Ask question

How can I find a 6-month rental in Thailand when most landlords prefer 1-year contracts?

Rental agreements Short-term leases Thailand housing Expat living DTV Visa Property rental tips Negotiation with landlords

Dec 22, 2024

a month ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello guys,

In 2026 I will surely apply for the DTV VISA but for the year 2025 I only plan to stay 6 months in Thailand.

How do you manage to rent for 6 months? 

I have the impression that it's an obstacle course. 99% of landlords only want a minimum one-year contract.

For those of you who have been able to rent for 6 months, how did you manage?

My agent have recommended that I rent for 1 year, but he'd find me a renter at the end of the 6 months.

Do you have any advice?

Thanks in advance

1,150

views

1

likes

22

all likes

17

replies

0

images

14

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Navigating short-term rentals in Thailand can be challenging, especially as most landlords prefer minimum one-year contracts. However, expats have shared various strategies to secure a 6-month rental. Suggestions include negotiating directly with landlords for shorter leases, being open to higher monthly rates, or considering properties listed on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. It's also advisable to carefully read the terms regarding deposits and ensure you thoroughly vet potential rental agreements, possibly opting for a year-long contract with a strategy for subletting later.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Toni *******

Where are you heading? I can (maybe, i will ask if youre interested) get you a 6month lease in my village, nong prue near pattaya. I think about

*****

thb/month for a 3bedroom house, landlord is norwegian

Like

Reply

Romain ****

If i were you i would apply for dtv asap, will avoid any surprise if they make conditions harder, you can use it for the next 5 years then ;)

Like

Reply

Toni *******

true, based on this group some embassies are going crazy already.

Like

Reply

Romain ****

some are asking nonsense stuff like proof of accommodation for 6 months ! But no one forces you to stay in Thailand for 6 months, and even less at the same place 😆😆 I’m happy I requested in the first days in Paris, took a month but not any question asked just received the pdf directly 😆😆

Like

Reply

Toni *******

oh, they did ask for the latest payslip (workcation)

Like

Reply

Toni *******

i applied in august, was only asked for the stuff it says in the official requirements, nothing extra

Like

Reply

Reply to

Toni *******

Reply

Charles **********

NEVER pay 2 months deposit, you won’t get it back, sign up for a year contract , say you have emergency back home but give a few weeks notice. Some landlords won’t mind as they get to pocket your deposit , also you should try find someone yourself maybe to take over the lease before you move

Like

Reply

Martin ********

@Charles *********

I wouldn’t rent from someone who was subletting without confirmation from the landlord that he accepts this. Nor would I sign a 12 month contract knowing I was going to break the lease.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Martin ********

Reply

Lianne ********

What is your nationality? I don't think the DTV is worth it for 6 months if you can do 2 60-day tourist visas with 30 day extensions

Like

Reply

Greg ********

As others have said there are 6 monthly rentals around at a slightly higher monthly rate. Signing for a year and not getting a tenant to take over the last 6 months means you will lose your 2 months deposit. The agent will be laughing as they get the commission on the next one too. If you believe the agent will find you someone to take over your rental ie work for free I have a bridge to sell you. They want you to sign for a year so they get the commission

Like

Reply

Tae'lur ********

You can find six month stays but usually they charge more because of the shorter lease

Like

Reply

René *******

In which area you want to stay? and what period of year 2025?

Like

Reply

Pete *******

Very easy to get monthly rentals just expect to pay a bit more than for a year contract.

Like

Reply

David ********

A lot do 6 months but a higher rate. I currently have a tenant on a 6 month contract.

Check FB marketplace and start sending messages to the ones you like

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Most landlords want 12 months, but some will negotiate, but expect to pay a higher rent. For example a 10,000/month apartment you might get for

*****

/month on a 6-month basis

Like

Reply

Jens ********

are you here already?

Like

Reply

Christopher ********

Ask them if they can do six month contract one month deposit until someone does. I did it.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ********

Reply

How can I get a rental contract in Bangkok that is subject to visa approval for a DTV application?

13 comments

a month ago

Can I use a short-term rental to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, and do my mother and I need to both be on the lease?

4 comments

a month ago

Do I need a long-term rental lease to qualify for a retirement visa in Thailand?

29 comments

2 months ago

How can I fulfill the embassy's 6-month accommodation requirement for a visa in Thailand without a long-term visa?

4 comments

2 months ago

How can I apply for a DTV from outside Thailand without a rental agreement?

32 comments

2 months ago

Can I apply for a Thai DTV visa with only a 3-month hotel stay instead of a 6-month apartment rental?

37 comments

3 months ago

Is it legal to sign a one-year lease while on a 60-day visa in Thailand for a DTV application?

6 comments

3 months ago

What is the best visa option for a 6-month to 1-year stay in Thailand?

16 comments

4 months ago

Can I use a cheap one-year lease as a home base for my retirement visa while traveling through Thailand?

18 comments

5 months ago

What are the best tips for renting in Thailand when moving to the Cha am/Hua Hin area?

14 comments

6 months ago

Can you rent a condo in Thailand on a tourist visa for a 12-month lease?

17 comments

8 months ago

What are the challenges of renting a condo in Bangkok and how can I find a trustworthy agent?

62 comments

9 months ago

Is a 3-6 month lease sufficient for a non-immigrant O retirement visa in Thailand?

12 comments

a year ago

What are the best websites or agencies for short-term condo rentals in Thailand?

14 comments

2 years ago

What are the best ways to find month-to-month rentals in Bangkok?

7 comments

2 years ago

What are the best options for finding a modern high-floor condo in Bangkok with a short-term lease?

14 comments

2 years ago

Do I need a year-long rental agreement to renew my NON-O retirement visa in Thailand?

14 comments

2 years ago

How can expats find long-stay accommodation in Bangkok for one year?

23 comments

3 years ago

What advice do you have for obtaining a visa to stay in Thailand for 6 months without risking upfront costs for flights and accommodation?

18 comments

3 years ago

What are some reputable villa rental agents in Phuket for long-term leases?

1 comments

3 years ago

How can I obtain 6 months of insurance for STV that covers COVID-19 in Thailand?

8 comments

3 years ago

Will signing a 1-year condo rental agreement in Thailand cause immigration issues if I'm only there part-time on a METV?

10 comments

6 years ago

What should I do if my retirement visa is expiring and my landlady won't give me a lease contract?

9 comments

7 years ago

Are there any barriers to signing a long-term lease with a 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?

6 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.