性と奥に見える集合住宅","caption":"賃貸契約の前に住宅関連の書類を慎重に確認している様子を表しています。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Hombre en una mesa revisando documentos de vivienda con una lupa, con un edificio al fondo","caption":"La escena muestra una revisión cuidadosa de documentos de vivienda antes de firmar el alquiler.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Pria di meja memeriksa dokumen properti dengan kaca pembesar, dengan apartemen di luar jendela","caption":"Adegan ini menunjukkan pemeriksaan teliti dokumen rumah sebelum menandatangani kontrak sewa.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Homem à mesa examinando documentos do imóvel com uma lupa, com um prédio ao fundo","caption":"A cena mostra a conferência cuidadosa de documentos do imóvel antes de assinar o aluguel.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"男子坐在窗邊桌前用放大鏡查看房屋文件，後方可見公寓建築","caption":"這個場景呈現租屋簽約前仔細查核房屋相關文件的情況。","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-07-05T08:51:58+09:00","updated_at":"2026-07-05T08:51:58+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","es","ja"],"data_locales":["ko","en","es","ja","id","pt","zh-hant"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/check-real-estate-register-before-rent-contract"}