Start with these five words before you pay: 관리비, 월세, 보증금, 수도요금, 전기요금.
Korean housing maintenance fee phrases help foreign residents ask clear money questions before they sign, move in, or pay a monthly bill. In Korea, a room may have monthly rent, a deposit, a building maintenance fee, and separate utility bills. The safest habit is to ask what is included and keep a record of the answer.
When to use these phrases
Use this lesson with a landlord, real estate agent, dorm office, goshiwon manager, or apartment management office. The phrases are short and polite, so you can use them in person, by message, or on the phone when a bill amount looks different from what you expected.
Quick phrase table
| Moment | Korean | Meaning | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask the fee | 관리비가 얼마예요? | How much is the maintenance fee? | Use before signing, moving in, or paying the first bill. |
| Check what is included | 관리비에 뭐가 포함돼요? | What is included in the maintenance fee? | Use when rent looks cheap but extra charges are unclear. |
| Water bill | 수도요금은 따로 내요? | Do I pay the water bill separately? | Use when the bill notice has several utility lines. |
| Electricity bill | 전기요금은 따로 나와요? | Does the electricity bill come separately? | Use when you need to know which bill arrives from which company. |
| Rent deadline | 월세는 언제까지 내야 해요? | By when should I pay the monthly rent? | Use after confirming the bank account or automatic transfer. |
| Deposit return | 보증금은 언제 돌려받아요? | When do I get the deposit back? | Use before move-out so the process is written down clearly. |
| Automatic transfer | 자동이체 가능해요? | Is automatic transfer possible? | Use if you want fewer missed payment dates. |
| See the bill notice | 이번 달 고지서 보여 주세요. | Please show me this month's bill notice. | Use when the amount changed or you did not receive a notice. |
| Late fee | 연체료가 있어요? | Is there a late fee? | Use when you may pay late or the due date is unclear. |
| Receipt | 영수증 받을 수 있어요? | Can I get a receipt? | Use after paying cash or when you need proof for records. |
Common bill words
| Word | Meaning | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| 관리비 | building or room maintenance fee | Ask whether water, cleaning, elevator, or internet is included. |
| 월세 | monthly rent | Ask the due date and exact account before paying. |
| 보증금 | housing deposit | Ask when and how it is returned at move-out. |
| 수도요금 | water bill | Ask whether it is included in maintenance or paid separately. |
| 전기요금 | electricity bill | Ask where the bill arrives and how to pay it. |
Short message example
You: 관리비가 얼마예요? 관리비에 뭐가 포함돼요?
Manager: 수도요금은 포함돼요. 전기요금은 따로 나와요.
You: 월세는 언제까지 내야 해요? 영수증 받을 수 있어요?
Mistakes and money safety notes
Do not only ask 싸요? because a cheap monthly rent can still have a high 관리비. Before sending money, confirm the account, the due date, and whether the payment is 월세, 관리비, 보증금, or a utility bill. If the deposit return feels unclear, ask for the process in writing before move-out.
Practice and related lessons
Practice the first five words out loud: 관리비, 월세, 보증금, 수도요금, 전기요금. Then use the BSKorean app and related housing lessons to review apartment words, bank transfer words, and polite question patterns.
BSKorean app | housing words | apartment words | bank transfer words