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What precautions should I take when paying booking fees for a condo in Thailand?
Thailand rental practiceslong stay condobooking feecondo rentalreal estate agentstenant adviceimmigration and living in Thailand
Nov 20, 2025
5 months ago
Laurențiu ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, I am trying to find a long stay condo, I see agents here ask for a booking fee which is first month rent without getting any contract signed or other paper. Also, two different agents, one asked that this booking fee to be transferred to the owner directly and the other asked to send it to the agency bank account.
It is very strange to me to transfer money without any confirmation, anyone some advice here? 🙏
It is very strange to me to transfer money without any confirmation, anyone some advice here? 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
When renting a long stay condo in Thailand, it's common for agents to request a booking fee, which may equal the first month's rent, before the contract is signed. However, practices vary by agent—some may ask for the booking fee to be transferred directly to the landlord, while others may require payment to the agency's account. Generally, the norm includes paying a two-month deposit, with one month's commission going to the agent. Ensure you receive a receipt and a signed confirmation to protect your interests.
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Steve *******
It's very common to ask for a booking fee, to hold the condo for you. Since you haven't signed a contract or paid a deposit yet, it's a safety for the owner, in case you cancel. You then pay the rest on the day you sign the contract or on the day you move in.
If you're looking for a condo in Pattaya or Rayong, let me know and I can help you out.
If you're looking for a condo in Pattaya or Rayong, let me know and I can help you out.
जगद्गुरु *****************
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Greg ********
The norm in Thailand is 2 months deposit. The agent gets 1 month commission out of that. The landlord pays it out of your deposit. If by booking fee the agent wants 1 month rent while the contract is drawn up is also common. That then is used as part of the 2 months deposit and 1 month in advance you pay
Jerry *******
In Thailand, the owner is responsible for paying the agency commission to the agent. I initially transferred the full amount directly to the owner.
Elías ********
I did book a condo to live there from Jan 1st. Paid and got 1) a receipt for the money and 2) a signed paper with the basic clauses, signed by the owner
Laurențiu ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
did you pay first without any confirmation paper?Elías ********
@Laurențiu *******
no, I met, and we exchanged the cash and the receipt and papers.Laurențiu ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
with the owner or agency?Elías ********
@Laurențiu *******
with the juristic office employeeElías ********
Because in that specific condo the juristic office does handle the rent and cleaning etc. of some units. Some others are handled directly by the owner.
Elías ********
A few days before that, I visited the condo and saw the unit. The other day couldn't see it again as it had been rented for three months by somebody else by then
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Elías ********
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Stefan ******
Stay away. There's usually one month deposit but only upon signing the contract.
Greg ********
@Stefan *****
2 month is norm in Thailand for deposit.The owner pays 1 month of that commission to the agentLaurențiu ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
and do I get back the two months deposit?Greg ********
@Laurențiu *******
That is what is supposed to happen. There are some bad actors out there who will use any excuse not to pay it back. I have rented 4 places in Thailand and it has been OK. It is not just Thailand where this happens. When I lived Singapore the refusal to give deposit back was more widespread there if they thought you were leaving the country.Reply to
Greg ********
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Zaynab *******
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