What is the typical initial outlay when renting a property in Thailand for the first time?

Jun 21, 2023
a year ago
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all, hope you are having a great week

Property rental

May I ask, under normal circumstances, when you rent a property for the first time, what is usually the initial outlay

For example,

Would you normally be expected to pay a security deposit/ bond

If so, is that usually the equivalent of 1 months rent

Would you normally be expected to pay for the first 2 months upfront?

I am just trying to get a rough estimate how much money we will initially need to โ€˜settle downโ€™ once in Thailand

Thanks if advance

*Comments Turned Off, Questions answered ๐Ÿ˜Š*
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When renting a property in Thailand for the first time, the common initial outlay includes a total of three months' rent: typically, two months as a security deposit and the first monthโ€™s rent. Although some properties may legally limit the security deposit to one month's rent, this is often not enforced, leading many landlords to require the standard two months. It's advisable to document any existing damages and clarify responsibilities for utility bills and maintenance in the lease agreement to protect your deposit.
Brandon ************
How it usually works:

To sign the rental agreement you need 3 months of rent. 2 months security deposit and the first month of rent.

There are some laws about some properties only being legally allowed to charge 1 month security deposit, but there's no enforcement and no way to fight it, so if you only want to pay one month of rent as a security deposit then you keep looking for a new room who is willing to offer that.

So for what you should expect, it's 3 months of rent to get into the building.

Make sure you document any existing damage with pictures and an inventory sheet to protect yourself and your deposit money. Also make sure you are being direct billed for electricity and water, rather than the owner billing you, because they always inflate the rate. That's much more common in apartments than condos though.

Finally make sure the lease clarifies who is responsible for what kind of maintenance or issues with appliances such as washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thank you, that explains it fully, much appreciated ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ
Cary ******
2+1
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cary *****
thank you
Alistair **********
2 months deposit + 1 months rent is pretty standard
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
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