TH renting: "We will fix it right away after you move in."

[rose33]

A few times now, while inspecting rental properties, I've been told things like:

- "After you sign the lease we will give it a complete clean before you move in."

- "2 weeks after you move in, we will install the oven/bathtub/showerhead/locks on the top drawers."

 

Have always kept a straight face while internally dying of laughter and immediately walking away. It seems such a transparent p*ss-take.

 

Initially thought I was being made the butt of some kind of joke, but has happened so many times now, am beginning to think it could actually be the way things are done around here.

 

Has anyway had personal experience with this particular style of Thai promise? Did the promised improvements materialise.... Promptly? At all? 

 

Thanks

 

[Bruno123]

Yeah....they like the guarantee of money coming in before they commit to actually spending any....of your money on the repairs. It's a 'local' thing. Of course, just walk away. ???? 

[OneMoreFarang]

Lots of owners have no money. So they spend only money when they (will) receive money.

I.e. I asked for a new air-conditioner before I move in. The owner told me: yes, after you pay the deposit.

I paid it and the new air-con was installed.

And I have no idea if that is "normal".

[Sheryl]

It is true that owners often need the deposit money to make any costly repairs or upgrades, it is also true that some owners never keep their promises.

 

One solution is to negotiate an agreement (in writing) whereby you pay for the repairs/upgrades and then deduct the cost from the rent.

[scubascuba3]

Put it in the lease agreement that those repairs are done within 1 month or you will repair and take out of rent.

 

i just see Sheryl said that.

 

I'm a landlord in the UK and get tenant contact details ASAP and avoid using the agent as much as possible as they usually just annoy the tenants and me

Edited April 11, 2022 by scubascuba3

[rose33]

16 hours ago, Bruno123 said:

Yeah....they like the guarantee of money coming in before they commit to actually spending any....of your money on the repairs. It's a 'local' thing. Of course, just walk away. ???? 

Are you being sarcastic? Thanks.

[mstevens]

I have found that you need to be careful when the word "will" is used by Thais when talking about things they will do as part of a deal / transaction. Always insist that the things they say they will do are done before you commit / pay. Too often things are said to appease a potential customer when there is no genuine intention to see through on what was promised.

[Bruno123]

2 hours ago, rose33 said:

Are you being sarcastic? Thanks.

Why would you think that I was being sarcastic?? If they haven't already fixed those issues, they are waiting for your money to arrive to fix them...if at all.

 

Twice on potential rentals I asked about the same thing. They both claimed it would be done and neither did it. 

I walked away and found a better place.

[rose33]

On 4/12/2022 at 10:46 AM, mstevens said:

I have found that you need to be careful when the word "will" is used by Thais when talking about things they will do as part of a deal / transaction. Always insist that the things they say they will do are done before you commit / pay. Too often things are said to appease a potential customer when there is no genuine intention to see through on what was promised.

Of course, this concern is exactly why I posted.

 

Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your experiences.

[rose33]

On 4/12/2022 at 10:49 AM, Bruno123 said:

Why would you think that I was being sarcastic?? If they haven't already fixed those issues, they are waiting for your money to arrive to fix them...if at all.

 

Twice on potential rentals I asked about the same thing. They both claimed it would be done and neither did it. 

I walked away and found a better place.

Thank you. So, it was a case of 'third time lucky' for you?

[Bruno123]

4 hours ago, rose33 said:

Thank you. So, it was a case of 'third time lucky' for you?

????