Brian Nose Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 I'm arriving in BKK next week. Going condo hunting on my own. Looking at Life Sukhumvit and a few others. What's the best, cheapest way to rent a condo (avoiding agent fees etc)? Where do I start? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post problemfarang Posted August 24, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2022 (edited) I would say just walk around, look around and ask prices.. Try to avoid paying 2 or 3 month deposit. I hate that. Also you are looking at the most expensive areas, i would look other areas. They are cheaper and really easy to reach the area you want Edited August 24, 2022 by problemfarang 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Sparktrader Posted August 24, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2022 Book a cheap guesthouse first for 5 nights. Then walk around and look. Id stay near ibis riverside. Condos near there. Nice spot. Easy to use ferry n skytrain. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Sticky Rice Balls Posted August 24, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2022 Be Dominant..Show em who's Boss, as per your own advice.....dont be "soft" as you say.. 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post dj230 Posted August 24, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2022 First go to property hub and look at the prices/units to get a feel of the prices, usually you can end up renting a room for whatever the lowest price for the same room is listed at on property hub (same unit style and sq/m) Second go to a few condos and in each condo go see a few units, some units can be drastically different than the others, I would look around the unit for cleanliness, test the ac/water/toilet, look at the quality of appliances/furniture, usually in my experience the quality of the appliances/furniture kind of gives you an idea of if the landlord is a cheapo or not. Check for any bugs or cockroaches, weird smelling rooms etc. If you know how, you can check the ac to see if it's been clean, is clean, or dirty, it's pretty easy to pop off the cover. Usually this is supposed to be cleaned before you move in but many landlords don't. In my experience landlords have been cheapo's, cut corners, etc. I haven't had any that were deliberately trying to scam me but they have done some shady things. Like not hiring a cleaner/cleaning the AC and saying they did. I guess they just really don't want to spend that 1000-2000 baht, seems kind of silly to me but whatever. Pretty easy to see if you know how to check the ac and just look under the bed/couch if they had a cleaner. Whenever I had issues the landlord has always resolved the issue quickly. In my experience I always payed the 3 month deposit (first/last + 1 extra month), typically they keep the 1 month deposit until the end and have the first/last paid for in the rent. The contracts seems to favour the landlord in a lot of cases, I always make sure that the landlord is going to replace any appliances that break and are not allowed to enter my room under any circumstances either. Agent fees the landlord pays so you shouldn't worry about that. Should call and make sure that the internet service providers have fiber internet in your condo, some condos don't have the infrastructure for it. Also it's nice to get a room facing the east side or in the shade because it's not as hot. Also make sure the landlord you're meeting is indeed the owner of the condo, you can ask for their ownership/ID card/ask juristic with them. I had some shady encounters with people trying to rent me a condo saying the landlord is overseas and I had to send the rent money to them instead of the landlord, I always make sure I'm sending the rent money directly to the landlord. Probably should also make sure you're paying the electric bill straight to the government and not the landlord, not much else in my opinion that you have to look out for but might have missed something. 14 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1FinickyOne Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Go shopping - make a list - compare and contrast... Keep it short term lease if you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swm59nj Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 You can choose different buildings you are interested in and make inquiries by contacting them. Using rental websites, the information is sometimes outdated. If you use an agent the owner pays the fee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarrySR Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) Find a condo that has a bulletin board on display with the owners advertising their units. While there, look for other owners/renters in the lobby/common/pool area and ask them about the property. The condo manager will know about rentals but often only show you the crummy units where the owner is offering a commission. Edited August 25, 2022 by LarrySR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
featography Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 9 hours ago, problemfarang said: I would say just walk around, look around and ask prices.. Try to avoid paying 2 or 3 month deposit. I hate that. Also you are looking at the most expensive areas, i would look other areas. They are cheaper and really easy to reach the area you want If you have transportation, I would price condos outside the tourist zone, around the moat, aka old town. You may find better deals around super highway 21. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairynuff Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 9 hours ago, Sticky Rice Balls said: Be Dominant..Show em who's Boss, as per your own advice.....dont be "soft" as you say.. Yeah show them who’s boss and see how far you get ???? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Fairynuff Posted August 25, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted August 25, 2022 1 hour ago, featography said: If you have transportation, I would price condos outside the tourist zone, around the moat, aka old town. You may find better deals around super highway 21. Could you tell me exactly where the moat is in Bangkok? I’ve lived here years and never managed to find it. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenske Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 Just one question. Do you as a renter have to pay for the service charge /maintenance fee or is it usually included in the rent? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1FinickyOne Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 2 hours ago, featography said: If you have transportation, I would price condos outside the tourist zone, around the moat, aka old town. You may find better deals around super highway 21. they are talking about Bkk not CM - and I think you are referring to hwy 11 - not that it matters 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross163103 Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 Hunt in another country. The stories are endless of people getting ripped off here. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thainet Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 32 minutes ago, Frenske said: Just one question. Do you as a renter have to pay for the service charge /maintenance fee or is it usually included in the rent? Depends on the landlord. For me personally I include it in my apartment rentals, but usually do 50/50 on my house rentals. I have standard contracts (that I made myself) and just massage them a bit for each new tenant and circumstance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddy42OZ Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 3 hours ago, featography said: If you have transportation, I would price condos outside the tourist zone, around the moat, aka old town. You may find better deals around super highway 21. I didn't know Bangkok had a moat. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotchilli Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 13 hours ago, Brian Nose said: What's the best, cheapest way to rent a condo (avoiding agent fees etc)? Where do I start? Rent inside your budget... if it's too high walk away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dj230 Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, Frenske said: Just one question. Do you as a renter have to pay for the service charge /maintenance fee or is it usually included in the rent? I’ve never had to pay any maintenance or service charge fees, only bills I pay is water and electric and the landlord takes care of the rest. I remember I saw a bill for 30k baht in the app for the condo and turns out it was an annual fee the landlord had to pay. Kind of made me wonder how much money they make on these rentals, I was renting for a really good price. Probably enough to cover mortgage and a bit more Edited August 25, 2022 by dj230 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 3 hours ago, Fairynuff said: 13 hours ago, Sticky Rice Balls said: Be Dominant..Show em who's Boss, as per your own advice.....dont be "soft" as you say.. Yeah show them who’s boss and see how far you get ???? Sticky's a comedian... he sees it as his position to bring levity to the masses.... sometimes gets upset when people don’t like his jokes and ends up calling them Jerks.. which is somewhat aggressive for someone who claims to bring levity to the masses !!!... Anyway.... I’m pretty sure he meant the opposite of what he wrote.... funny, eh ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 45 minutes ago, dj230 said: I’ve never had to pay any maintenance or service charge fees, only bills I pay is water and electric and the landlord takes care of the rest. I remember I saw a bill for 30k baht in the app for the condo and turns out it was an annual fee the landlord had to pay. Kind of made me wonder how much money they make on these rentals, I was renting for a really good price. Probably enough to cover mortgage and a bit more Agreed... maintenance fees are paid by the lessor (landlord). That said, in the past I have agreed that any repair for damage caused by myself is paid for by myself. Any repairs for equipment which failed on its own the landlord covers (i.e. of the cooker / water heater / AC fails etc). Anything less than an expected cost of 1000 Baht the lessee pays (its just easier). Ensure that AC servicing is agreed upon in a lease - i.e. AC is serviced every 6 months, either by the Landlord or paid for by the lessee - no big deal, just ensure you know where you stand so you are not arguing when your AC needs a clean etc. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 14 hours ago, Brian Nose said: I'm arriving in BKK next week. Going condo hunting on my own. Looking at Life Sukhumvit and a few others. What's the best, cheapest way to rent a condo (avoiding agent fees etc)? Where do I start? A good place to start is with advice on location etc. Explain what you are looking for etc... Your age, work requirements, transport requirements etc.. i.e. someone in their 20’s early 30’s with regular online income, looking for nightlife, without a car may want a Condo somewhere near Thonglor, Phrompong or On Nut etc... But if they have a regular job they may want to live in an area closer to work etc.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hummin Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 14 hours ago, problemfarang said: I would say just walk around, look around and ask prices.. Try to avoid paying 2 or 3 month deposit. I hate that. Also you are looking at the most expensive areas, i would look other areas. They are cheaper and really easy to reach the area you want Good luck doing the walk. Condos is sold through agents and developers offices so better look for the companies with good reputation. Google is your friend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthainess Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said: I didn't know Bangkok had a moat. Just look for a drawbridge and portcullis. Edited August 25, 2022 by brianthainess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussieroaming Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 5 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said: I didn't know Bangkok had a moat. Bangkok hasn't got a moat but there are a few royal enclaves around the Dusit area that have a pretty substantial sized moat and they have military guard posts on the inner side of the moat. It's worth a walk around them and it is a great area for runners because the military must maintain the footpath/cycle path area in case someone important wants to take a stroll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 10 hours ago, Fairynuff said: Yeah show them who’s boss and see how far you get ???? just offering the OP his own advice to others here.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 6 hours ago, richard_smith237 said: Sticky's a comedian... he sees it as his position to bring levity to the masses.... sometimes gets upset when people don’t like his jokes and ends up calling them Jerks.. which is somewhat aggressive for someone who claims to bring levity to the masses !!!... Anyway.... I’m pretty sure he meant the opposite of what he wrote.... funny, eh ? is your arm sore from making you read my posts? i cant have a position or opinion? Yep jerks are people that complain about someone when they have the option to simply ignore them, but chooses to post anyway just to moan about them.......tissues are at 7-11 Anyway..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiSePuede419 Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 Easy. Don't buy a condo and you won't be ripped off. ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparktrader Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 Move to Isaan, cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BangkokAlan Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 You don't pay agent fees the landlord does. Find a building you like, go to the juristic 9managememt office) and ask them if rooms available as owners leave some apt with them rather than agents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dj230 Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 12 hours ago, richard_smith237 said: Agreed... maintenance fees are paid by the lessor (landlord). That said, in the past I have agreed that any repair for damage caused by myself is paid for by myself. Any repairs for equipment which failed on its own the landlord covers (i.e. of the cooker / water heater / AC fails etc). Anything less than an expected cost of 1000 Baht the lessee pays (its just easier). Ensure that AC servicing is agreed upon in a lease - i.e. AC is serviced every 6 months, either by the Landlord or paid for by the lessee - no big deal, just ensure you know where you stand so you are not arguing when your AC needs a clean etc. I usually just let the deposit cover any damages (it's usually wear and tear sort of stuff, like a scratch or something on the wall or floor), I usually go into a contract thinking I won't get that 1 month deposit back anyways because sometimes I leave early and its not much to be honest after things like cleaning/ac cleaning, usually the contracts I've seen say the tenant has to pay for ac cleaning before leaving. I figure if I pay to fix something and then they try keeping the deposit I'm paying twice. The landlords have been pretty cool though in my experience. The condos in Bangkok have been pretty low quality too in my opinion so it's kind of bound for stuff to break, I was in a brand new condo in Pleonchit a year ago in a nice area, won't name it because of Thailand being notorious for defamation but the condo was so poorly built, water leaked sometimes in the windows (numerous units said this in the group chat), the flooring cracked, walls cracked (in the corners), etc. condo is a few years old. There were a few instances that I have seen some really shady landlords, I didn't eventually renting from them. The good old show you one condo online and when you view it they show you another which is inferior is always annoying, I never end up renting from those agents. I usually do a walk around video recording of the unit when I move in and move out, I have never experienced a landlord claiming I damaged something I didn't in Thailand but enough stories about that stuff online for me to do it cause it takes a few minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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