Steps to renting condos in Bangkok

Are you trying to find a property in Bangkok to rent? We have some advice for you today so you can live in Bangkok as expected. 

Rental rates and Lease terms

In Bangkok, rental properties are provided on a monthly rate and the standard rental period is usually 12 months or more. 

Please note that it is possible to find rental properties for shorter terms, such as 6 months; however, this is up to the discretion of the rental landlord. Therefore, potential renters are advised to inform their property agent or the property owner before commencing their search.

For rental periods shorter than 3-4 months, it is usually advised to consider renting an apartment. This residential option would allow renters to sign short-term leases with flexible notice periods. 

Monthly rental payments

What is included in?

In central Bangkok, most condos come with: 

• Furniture
• Electrical appliances (TV, fridge, microwave, etc.). 

What is not included in? 

In central Bangkok, most condos do not come with: 

• Beds
• Linens 
• General kitchenware
• Utilities (water, electricity, and WiFi).  

Property search and using Property agencies 

In Bangkok, it is common to engage the services of a property agent to find a rental condo. Property agents are usually area experts, they can assist in finding a rental option and can help negotiate better rental rates. For more information of property agency, please click property agent agreement. 

A property agent’s scope of services usually includes the following:

• Sourcing properties and organizing viewings.
• Assisting in the rental negotiations. 
• Preparing lease agreements, inventory lists, and supporting photo inventories. 
• Assisting during the check-in and check-out of the property. 

*In some cases, property agents are also involved with property management and liaising with the landlord; especially if the landlord cannot speak English.

Rental process in Bangkok

Renting a condo in Bangkok is an incredibly straightforward process. While property requirements can vary from person to person, the steps and processes remain the same.

Step 1: Property research

It is always a good idea to do some personal research beforehand by looking into preferred areas. Also, locating condos or apartments of interest that you would like to view goes a long way. Finally, be sure to determine property requirements such as: 

• Budget range
• General location requirements
• Number of beds and minimum size required
• Any facilities required

Once all the requirements are decided on, the best way to quickly and efficiently shortlist apartments or condos is to contact a property agency. They will be able to provide suggestions and show you the condos or apartments based on your requirement. 

Step 2: Negotiations 

Once you find the right property that suits your requirements, you can go ahead and make an offer. 

In Bangkok, negotiating rental rates and conditions of a rental is normal. Typically, tenants tend to negotiate on: 

• Monthly rental rate 
• Move-in dates 
• Period of contract (i.e., 12 months, 18 months, etc.) 
• Special requests (i.e., provision of electrical appliances or replacement of an item of furniture)  

Step 3: Offers 

When you make an offer, it will be important to be clear on: 

• Desired rental rate
• Signing and move-in date
• Period of lease required

By being clear and decisive, this will improve your chances of the landlord agreeing to your offer and requests. 

Step 4: Booking 

The custom in Bangkok is to reserve the property once the offer has been accepted by paying a booking fee (equal to one month's rent), the first month's rent will be applied to this booking fee. 

Once the booking fee is paid, property agencies start drafting the rental lease agreement, inventory list, and supporting photo inventory. The landlord will clean the apartment and ensure that all problems and requests are resolved before the lease is signed. 

Step 5: Signing 

The paperwork is sent to both the landlord and future tenant for review. Once everything is approved and ready, a signing date is agreed and confirmed. Usually on the signing date, all parties (landlord, tenant, and agent) meet to sign and confirm acceptance of the terms of the lease agreement and items on the inventory list. 

Step 6: Moving in 

Once signed, the tenant will pay a standard security deposit to the landlord equivalent to two months’ rent. This security deposit is refundable at the end of the lease period, but it will be a deduction if there is any further damage than normal wear and tear. Tenants are allowed to prepare their staff and move in the room. 

Step 7: Tenancy 

Any maintenance issues during the rental period can usually be referred to the property agency or the landlord. If the issue is minor (i.e., popped light bulbs or loose fittings), it is usually possible to contact the building management of a condo or apartment that has technicians and handymen on hand. 

Step 8: Checking out

Once the rental term is over, assuming you will not be renewing your lease, the standard is to have a formal check-out meeting. Similar to the signing, all parties will meet to assess the condition of the property. Usually, any areas of concern that may be subject to deductions can be discussed and negotiated. Landlords will need to refund the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out.

If you have any further questions or concerns about buying, selling, and renting real estate, please contact the PropertyScout team, the team is willing to help answer all questions.