[Risk Report] Water Leak Liability in Korea : Why Being Too Nice Makes You an Easy Target
[Risk Report] Water Leak Liability in Korea : Why Being Too Nice Makes You an Easy Target Do you want to be the nice guy, or do you want to keep your hard-earned cash? Living in a Korean apartment or officetel has its moments, but nothing ruins your day like a neighbor knocking on your door to complain that water is leaking into their unit. In a foreign land, feeling guilty about causing trouble is natural. Many expats instinctively blurt out, I'm so sorry! and end up paying whatever repair costs the landlord demands—sometimes without even asking why. Don’t get me wrong. Being polite is a virtue, but when it comes to water leak liability in Korea , a premature apology sounds a lot like a legal declaration : I’ll foot the entire bill. It’s time to stop reacting emotionally and start Trusting, but Verifying . 1. The Hidden Agenda Behind the Friendly Landlord Most landlords seem perfec...