This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What documents and checks should I consider when renting property in Thailand to avoid scams?

Dec 3, 2025

4 days ago

Hello everyone! I hope you're well.

I'm a 46 year old woman from UK. I'm planning on moving to Thailand on DTV soon and looking to rent a property for myself for 3, 6 or 12 months. (I may move around Thailand but coming to Phuket first). I've heard there are lots of scams with renting property. 

Can I ask what I need to check in terms of documents, information, credentials, bank accounts,  ID, qualifications and anything else to make sure both the agent and landlord are legitimate and my rent is going to the correct account etc?

Edit. I'm aware to not transfer online and wait to view and meet the person. My question is related to documents, info ID as above. 

Thank you so much for your help 😁✨️

805

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on securely renting property in Thailand, particularly avoiding scams. They are planning a move to Phuket on a DTV visa and emphasize the importance of verifying landlords and agents. Comments suggest meeting in person, inspecting properties before making payments, checking for landlord ID, and starting with platforms like Airbnb for initial stays.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Blaine ********

I have a great real estate agent if your interested.

2 days ago

Carpenter ******

Deposits have been my main problem.. some don't like to give it back or they have spent it so can't give it back.

2 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Carpenter *****

sorry to hear that. I have heard these stories too. Is there any way to make it more secure so you can guarantee you get it back?

2 days ago

Reply to

VioletP********

Eva *********

Start with Airbnb for a month. Do the visits once you’re on the location. Rental agreement has landlord’s ID card copy. Rent & security deposit should be settled only on the day you take over (inspect everything!!!) the property and collect house keys.

4 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Eva ********

Thank you, that's really helpful. How do you check they are a reliable agent as I know a lot of them are freelance. Do you check their organisation/agency details etc ? I had a lot of DMs from random people and when I asked for credentials and so on, they didn't reply or said they were subletting their own, renting for a friend, self employed and so on. Many ask for 2 months deposit, is that normal? Thank you so much

4 days ago

Eva *********

VioletPanda7560

Personally I don’t know if there was any supervision or credential system on property negotiators in Thailand. In general landlords do prefer 12 month rental.

2 months security deposit and one month rent in advance is rather common practice BUT you only pay on the day you move in.

You can try to negotiate one month security deposit but the landlord can refuse too. Sublease isn’t good idea as if any problem happened. Not only it may not be legal, who can turn to who can be complicated also.

We’re renting a house. We found it via FB marketplace. The visit was done with an agent. When we decided to rent it, the landlord wanted to meet us. Then the agent prepared the contract. We signed the contract with the presence of landlord. We paid landlord directly.

You think you like to move around a bit, Airbnb should be your safe bet option.

4 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Eva ********

thank you. I won't be moving lots. I would spend

***

/9 months in certain areas. I think Airbnb might be too expensive for that long?

3 days ago

Eva *********

VioletPanda7560 Airbnb is to start with. Once you’re on site you will get better visibility on what you would like to get. Not only the property itself but also the neighborhood etc. Just avoid any distanced deals. What I would like to tell here is the experience we had. Even we’re on site, we visited houses & condo. The photos were simply deceiving…

2 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Eva ********

Thank you. I have heard this about the fake photos! I will definitely be looking in person when I arrive.

2 days ago

Reply to

VioletP********

Mai ***********

i would suggest do not transfer until you see a place in person

4 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mai **********

Thank you. I have heard this advice and I've edited my posts as I'm looking for help with which documents, contacts, ID, credentials etc to check to make sure the agent and landlord are legitimate/ own the property. Thank you

4 days ago

Reply to

VioletP********

Nigel **************

No help

4 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nigel *************

I'm not sure what you mean?

3 days ago

Reply to

VioletP********

Jx ******

I've never been scammed in renting, I pay when I'm there in person not over the internet.

4 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jx *****

thanks. I do know to do it in person, however people have still been scammed in this way. In terms of my question, can you help with the rest of it please eg info, documents, credentials and making sure the agent/Landlord is legitimate? Thank you

4 days ago

Jx ******

VioletPanda7560 I'm not sure on that, I'll on my 8th villa in Koh Samui and I don't like them asking for invasive documents from me, so I don't ask them. I guess I've been lucky.

3 days ago

VioletP********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jx *****

thanks

3 days ago

Reply to

VioletP********

Paul *******

Money.

4 days ago

VioletP********