Maintenance vocabulary
Textbook보일러가 고장났습니다. 수리를 요청합니다bo-il-reo-ga go-jang-nat-seup-ni-da. su-ri-reul yo-cheong-hap-ni-daThe boiler is broken. I request repair
Real사장님, 보일러가 안 되는데요... 수리 좀 부탁드려요sa-jang-nim, bo-il-reo-ga an doe-neun-de-yo... su-ri jom bu-tak-deu-ryeo-yoLandlord, the boiler isn't working... could you please arrange a repair🏷️ Any casual setting
Many tenants call their landlord 사장님 (boss/sir). Using ~는데요 (the situation is...) + 부탁드려요 (I request) is the polite formula. Don't demand — request. Even if it's their legal responsibility.
Reporting problems
사장님, 화장실 물이 새는데요Landlord, the bathroom is leaking
에어컨이 안 켜져요The AC won't turn on
배수구가 막혔어요The drain is clogged
곰팡이가 생겼어요Mold has appeared
벌레가 나와요...Bugs are appearing...
이거 수리비 누가 내요?Who pays for this repair?
Korean rental law: 집주인 pays for structural repairs (plumbing, heating, major systems). Tenants pay for damage they caused. The gray area is wide — negotiate calmly. Document everything with photos and KakaoTalk messages (written evidence).
집주인 relationship management: treat them like a business relationship, not a friend. Keep KakaoTalk records of ALL maintenance requests (= legal evidence). Be polite but firm. If they refuse necessary repairs: 주택임대차분쟁조정위원회 (Housing Lease Dispute Mediation Committee) is your backup. Knowing this exists gives you power.
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