The number of people looking to rent property in Thailand on both a short- and long-term has been increasing for years. Many are simply curious about living in Bangkok. Renting apartments and condos has become popular, even for tourists. Outlined below, please find some of their primary defining characteristics and how to find a place of your own in the city.
Content:
Flats for rent in Bangkok: the difference between condos and apartments
There are two types of common accommodation for rent in the capital of the Kingdom — condos and apartments. As a rule, locals call both options "condos". However, there are differences between the two.
A condo is an apartment building with developed infrastructure. Blocks of condominium flats have 5-7 floors and are often located in groups. Stand-alone condos are rare in Bangkok. All flat owners in a condominium have collective rights of access to common areas of the block and sometimes the land it is built on.
To rent a condo flat, contact the owner or their agent directly. For foreigners the language is often the most problematic disadvantage of rental websites — the ads are usually written in Thai. The condos may have a reception. Administrators there usually know which flats in the block are available for rent. Furthermore, they often act as intermediaries between the owner and the potential tenant.
The cost of renting a condo flat is often higher than renting a regular flat. Not all condo flat owners rent out their properties for short periods. Typically, leases start at six months, often not less than a year.
Apartments are also residence units in blocks of flats. But unlike in condos, the common area of the building belongs to one owner. To move into such flats, contact the receptionist. This employee may be able to tell which owners rent out their property. Often, you can rent such an apartment for a month or longer.
The main difference between condos and apartments is the form of ownership, but often condominiums have more developed infrastructure than apartment buildings.
Checking in
If you decide to rent a condo, you may have to talk to the owner over the phone. When you move into an apartment or condo, you must pay the first month's rent and make a deposit equal to 1–2 months' rent. You are given a key to the apartment at the reception, and then you can move in. Sometimes using the key also requires a deposit of about 1000 baht (about $30).
In addition to monthly rent, you need to pay for utilities. The meter is best read with an employee at the reception, if there is one. It is best to avoid potential conflicts: for example, if someone says you used more electricity and water than you've paid for.
If you find accommodation in apartments, you can find everything out about terms of lease and conditions at reception. There is no need to talk to the owner.
Prices
The cost of renting villas or apartments in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, depends on many factors, including location, the number of rooms and the size of the residence, the floor, the view, the condition of furniture and appliances, the presence of gyms and/or swimming pools in the residential complex, and many other factors.
The closer to the city center or underground station, the higher the unit or apartment rental cost. The most expensive real estate is located in Sukhumvit and Rattanakosin districts. Affordable options can be found a little further away from the center.
Whichever you choose, remember that the listed price never includes utilities. Don't forget, the deposit can sometimes equal several months' rent.
Tips
Here's a cheat sheet for those looking for accommodation in Bangkok:
- a couple of days, or better yet a week, before you arrive, make a hotel reservation in the sector of the Thai capital where you want to rent. If you arrive during the peak tourist season, it may take longer to find a free apartment;
- before you go to Bangkok, gather as much information as possible about the desired part of the city. Study the infrastructure of the area and its map;
- experts recommend renting a car to look for accommodation;
- don't rule out the alleys to find a lot of decent and inexpensive options;
- before you choose any residential property, ask what is included in the specified rental price. It is good if the apartment is equipped with air conditioning because, on hot days, it is challenging to do without it.