Renting a Condo in THAILAND - 25 Things you NEED to Know

[@liberalideas8224]

The single best video serving as an intro into renting in Thailand that I have seen in over a year of checking out these videos. Thanks boss for being both comprehensive and to the point.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Much appreciated.

[@flicks28]

Ive been living in SE Asia, including Thailand for 25+ years working in Global Mobility meaning moving Global MNC expats in the countries and helping them find housing, schooling, immigration, understanding tax, etc etc. I can tell you from someone in the industry for decades, Cal's videos are excellent, probably the best on youtube. The problem is many people try to make these type of videos after living in the country for a few months or years, but Cal has been in Thailand for 9+ years which is enough time to be a true expert. I can tell you though, the info in Cal's videos is spot on and he covers things that you can only know by living in a country for so long. If anyone is serious about moving to Thailand, I would highly recommend Cal's channel. He should have alot more subscribers, and no, I never met Cal, just watched alot of his videos.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Much appreciated coming from a 25 year expat working in relocation! Cheers’

[@tHYRR3N]

Ah, nice do you have a link to his channel?

[@nickdemiri3529]

Cal, do run service that helps people like me that's never been to thailand with renting a condo. For example what type of visa do l need to get for a 6 month stay? Same with opening a bank account also internet service. In your videos you talk very quickly and there is a lot of information to take in Cheers mate.

[@HuaWei-xr5ji]

Perhaps the best all inclusive condo buying video I have ever seen. Been in Thailand 10 years. Absolutely amazing video, well done!!!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Much appreciated

[@marktyson716]

Thank you! Excellent episode! Your channel, bravo sir. 👍

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you so much for the support and kind words! It’s much appreciated 🙏

[@clrodrick]

Good video. Frankly there are so many pitfalls that it makes 100% sense just to go through a reputable agency that has been doing this a long time and can be a huge help

[@thebangkokguide]

I agree. It’s always better to have an arbiter that handles issues. Cheers

[@danielthomas-x1j]

ok. thanks. will do!!!

[@practice2025x]

I've watched them all and Cal is my #1 Bangkok youtuber. Great info plus pro videos that are entertaining. It's hard to get that combo right. Thank you!

[@thebangkokguide]

Very kind of you to say. Much appreciated! Cheers

[@jhc1229]

I have been going to Thailand since 1996. This man is spot on!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@queencoins9913]

I'm rent big house not there lord 😮

[@GeorgeStar]

Best video on this topic on YT! Most of the others just show you pretty condos and hardly mention the pitfalls.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. I try to cover each subject with both pros and cons. Cheers

[@braingamedotcom]

I'm only 5 mins into this video but its already SUPER helpful. Thanks!!!

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it’s helpful! Cheers

[@Leonardo-cq4zd]

Cal, another excellent video. Abundant information presented - well organized and articulated - as always. Much appreciated.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@teresap1172]

Thank you so much. Your videos are always informative. Very helpful for those of us that are moving to Bangkok in 2025

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Good luck with your planning!

[@danielthomas-x1j]

Wow. very comprehensive, and explicit!! thanks for ALL the information!!!!!

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it’s helpful. Cheers!

[@Theo-t3w]

Great and timely content Cal - will be doing a digital nomad early in 2025, starting in Bangkok. Keep up your fantastic work mate

[@thebangkokguide]

Good call and thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

[@BernardBertrand]

Crazy informative, it is all packed into a single video, wow ! Thank you !

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it’s helpful! Cheers

[@squiregreatneck7580]

Cal...your best video yet! My new life in Bangkok starts in July

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you. Very soon! Good luck with the planning!

[@paulgrimm6317]

I hear that me & you both…

[@redraymondreddington853]

Great video as always. I love this guy, he hits the nail on the head…I subscribed after just a few minutes of watching your video, glad to see your channel growing so fast. Happy New Year, Cal.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words. It’s much appreciated! Happy new year!

[@txg161]

Great video Cal! Thank you for answering my question in regard to the ease/difficulty of getting back deposit. This helps ease my mind when it’s time for me to condo hunt in Bangkok. 🙏🏽✌🏽

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it was helpful! Cheers!

[@dqrossvideography5134]

Your videos are just such a goldmine of really useful advice. I just got my visa so rewatched this video taking notes lol. One thing I forgot to ask in my previous comment is what about content insurance and fire/water damage? I've not seen that particular topic covered anywhere. It would also be great to have information on what happens once you've signed the lease and are ready to move in. For instance, how do you transfer the electricity service to your name? For new expats just moving in, what is the best long term mobile phone option? Can you use your phone as a dongle instead of setting up a router in your flat? So many questions... but I'm sure we'll work all that out when we get there. Thanks again and all the best

[@thebangkokguide]

I’ll try to cover this information in an upcoming video as they are good questions. Cheers!

[@txw0091]

Thanks Cal. Very informative.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

[@Cultured_Barbarian]

Always great info, Cal!❤

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Cheers

[@TonyVsSportsShortsandMore]

Thanks for the great video Cal. Appreciate you.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated as well!

[@michaeltakayama8415]

Very informative & useful! Thank you!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words. Cheers

[@fudgebucket11]

Another great informational video. Thanks Cal.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@Chris-j7v3b]

great video, so helpful. Thank you

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it’s helpful! Cheers

[@kingrama2727]

Very good video with excellent tips. I just use my phone as a hotspot and that takes care of the internet.

[@thebangkokguide]

I find hotspot is a great option as well. Did it for 6 months and it works well. Cheers

[@Foolsjoker]

Fantastic video and breakdown. Just wanted to say thanks!

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it’s helpful! Cheers

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Got used to your voice now 😮. This is a great video 👏.

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers. It’s survivable with the info 😅

[@Thirstytraveler41]

Wow.. Great job, that was an in-depth vlog. Thank you for sharing this!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! Cheers

[@williamlee7782]

FYI, DTV visa holders cannot get a Thai bank account which is categorized as a ‘tourist visa’. One expat in the forums says otherwise but not one I met had been able to get a bank acct w this visa. I went to all the banks.

[@thebangkokguide]

That’s correct from my understanding. You should be able to open one through an agency, but as it’s a technically tourist visa I think most banks won’t open an account directly:

[@viscontiwrona604]

I have a tourist visa which allows me 90 days, can I rent a condo?

[@williamlee7782]

@@viscontiwrona604 Airbnb perhaps. I don’t think you’ll find a condo willing to do anything less than 12 months despite advertisements of 6 month lease. They may exist but not for 90 days. Otherwise, check serviced apartments.

[@jellycoding]

Great video. I'll bookmark this. Thanks!

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it’s helpful! Cheers

[@Kushal-v8b]

Very helpful video 😊 thanks for sharing 🙏🙏

[@thebangkokguide]

I'm glad it's helpful! Cheers!

[@SLOvespa]

Thanks for the information!!

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@emanuel3636]

Great upload, as usual!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@dqrossvideography5134]

Thank you for this. It comes at the right time as I've decided to get my retirement visa this year. We're spending way too much money on serviced apartments every time we visit and it will be more economical to get a permanent flat in bkk. You've pretty much answered every question I could possibly have but I do have one small one about paying bills. With the retirement visa I will have a Thai bank account but I will go back and forth between Thailand and Oz so won't always be in bkk to pay the bills. You've mentioned before that you can pay bills through a banking app but is it possible to pay all the bills remotely (including water bill) and are you able to access your bills online? A direct debit for all bills would be ideal but my Thai teacher hinted that it's not popular in Thailand and was unable to tell me if it is actually possible to set that up. If you have any info or suggestions about that, it would be much appreciated. Thank you especially for suggesting the agency you've worked with before, that will be very helpful when we start our search. I also appreciate the fact that you're updating these videos pretty regularly. Things change rapidly in Thailand and information on YT videos can quickly become out of date so it's always great to have up to date information on these topics. Thanks again and all the best for the New Year 🙂

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words! You can pay almost everything through your banking app… rent and utilities. The only one that might be a problem is water, but many condos have an app that allows you to pay directly. But even if they don’t, you can normally pay water in a lump sum every 4 to 6 months. That’s what I normally do anyway as I often forget until they leave a slip for me to pay all my late payments… it’s about $3 a month so not a big deal! If your in Thailand even part of the year it makes more sense to just lease a condo as the price differences are huge between the short and long term market. Cheers!

[@Sierarenee]

Thank you ❤

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@royherron1958]

Thanks for this super helpful information!

[@thebangkokguide]

I’m glad it’s helpful! Cheers

[@Sunny-b8e5e]

Hi Cal, I watch your videos regularly and you share the detailed information. Please can you make a video how to get the job in Thailand?

[@thebangkokguide]

Sure. I discussed this in a previous video but I'm working on an update. Cheers

[@Londonlandsabroad]

Wow! Great info!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@daletalaplaya5086]

Great content, thanks. Cal, are you seeing rents come down like in the U.S. and many other Countries?

[@thebangkokguide]

Actually rents have been going up here… but we had a market collapse during Covid while prices went up in the west. The two markets have been moving in almost opposite directions for a while now

[@jeffreye7179]

Another great video. TY!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@adriangough6878]

Great advice. Thank you !

[@thebangkokguide]

I'm glad it's helpful. Cheers!

[@Frank50505]

This was great. Thank you.

[@thebangkokguide]

Glad you think so. Thanks for the kind words!

[@FeatherClient]

If you see a condo that you like on propertyhub, do you contact the agency listed on the listing? Just confused since you said to use a reputable agency, but listings typically have an agency listed there.

[@thebangkokguide]

Great question. You can always inquire. But be ready for the good old bait and switch... also many condos will be listed by quite a few different agencies and freelancers, as they are just reposting listings. It's a real rabbit hole once your look into it a little. I could make an entire video on all of this. But I highly recommend that you look up any agency (or freelancer that may appear to be an agency) that you encounter... The difference between quality companies that work as agencies and the smaller companies and freelancers is huge, especially when it comes to actual support during the tenancy and the TM30.

[@CraigRiley-tv6nt]

Wow u certainly thorough awesome

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words. I hope its helpful!

[@Crypto-Ninjaz]

Great video you should add some timestamps !

[@thebangkokguide]

Great suggestion. Just added. Thanks for the helpful input!

[@Crypto-Ninjaz]

@@thebangkokguide Welcome bro !

[@dewaynerobinson966]

Cal, I hope one day I can meet you over there, a US soldier retired with several different agencies. Next year I plan on traveling to Thailand, not so much for the hubbub of Bangkok, but more for one of a more peaceful, relaxing lifestyle on a beach away from all thelimelight. Do you have any suggestions? And yes, I will not need to work over there. I have several pensions and I enjoy watching your videos. It's a learning experience cause I've been kinda nervous about doing what I wanna do at this time in 2025.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Hopefully one day can say hello! You have quite a few options… nearby Hua Hin is great for a relaxed lifestyle and still very close to Bangkok. Koh Samui is also a good option but very touristy. Jomtien can be nice as well. Plenty of options. Id recommend doing a little tour to see which place you like best. Never know how you’ll feel til your there! Cheers

[@Danster82]

Thailand used to have far more of the no contract 1 month rentals just 1 month deposit and away you go. If only it could be like that everywhere all around the world.

[@thebangkokguide]

The market has definitely become more regulated…kindof the general trend I think across the society more broadly.

[@BigD-g9n]

Great info!

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@olashay]

Great post! can you share the location of the condo you showed that has the walk-in closet?

[@thebangkokguide]

I will take a look. It is in one of my condo tour videos! I'll share it here shortly. Cheers!

[@hanshaumann7432]

Hi Cal, thanks for the video. One Question: What happens if the fridge or washing machine is broken after 3 month of your 1 year rental ? Who has to pay the repair or replacing it to a new one if not repairable ? Thank you for your answer. Hans

[@thebangkokguide]

It should normally be paid by the landlord, unless the tenant directly breaks it. That being said, some landlords will attempt to charge the tenant. I’ve dealt with this before… good agencies can help you avoid this. Cheers

[@hanshaumann7432]

@@thebangkokguide Thank you very much. Enjoy Bangkok 😄

[@bobo-v5j8b]

Super helpful! Regarding negotiations, is it more common on the higher end of the market or mid range? and old vs new condos? My budget is 70k and trying to understand if it's worth contacting places listed at 85-90k.

[@thebangkokguide]

You can negotiate at all price ranges. It really comes down to individual owners, and the demand level in specific buildings. But I’d say it’s within the range of negotiation to include those.

[@디발류]

thx man

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@JacksparowLL]

Great content, good job.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you!

[@TheHoffsCheeseburger]

Another great one, Cal. Might be worth someone’s while to get in a 6 or 12 month lease even if they won’t be in Thailand the whole time or are leaving and coming back. I’d definitely be getting an agency to help. If someone did rent a serviced apartment with not so great internet.. could the cell data plan be cheap and fast enough to use as a hotspot all the time?

[@thebangkokguide]

It definitely is. I rented a cheap place when I first traveled here and used it as my travel base. The affordability for convenience is fantastic to just set up a spot to bounce around from. And yes, cell data works quite well. I lived with only a hotspot at one place for 6 months... could run everything well enough... and that was on a $6 phone plan lol

[@TheHoffsCheeseburger]

@ That’s great to hear. It would probably be impossible to get a clean hotel within a 15-20 minutes walk of the train for 50CAD/night, eh Cal? The condos look so sweet.. pay 6k for 6 months even if 2k is spent on being back home.

[@KindraCNg]

Thank you for the information

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@ronald4605]

great vid

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers

[@Adaro0o]

Im curious what kind of job you do in thailand to keep living there for so long

[@thebangkokguide]

I teach at an international school.. I've been living here with a work visa. Cheers!

[@AikoAssaults_Gaming]

Are properties listed on website shows wrong amount for rental and how much money does local agents take to show us the condo

[@thebangkokguide]

1. The prices can also be incorrect for the older listings… but some will be correct also. 2. You shouldn’t pay agents anything. Agencies are paid by landlords if somebody rents the condo. You should never pay an agent any money.

[@nealpp]

with the antidefamation laws, does that prohibit us from reviewing a business honestly on google reviews? What about something like renters insurance? You mentioned mail... if we move how do we forward our mail that may still have come to the old address? US postal service offers a one year service to forward mail but not sure if something like that exists there?? As always, thank you for another helpful video! Also, if we wanted to support you is it better to give a superchat donation or a buy me a coffee? does one allow you to keep more of what is given to you?

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. The defamation laws make it risky, but you can normally leave reviews with a read between the lines approach. I find Google Reviews very helpful in this regard. But avoid leaving overly negative reviews, even if it's justified. The laws are pretty extreme. I believe you can get renters insurance from large insurance providers here. They have almost all the same insurance offerings here. I'm not familiar with any services that forward mail inside Thailand. It would have to be through Thailand Post... so that would be where to check. But I'm a little bit doubtful.

[@nealpp]

@thebangkokguide not sure if you saw the edit about the buy me a coffee or super chat but wondering which is best? as far as the renters insurance goes do you think it's even worth it?

[@thebangkokguide]

@@nealpp Oh thanks. I didn’t see that. I think buymeacoffee takes the lower cut. Much appreciated! In terms of rental insurance, personally I wouldn’t bother with it. I’m not sure if I’ve ever met anyone who had it here. But you never know!

[@CaptainKremmen]

What is credit card acceptance like? I know that there are ISPs in Thailand that accept payment by credit card. How about other utilities and the rent itself?

[@thebangkokguide]

Normally you can pay ISP and utilities with a credit card. Rent is more difficult as it’s normally a payment to the landlords bank account… so credit card won’t work. Cheers s

[@DChan-p5d]

Is renting an apt as hard prices as North America, credit, job refernces, proof income? Or is just give deposit n youre good?

[@thebangkokguide]

No need to provide any personal information beyond some asking about your visa. Much easier here!

[@maurofarris4700]

Thanks Cal

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@denishubner1191]

Awesome.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks!

[@viscontiwrona604]

I’m going to Thailand with a tourist visa, can I rent a condo with no problems?

[@thebangkokguide]

Yes, there isn’t any visa requirement but some landlords might avoid renting to somebody on a tourist visa.

[@KingC-h8d]

Must I have a one year visa prior to being able to secure a lease?

[@thebangkokguide]

No, you can rent a condo with any visa.. it just comes down to the landlord and what they want.

[@karencarver8565]

When looking at the agency website, what does it mean when it says “foreign quota” or “Thai quota?”

[@thebangkokguide]

Thailand limits ownership of a condo building to 49%. This is the quota that is available for foreigners.. and it needs to be available in order to buy a unit in a building. I'll cover this more in an upcoming video about buying property here.

[@Gluten-free132]

Can you rent an apartment without a visa or with just a tourist visa

[@thebangkokguide]

You can. It's entirely legal, it just depends on the landlord.

[@shaqisumari304]

Chill just rent in KL and its thriving suburban, the further away from cbd the more premium and affordable it be

[@thebangkokguide]

Definitely. Further out is cheaper and often quieter. Cheers

[@wesgraham2262]

It’s so much easier to live in Cambodia which is less expensive, and then there’s the very expensive visa situation in Thailand. OMG!

[@thebangkokguide]

Cambodia is definitely cheaper and more relaxed on the visa situation. Cheers

[@lorisl.]

Is FazWaz reliable?

[@thebangkokguide]

I’ve never used them, so I can’t really comment. But I haven’t heard anything negative either. Cheers!

[@lorisl.]

@@thebangkokguide thank you so much!

[@voytekjackowski]

Hey Cal, do you have an angnecy that you would recommend/ you heard good things about based in Koh Samui?

[@thebangkokguide]

Unfortunately my knowledge of Koh Samui real estate is pretty low so I can't recommend an agency there.

[@voytekjackowski]

thank Cal

[@splod44]

Great video thank you very much. What is the name of the condo building 15:50 ? thanks once again

[@thebangkokguide]

Glad it's helpful! That is the Edge. You can check the full tour here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWepiWR5pb5oec0 Cheers

[@seanberdan4576]

Is renting with the intent to buy pretty common in Thailand?

[@thebangkokguide]

It's not too common in my experience.. but many landlords will sell, and many listings have rental and sale prices attached, so I think it can be done!

[@seanberdan4576]

@@thebangkokguide Appreciate the time and input. I will be renting and exploring investing in Thailand sometime in 2026 hopefully. Thanks again.

[@paulroman3402]

15:32 would there be more room for negotiation during low season?

[@thebangkokguide]

That’s an interesting question… there shouldn’t be a big difference as the long term rental market doesn’t have tourism element. But I wonder if more people move here during high season as well… and those 6 month leases might factor in there. Now I’m curious too 😂

[@aamerabdelaziz7342]

Hi

[@thebangkokguide]

Hello 👋

[@TheMattozzie]

I have had several 1 month leases lol

[@thebangkokguide]

Nice. Where did you find them? Condos or apartments?

[@TheMattozzie]

@thebangkokguide both.. pay a lot more though

[@queencoins9913]

Owner had clause she can come in mon thru fri she took out

[@thebangkokguide]

Ya I’d want that out too 😅

[@queencoins9913]

Didn't neg anything sined leased 4br 4.5bath 1grand month huahin for 1yr but I'm not going be there so I'm letting her rent it out @ not getting deal I'm just walk away don't no what to do have agent but i should got place I can lock up @ leave

[@jerryG-p3w]

airbnb monthly until you find a place you like. go to the office in the lobby. They call it something different. Ask them if they have any long term lease available. They will tell you which ones. Then you give them the money. Asia is too noisy for me.

[@thebangkokguide]

That’s a good approach. Test it out first! Cheers

[@queencoins9913]

Lol I thought got scam but I didn't

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for the information!

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!