Practical

Moving in

This page is general practice, not legal advice. Contracts differ, and so do buildings.

Leases and deposits

Many condominium leases in the cities covered here are written for a year, with a deposit of one or two months' rent plus the first month in advance. Some landlords ask for more. Read the contract, including the clauses on early termination, inventory and what the deposit can be withheld for. Building rules on pets, parking, short-term sublets and guest registration vary and are often strictly applied. Ask for those rules in writing.

Houses, particularly in Chiang Mai and Hua Hin, may be rented on a less standard contract. Have someone who reads Thai well go through it with you if the English version and the Thai version might differ.

Utilities and ordinary setup

Electricity is usually billed separately from rent. In some smaller rooms, especially around universities, the per-unit rate is set by the landlord and can be higher than the ordinary domestic tariff; ask before you move in. Condominiums charge a common-area fee, often monthly, which may or may not be included in the advertised rent. Internet availability is generally good in the districts described on this site, but you should still test the line in the actual unit.

Opening a local bank account usually requires a passport and whatever stay documents the branch asks for that month. Requirements differ by bank and by branch. This site does not keep a current list.

Immigration

Immigration rules change, and they depend on your nationality and purpose of stay. Thai Local does not give immigration advice and does not recommend visa agencies. Use official sources, and treat any account you hear from another resident as a description of their case, not a rule you can rely on.