- Apartments in Bangkok usually lease on a minimum 12 month period. You cannot break the contract without losing your total deposit. You can ask for a “diplomat” clause to be inserted into the contract to let you exit after six months with one month’s notice, but this will still lose you 1 month’s deposit. It is not a given that a diplomat clause will be offered.
- Bangkok serviced apartments offer the flexibility of month by month leasing but are more expensive in terms of monthly rent and also utility pricing. However, they offer a great start to Bangkok living - cleaning, bedlinen changing and kitchen utensils are included in the price, so you’re ready to go as soon as you move in.
- Bangkok apartments are usually furnished, but do doublecheck that is the case
- Bangkok apartment landlords, whether leased or serviced, expect two months rent as a deposit and one month in advance. The last month of the lease is typically paid from the deposit.
- Monthly utilities to consider are electricity, water, UBC (satellite TV), phone landline, high speed internet. Depending on usage, these can be 5000 Baht a month added to your basic rental cost. If you rent in a condo, the condo administration office should be able to handle payment of all your bills for you. Check this before leasing, otherwise you could have some tedious bill paying to do yourself (especially if you don’t speak Thai).
- You may also want to consider getting a cleaner that visits a couple times a week. This can be a couple of thousand a month, or less if you can bargain down.
- Never sign up to a lease or make any sort of commitment without inspecting the apartment in person first. Take a checklist with you to ensure that you remember to look at everything.
