Answereda year ago
What documents and checks should I consider when renting property in Thailand to avoid scams?
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 😁✨️
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 😁✨️
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.
19 repliesnewest first
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Blaine ********
I have a great real estate agent if your interested.
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.
VioletP********
OP@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?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.
VioletP********
OP@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 muchEva *********
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.
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.
VioletP********
OP@Eva ********
Thank you. I have heard this about the fake photos! I will definitely be looking in person when I arrive.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…
VioletP********
OP@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?
Mai ***********
i would suggest do not transfer until you see a place in person
VioletP********
OP@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
Nigel **************
No help
VioletP********
OP@Nigel *************
I'm not sure what you mean?Jx ******
I've never been scammed in renting, I pay when I'm there in person not over the internet.
VioletP********
OP@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 youJx ******
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.
VioletP********
OP@Jx *****
thanks
Paul *******
Money.
VioletP********
OP@Paul ******
can you explain more about your comment please as I'm not sure it answers my question? ThanksActivity
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