What are the standard practices for renting a condo in Bangkok regarding payment and contract signing?

Question

Hey everyone, I’m about to rent a condo in Bangkok and wanted to check what’s standard practice here.

The agent told me: • I need to pay first month’s rent + security deposit (2 months) before the landlord will sign the lease. I paid the first month rent online to hold down my apartment • She said the landlord typically only signs once all money is received. • Alternatively, she suggested I could bring cash on move-in day, pay her directly, and then get the signed contract + keys together.

Back in London, I’m used to signing first, then paying, so I just want to make sure this is normal in Bangkok and that I’m not putting myself at risk.

Questions: 1. Is it standard here for the landlord to hold back their signature until the tenant has paid everything? 2. If I pay the agent (not the landlord directly), what’s the safest way to make sure I’m protected — e.g., should I insist on a written receipt right away? 3. On move-in day, should I expect to walk away with both keys and a fully signed lease?

Would really appreciate insights from anyone who has rented long-term in Bangkok recently. 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

When renting a condo in Bangkok, it is common for landlords to require full payment, including the first month’s rent and a two-month security deposit, before signing the lease. Many expats advise against paying any amount until the contract is signed to avoid scams. It is recommended to pay the agent only once the lease is signed and to ensure that you receive a written receipt. On the move-in day, tenants should typically receive the keys and the fully signed lease upon payment.

Upadhyay ********* · Answer

Don’t pay any money to the agent. Fix a day for signing the lease, ask the owner to bring his ID card and blue book. Verify that he is the owner, cross check with the juristic office, cross check the name on electricity bills. Get the keys and pay the money.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

You already made a mistake sending money from outside the country. Go see in person, and pay when you’re there. There is like over half a million empty condos in Bangkok, you can always find one.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

I just did this.  Like exactly as described. Seems standard

Wayne ******* · Answer

Dont part with any money until you agree the contract and sign it!!! And I wouldnt do that until I have seen the property making sure everything works

Paying 2 months deposit is a mugs game

Delfina ********* · Answer

Sounds like a scam already ...sign / pay / move ..

Greg ******** · Answer

The last 3 places I have rented since 2019 I paid the 2 months balance at time contract was signed and handed over. I had paid 1 month rent to reserve the property as all three were in demand. The one I am in now I did not actually view as so many after it. If you pay the deposit to reserve then yes the agent should give you an immediate receipt.

Magical******* · Answer

Reserve-1 month, 2 months deposit at signing day-move in day, that’s standard , please see the owner ID at contract and check with condo Juristic -Is it the owner or not.

Matt ******* · Answer

Just reiterating the sentiments above. You pay the day you sign the lease. For me that's been on the day I moved in, on the two condos I've had since moving out here.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Be careful. You are not in well regulated London anymore. Welcome to the Land of Scams. NEVER pay before you have the signed contract in your hands : classic scam that works wonders with newbie like you  .

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Pay only at the same time you have the contract ... if not its smell scam

What are the standard practices for renting a condo in Bangkok regarding payment and contract signing?

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