Answered6 months ago
How can expats maintain their homes in Thailand while away?
How are u guys maintaining your apartment/houses in Thailand whenever u are away? I’m going away for awhile for the first time so would appreciate your kind advice. Thank you.
Answer summary
Expats in Thailand have various strategies for maintaining their apartments or houses while they are away. Key suggestions from the community include: turning off utilities such as water and electricity, hiring cleaning services or trusted friends to check on the property periodically, and taking precautions against pests. It’s also advised to manage utilities ahead of time and ensure home insurance requirements are met by having someone check the property regularly. Look into options like house sitting or using services like Trusted Housesitters for added security.
39 repliesnewest first
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Lee ********
I'm an American wanting to retire in Thailand soon. I am wanting to visit there before I retire, to check the place out. There's good folks who would love this opportunity for an exchange, your place is watched while I get a place to stay for a bit.
David *********
One thing nobody has mentioned. If you have home insurance than you have to get someone to go inside the property at least once a month to satisfy your insurance policy. This would apply to most insurance companies.
John ********
Designed as a lock up and leave
Eileen ***********
try trusted house sitters. when are you leaving
Dave *********
Definitely turn off water a friend had his burgundy pipe burst when he was away in locked apartment. And as I was watching TV our kitchen tap went airborne on a sport of water luckily I was there and turned of main quickly but still mad big mess .think its mybe continually fluctuating water pressure coursing failures
Pui *****
Buy a dehumidifier that drains into your sink or toilet and set it to timer mode or to automatically turn on at 60% humidity. That's the single most important thing if you live in a humid area where you might get mould when ACs aren't used to keep away humidity. If your area is prone to electric cuts, make sure it is a model that will automatically go back to the previous mode rather than reset to the default mode if there's a power cut. I use the Widetech 30L which definitely works for this and can be remotely controlled by the Xiaomi Home app. Can buy on Lazada/Shopee.
David *******
Yes. We had been doing that each time. The WiFi thermostat and de-humidifier was added after we returned when locked out for 2 years during Covid. And relatives do stop by monthly to check unit. Also we inform Juristic of our absence.
And added sticky paper roach traps around the unit. Install door strips to prevent critters entering your unit. Seal off gaps where plumbing pipers are to prevent rodents & bugs coming in.
Yes. Share more ideas if you got. 🤗
And added sticky paper roach traps around the unit. Install door strips to prevent critters entering your unit. Seal off gaps where plumbing pipers are to prevent rodents & bugs coming in.
Yes. Share more ideas if you got. 🤗
David *******
Pui Suu
1. correct: we do the same with our de-humidifier on a timer that turns 4 hours each day in the mid afternoon when the condo reaches its high temperatures. Also wardrobe doors are propped slightly opened to keep contents from getting hot inside and allows air circulation.
2. Optional install of WiFi thermostat to remotely turn on/off AC to reduce humidity.
3. We cover our furniture with covers.
4. We have cameras installed so we see inside at all times. Curtains slightly opened for light and a floor lamp on a timer for night viewing.
5. Juristic should have key access for emergency access ( flooding from above, etc.)
6. Water is turned off.
7. Power remains on for refrigerator, internet, de-humidifier, AC. If this is not required, then turn off.
1. correct: we do the same with our de-humidifier on a timer that turns 4 hours each day in the mid afternoon when the condo reaches its high temperatures. Also wardrobe doors are propped slightly opened to keep contents from getting hot inside and allows air circulation.
2. Optional install of WiFi thermostat to remotely turn on/off AC to reduce humidity.
3. We cover our furniture with covers.
4. We have cameras installed so we see inside at all times. Curtains slightly opened for light and a floor lamp on a timer for night viewing.
5. Juristic should have key access for emergency access ( flooding from above, etc.)
6. Water is turned off.
7. Power remains on for refrigerator, internet, de-humidifier, AC. If this is not required, then turn off.
Pui *****
David David you literally do everything we do. I just didn't have the patience to write all those suggestions. Great comment!
Bent *************
When I’m away longer than 2 months I empty fridge and freezer and have the condo office turn off the water. About one week before I come back, I notify the office and they send a woman to clean.
Michael *******
Pay somebody who you trust. Flush toilets. Turn on air cons. Turns taps on. Every 2 weeks enough. Defrost freezer.
Chris **********
Cant people think for themselves anymore omg
Dean *********
Chris Williams how dare they ask others for advice! 😂
Chris **********
Dean Riggott poor them
Lily ********************
Close the main water valve, unplug everything except for fridge.
Pass 1 spare key to a trusted friend or neighbor to check on things for just in case situation. I.e. fire, flood or quakes.
Unless u are close to or trust ur landlord, give him or her a heads up.
Pass 1 spare key to a trusted friend or neighbor to check on things for just in case situation. I.e. fire, flood or quakes.
Unless u are close to or trust ur landlord, give him or her a heads up.
Scott *******
Place all the contents of your freezer in enclosed plastic bags. In case of power outage and food rotting (happened to me). Leave a couple of ice cubes out, so you can determine if the contents have defrosted or not. Or even better, clear freezer before you go.
Dave **********
We ask our daughter to swing by ,water the garden and take care of things. It's little to ask since we paid for University 😉
Alan *****
Turn off water& electric, put duct tape over the sink holes & waste. Cover the toilet with cling film. As he water in the traps will evaporate & you’ll get smells from drains 😏
Betsy ********
Check out a site like Trustedhousesitters?
As a retired nomad, I've done long term house & pet sits.
Caring for the home, making sure to coordinate any needed repairs with owners/repair person, etc. Watering any plants. Caring for any pets on site.
This avoids any issues that might arise from leaving a home empty long-term.
As a retired nomad, I've done long term house & pet sits.
Caring for the home, making sure to coordinate any needed repairs with owners/repair person, etc. Watering any plants. Caring for any pets on site.
This avoids any issues that might arise from leaving a home empty long-term.
Andy **********
Install a real security door on a condo where you won't ever get through.
Don't buy a condo so low that Somchai can get it through the balcony.
For a house, pretty much forget it unless you have money and can find security to install retractable first world level window and door covers but I've never seen this quality in Thailand.
Get someone you trust to house sit.
Don't buy a condo so low that Somchai can get it through the balcony.
For a house, pretty much forget it unless you have money and can find security to install retractable first world level window and door covers but I've never seen this quality in Thailand.
Get someone you trust to house sit.
Thomas ********
We hire neighbors across the hallway one a month to go in the apartment to dust and check on the geckos
Ray-Ray ********
Do airbnb or rent it out.
Bill *********
The 2 biggest concerns I have are that my internet and electricity are paid for. If they become due while I'm on travel it's been a real headache to pay them outside of Thailand. So I just do an advance deposit to cover what I expect the bill will be. Otherwise I just lock the door and walked away with no real concern of anything further.
Steve *******
It's going to depend on how long you're away. Switch off the electric, close the windows and empty and open the fridge. Book a cleaner before you return 👍
Robert ********
Don't trust anyone.
Peter ********
Robert Norris
Bitter old man
Bitter old man
Mark ********
Peter Slaman He's right. Trust no one.
Robert ********
Peter Slaman idiot
Rei *****
OPWhat happened?
Joel ******
In a condo, I turn off the water, unplug everything, put a small bit of cleanser in the toilet (prevent bugs from settling into it) and spray the doors and windows with big spray. Coming back to bugs is the only negative I've had.
BC ********
I have close Thai friends who have the keys.
Not necessary if away for about 2 months or less. If away for longer I let them have a look every 1½ to 2 months.
Also a good idea to close the main water valve.
Not necessary if away for about 2 months or less. If away for longer I let them have a look every 1½ to 2 months.
Also a good idea to close the main water valve.
Andrew **********
BC Farang and they don’t move in? Amazing
BC ********
Andrew Stephens ?? no, why would they ??? I don't understand.
Carl *********
In covid my car, bike, condo.were left nearly 2 years, condo was fine, car and bike needed a clean and new batteries
Zasha ********
You can hire a trusted caretaker ; I'm fee ; Wink
Kara ******
We had our maebaan keep visiting to air out the house, clean as dust accumulates fast, do the bedding, ironing etc
AB ******
If your house is in the village/Gate community. Using cleaning service once a month. Ask the Juristic/Manager to take care of it.
Peter *********
AB n C why not read post correctly ???
Mat *********
How many months are you away?
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