Should you withhold a condo key until the deposit is paid back?

[Regain]

My condo doesnt bill the month until days after the rental period is over so it’s unlikely i’ll get a deposit back on moving out.

 

should i withhold the key, or will they just charge another month for doing so?

[OneMoreFarang]

You can't expect to get your deposit back right away, even with a "good" owner.

Don't keep the key!

[Ralf001]

Landlord will wait until the final utility bills arrive and are paid before even considering returning the deposit.

 

The landlord owns the keys, could withholding them be basis for a theft charge ?

[scubascuba3]

i think you should play the game, agree 1 month deposit only (do this next time), then pay final rent and hand back keys, hopefully being a good tenant the landlord will want to give your money back excl charges, elec, water, cleaning

[CANSIAM]

Keeping the keys will create friction with landlord thats holding your deposit, I'm sure you want it back. Return the keys, your deposit is coming minus final utilities and cleaning..........

[bkk6060]

Keep the keys they can just change out the lock.  

[ezzra]

Ask for a joint inspection of the room to make sure all is in order, at the same time read the water and electricity meter and give them the keys back as many condos telly up the bills at the end of the month...

[Ohyesuare]

With shorter stays, usually they look at the meter when you check-in and they can easily check it when you are checking out and then deduct and give you back the remainder on the spot but if you have stayed years, it might be different. I think there's even a way to see the pending balance online without waiting for the bill. 

[Henryford]

Just accept in Thailand you never get a deposit back.

[brewsterbudgen]

16 minutes ago, Henryford said:

Just accept in Thailand you never get a deposit back.

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've always had mine returned, less some minor damage and cleaning costs.

[KhunLA]

Keeping a 50 baht key, the landlord has a copy of as ransom for 1000s of baht deposit ... fair trade ????

[robblok]

16 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Keeping a 50 baht key, the landlord has a copy of as ransom for 1000s of baht deposit ... fair trade ????

Indeed not a strong bargaining chip and will only lead to friction. No point in doing so as the key can be replaced easily but the problems it causes can work in the guys disadvantage. 

[robblok]

36 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've always had mine returned, less some minor damage and cleaning costs.

Same here, must be a miracle too. But I have just rented 2 times.

[CANSIAM]

4 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Keep the keys they can just change out the lock.  

Changing out the lock is about the same price as the deposit I'm certain of it....... lol