Gyeonggi-do Takes Steps to Mediate 'Rent Disputes' for Tenants Affected by COVID-19

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province reported that cases of rent arrears or contract terminations are increasing due to the spread of COVID-19, and plans to significantly strengthen the functions of the dispute mediation committee to support rent dispute mediation and other assistance.

On the 22nd, the province announced that it will carry out a support project for 'Commercial Tenant Rent Reduction Request Mediation' to mediate lease-related disputes occurring on-site due to COVID-19 and to promote coexistence between landlords and tenants.

Accordingly, the province will increase lease-related consultations from twice a week to five times a week, provide necessary forms to tenants who need rent adjustments, and make it easier for them to exercise their rights.

Additionally, anticipating a significant increase in the number of dispute mediation applications, the province decided to activate the functions of the 'Gyeonggi Province Commercial Lease Dispute Mediation Committee.'

The mediation results through the committee will have the same enforceability as a court judgment under the Commercial Lease Protection Act, allowing for compulsory execution without a separate judgment document.

Consultations on commercial lease disputes are available via phone or in-person at the Gyeonggi Province Free Legal Counseling Center (031-8008-2246) or the Gyeonggi Province Call Center (031-120).

Those wishing to apply for dispute mediation can fill out the application form posted on the Gyeonggi Province website and submit it to the Gyeonggi Province Commercial Lease Dispute Mediation Committee.

According to the current 'Commercial Building Lease Protection Act' (Article 11), "If the rent or deposit (omitted) becomes unreasonable due to changes in economic circumstances, either party may request an increase or decrease in future rent or deposit."

Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "In this unprecedented economic crisis caused by COVID-19, the difficulties faced by small business commercial tenants are indescribable," and added, "If rent disputes arise between landlords and tenants, Gyeonggi Province will spare no effort to support through active mediation and other measures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.