What should I consider when renting a condo in Thailand on a DTV visa?

Why didn't you check all your concerns before you applied for the DTV? Have you ever been in Thailand? Do you want to live in the countryside or in a big city, or close to a beach?

Condo renting IS a renters market in Thailand. They have built way too many condo' in most places (with the odd exception). But yes, the industry is prone to deposit scams (though I have never had a deposit taken). However, the solution is to negotiate a 5K deposit which the final eletric, water and cleaning checkout fee come out of. You'll either get roughly about 2k baht back (after fees)( or nothing, which isn't a lifechanging loss. It also really depends on which location and if you want super high end. With that budget you can rent an amazing villa or super high end. Also, I have never taken a 1 year lease in 15 years, most will negotiate on 6 months. Lastly, this season I have taken 2x month long AirBnBs and then a short term condo from a short term FB group, which I have extended the full DTV 6 months, just to show that short term flexible is more than doable if you dont want to lock in for so long.

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Coming from an agent, it’s definitely not a bad idea to work with one, especially if you’re new to the city. It doesn’t cost you anything on the tenant side and most agents only get paid by the landlord once a deal is successfully closed.

To avoid scams, before making any payments (deposit / rent), always ask for proof of ownership. The name on documents such as the house registration, title deed or electricity bill should match the bank account you’re transferring to. If it doesn’t, the agent must be able to provide a power of attorney signed by the landlord authorizing someone else to receive the payment on their behalf.

Feel free to DM me if you have any other questions.

I’d use fb marketplace honestly

Got recommended an agent through another friend who has lived in Thailand for many years. He’s a Farang agent :-). Probably not the best in negotiating but everything was smooth. 2 months deposit and pictures taken of what needed to be fixed etc

Just ChatGPT a todo list of what you need before you move in

@Housing ********

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Just my two cents here - always check the credentials and reviews of that agent you are going to work with.

FYI - renting thru Juristic office isn’t always the case. Most people still have misunderstanding about this. For newer and well-managed buildings, the building management don’t deal with rentals at all, they only handle property management and maintenance/repair.

There’s no agent fee to you as a tenant so I recommend you choose to work with only one dedicated agent who is trustworthy, reliable, who really understands your need/your preferences.

Feel free to check out my FB page with reviews from clients. I have multiple clients who are on DTV.

Plus I am also a personal assistant so I typically facilitate other things apart from rental.

@The ***************************************************************

If you want to live in Chiang Mai, contact me.

A lot of agents will promise the world until the get the comission then ghost you

Take your time , add into the rental contract that they will help with things like tm30 and assist you for repairs of the place etc

You will normally pay months upfront for deposit

Take a video that’s detailed of everything when you move as they try their hardest to keep deposits for silly things

Include wear and tear and define that in the contract.

Look on faz waz or facebook market place

Don’t rush into anything

Visit the place many times before signing

Check out the neighbourhoods etc

I tell you MY experience. I first stayed on Airbnb for a month at a building, and I liked it. After that, I traveled to other cities before making a final choice. I stayed again on the first place for another month, again trhu Airbnb. I then chose that was the right place for me and I then visited the juristic office to enquire whether they had any rooms to rent directly, with a yearly contract. They had one. They showed it to me, I paid two months in advance as a deposit, chose the move-in date, which was like two months after when I did the contract, and two months later I moved in, everything as promised.

I didn't use any agent, I didn't pay any commission and I can't speak a word of Thai.

It turns out that renting trhu the juristic office is pretty common at some locations.

Scams? Yes, there are. The basic rule is to NEVER pay any money without visiting the place in person.

Most of the rental as yearly lease, so please do your due diligence on what type of condo you looking, how many bedrooms, location, facilities, near to transportation. For 1,000 to 1,700$ you can get decent 2 bedrooms in downtown. If you go through agent to sign contract always ask for owner ID, condo registration proof and most import do deposit and rental transfer directly to owner only, not at any agent.

For how long time , are you interested in renting a condo ? Where are you from ? 🌴🌴

You’ll find plenty of places with that budget. Scams happen so be always alert.

Some tips:

- Agents can help, just make sure they have good reviews

- Fazwaz is an option too

- There’s lot of rental in FB Marketplace, I’ve found all the places I’ve rented through Marketplace.

- Photos tend to lie so always schedule visits and see the place for yourself.

- Try to negotiate only 1 month advance, although it doesn’t always work

- Some landlords will try to charge you a higher baht/unit in electricity. Insist you want government rate

- If possible, it’s better if you receive the water, electricity and internet bills and pay them yourself. A bit more monthly hassle but it’s the most transparent way

- Again, schedule visits and go see the place. That’s the most important thing.

Hello as an agent (Thai)you don’t need an agent if you already have experience every process are the same ! but if new I still highly recommend to get somebody you can trust.

Every area have their own rules a good agent will guide you and makes everything slightly easier but the bad agent will give you more headache sooo choose wisely 🙏🏼

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