Renting a condo or an apartment in Bangkok - FAQ by RE/MAX

Tenants must prepare exactly three months of rent upfront to secure a long-term lease in Bangkok, comprising a two-month security deposit and one month of rent paid in advance. A booking fee, generally equivalent to one month's rent, acts as a reservation holding deposit and is later credited toward your advance payment. If the landlord cancels the agreement, this fee is fully refundable; however, tenant withdrawal results in forfeiture. Utility billing heavily depends on the property type. Condominium tenants typically pay government electricity rates directly to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) at approximately 4 to 5 THB per unit, whereas older apartment buildings may impose surcharges of up to 7 or 8 THB per unit.

Water bills range from 18 to 20 THB per unit in condos, billed directly by the juristic office, while internet services from providers like AIS or TrueMove cost between 500 to 1,000 THB monthly. Always clarify these utility structures before signing the residential lease, as unchecked surcharges can inflate monthly living expenses significantly over a standard 12-month contract.

Landlords bear full financial responsibility for major structural maintenance, while tenants assume accountability for routine unit upkeep and minor aesthetic damages. Specifically, if an air conditioning unit breaks down due to age or mechanical failure, the property owner must finance the repair or replacement. However, tenants are expected to arrange and pay for professional AC cleaning every six months to maintain efficiency and air quality, typically costing 500 to 600 THB per unit. Failure to perform routine cleaning can shift the liability of a broken compressor onto the tenant.

As the initial rental agreement approaches its expiration, typically 30 to 60 days prior, both parties must negotiate the lease renewal. The new contract may introduce rent adjustments based on current market valuations in high-demand districts like Asoke or Phrom Phong. Documenting the property's condition against the original inventory list is critical during this phase, ensuring transparency if the tenant decides to vacate and facilitating a full, undisputed refund of the initial security deposit within 15 to 30 days of move-out.

Verified Real Estate Authority

This guide is researched and authored by our certified local market experts at REMAX Thailand. With decades of combined experience across the Kingdom, our team ensures every insight is backed by verified transaction data, strict legal compliance, and up-to-date market trends.