- 1) Does the AC work? Is it noisy?
- 2) Does the hot water in the shower work? How is the water pressure?
- 3) Does the toilet flush properly?
- 4) What are the cooking facilities like? Many Bangkok apartments only have 1 or 2 hotplate rings for cooking and a microwave and sink. No oven or dishwasher.
- 5) Is there a phone line installed? Is it easy to reconnect?
- 6) Can the internet be installed? An increasing number of apartments have access to wifi, but this is not to be taken for granted.
- 7) Is the apartment secure? Are there good locks on doors and windows? Is it visible to passersby?
- 8) Do the apartment staff speak good English and are they available at regular hours? What do you do in case of emergency (eg. water leak at 3am)? Try and get clarity about exactly how much you need to pay for the rent, deposit, electricity per unit, and water - plus check about the phone line and internet access.
- 9) What is the surrounding area like? Are there building works nearby? Are there any schools nearby? (Thai teachers are fond of megaphones in the early morning - not fun). Are there lots of dogs around? If you can, try and view a place several times at different times of the day - or at least visit the outside. Bangkok is an incredibly noisy place so you should bear that in mind.
- 10) What are local amenities like? Is there a supermarket in walking distance? A Skytrain or MRT station? How long does it take to walk to them? Is there a laundry service nearby?
