Problem with AirBnB host reporting to immigration

[DrHoneydew]

Here's a first for me....

 

The AirBnb host for this unit I moved into about 3 weeks ago did not do the immigration report with 24 hours (or at all) as they are supposed to. When I went to extend my visa yesterday they asked for a TM30, which I did not have because the condo owner didn't report. My visa expires on Sunday, which means by the time I get another round at the immigration office on Monday, I'll have to pay an overstay fine. I've never overstayed in any country in my life, so having this on my record bothers me.

 

After I realized I would not be able to request an extension because I did not have any of the requirements from the owner, I sent a message . Immigration asks for rental contract, copy of owners ID/passport, house registration/ blue book. I messaged the owner at 9:30am through AirBnb. I was told their staff would process the form from immigration when I went back to the condo. I told him I'd be back in 10 mins, so he told me someone would come at 1pm. No one arrived by 1:50pm, so I replied letting him know I'll have to go speak with a lawyer because it was now too late to take care of everything and get back to immigration. This is causing the forced overstay situation.

 

A representative did eventually show up by 2pm... asking me to sign a blank contract. The thing is, I need a copy of completed contract, along with the other things, to report the change of address to immigration. I do not know why they wanted me to sign a blank contract, but I can't help to be suspicious considering everything else. I ended up letting them take a picture of my passport and visa stamp that were to be submitted to immigration. They used that info to report later that day.

 

Next, he replied letting me know they submitted the TM30 for me. He gave them the wrong check-in date and building name/address. He made the check-in date Nov 18th. I wonder if this is to protect him from not reporting as he could be fined for it. 

 

To put the relationship and his business practices/professionalism into context:

AirBnb showed the check-in time at 2pm, so I messaged him asking where I can find the keys or check-in. He said I must wait until 3pm as they haven't finished cleaning. He did not give me any warning. Told me to sit in the lobby for an hour and wait.

They did not provide a keycard to access the resort's facilities. After I messaged asking for one, he told me to ask the security guard to open doors for me. He did not mention that he would get me a new card. I had to press for it and they provided one in a day or two. 

 

He said he'd drop off a microwave today (I did not ask, but cool they would do that). Told me 10am. No one ever showed up. I left my final message to him by 11am.

 

The final message in the conversation is me conveying my concerns about the mismatched address and check-in date. I told him I was concerned about providing false information to immigration. I do not want to get into legal trouble because of the owner's actions. I'm also concerned about doing the right thing and the owner becoming vengeful. 

 

They have consistently been 30-60mins late for 100% of the times he said they would meet me for something. 

 

This overly casual approach to business has led me to the situation I'm in now.

 

So... my question for the community is, what should I do next?

 

Do I see a lawyer Monday morning? The cost would probably be more than the cost of moving to a new condo and paying overstay fines. 

Do I do a border run to renew the visa that way? I just did one 6 weeks ago to Cambodia.

He's reported incorrect address and dates already. Is this a problem or could it become one?

The reason I'm in the pickle is because of the owner. Should he pay my overstay fines? I imagine this could turn into a bigger problem if I asked him to pay.

 

Cheers

 

[Simple Jack]

Dude. Get a hotel like everyone else. Its much "safer"

[DrHoneydew]

21 minutes ago, Simple Jack said:

Dude. Get a hotel like everyone else. Its much "safer"

Are you saying I should just forget everything going on and get into a hotel? I did not consider that as an option to renting another condo. Would the fact that the current condo owner already having submitted incorrect information have potential to become a headache? 

[Pmbkk]

If you check into a hotel - even for one night, it's their responsibility to do a TM30 - ask them before checking in to ensure they follow government process.

 

Your Airbnb host sounds dodgy so I'd get out of dodge asap and find a more reputable establishment. If they say anything tell them you'll report them to Airbnb re illegal activities which would get them kicked out of Airbnb.

Hosts can give you a userid/password so you can submit your own TM30.

 

Signing a blank contract is complete madness.... !!!

 

 

[Simple Jack]

2 minutes ago, DrHoneydew said:

Are you saying I should just forget everything going on and get into a hotel? I did not consider that as an option to renting another condo. Would the fact that the current condo owner already having submitted incorrect information have potential to become a headache? 

Not at all mate. But with all due respect. This shouldnt be an issue if proper research was done before hand.

I mean no dissrespect to you. My comment was a little tongue in cheek. And i apologise for that. T.i.t bro.

 

There are other people here that will chime in.  Who are very savy in the condo verse.

 

Once again. I'm sorry if my post came across as "off"

 

 

[Onerak]

I have travelled throughout Europe and stayed in AirBNb. From Rome to Lisbon, from Amsterdam to Paris, London to Stockholm. Had a few problems with AirbBnb host in almost every country. Once I had to wait 6-hours for the host to show up. So, it is nothing new that people encounter problems with AirBnb hosts and people also trash their Airbnb rooms. 

Now I stay in hotels and find it much more comfortable for some extra money. 

 

Going to a lawyer will accomplish nothing. First thing is to take care of your immigration situation by whatever means. Immigration is not going to show any sympathy because your AirBnb host screwed you up. 

[Simple Jack]

30 minutes ago, Onerak said:

First thing is to take care of your immigration situation by whatever means. Immigration is not going to show any sympathy because your AirBnb host screwed you up. 

Well said mate.

[FritsSikkink]

1 hour ago, DrHoneydew said:

Are you saying I should just forget everything going on and get into a hotel? I did not consider that as an option to renting another condo. Would the fact that the current condo owner already having submitted incorrect information have potential to become a headache? 

Airbnb isn't legal in Thailand to start with.

[Lemsta69]

7 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

Airbnb isn't legal in Thailand to start with.

doesn't really help the OP though, did it? do you actually know how to solve problems or are you just full of hot air?

 

that was a rhetorical question.

[Simple Jack]

5 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

Airbnb isn't legal in Thailand to start with.

I had no idea. Just read up on this. As they say nowadays. Fact check: True

 

Whats more shocking. Loads of places near me. Basically advertise as Airbnb.

 

Thanks for the info Frits. o7 bro.

[DrHoneydew]

1 hour ago, Onerak said:

Going to a lawyer will accomplish nothing. First thing is to take care of your immigration situation by whatever means. Immigration is not going to show any sympathy because your AirBnb host screwed you up. 

How do I fix the immigration situation? I was thinking speaking with a lawyer might tell me that and do so by the book.

[Myran]

If your permit to stay ends on Sunday, you are allowed to show up on Monday to extend it and not be on overstay, since it expires on the weekend and Monday is the next business day.

[scubascuba3]

5 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

Airbnb isn't legal in Thailand to start with.

Not illegal if over 30 day stay.

 

Op just stay in a cheap hotel for a couple days, whilst there find a longer stay solution who does TM30s

[Onerak]

5 hours ago, DrHoneydew said:

How do I fix the immigration situation? I was thinking speaking with a lawyer might tell me that and do so by the book.

you can extend on Monday (if your permission to stay expires on Sunday). Go to a hotel for few days that will do a TM30 and then Monday go to immigration to extend it. After you extend it, you can fight with your AirBNb host but I am not sure what that will accomplish. 

[Peterw42]

6 hours ago, DrHoneydew said:

How do I fix the immigration situation? I was thinking speaking with a lawyer might tell me that and do so by the book.

Just go and see an agent , they will sort out everything for a couple of thousand baht. A lawyer would just be a waste of time/money (truth be told, they would probably get an agent to fix it then bill you on top).

 

 

 

 

 

[Dan O]

Just go to a hotel for the 1 night and when you check in ask for a screen shot of the tm 30. They will give it to you and register with imm. Then you have it for your monday visit to Imm. And that problem is solved. Then you can deal with airbnb or condo or hotel of your choice

[NanLaew]

7 hours ago, Myran said:

If your permit to stay ends on Sunday, you are allowed to show up on Monday to extend it and not be on overstay, since it expires on the weekend and Monday is the next business day.

But isn't the OP's issue that he doesn't have the requisite paperwork from his current 'landlord' to apply for any extension?

 

The hotel route seems like the fast fix.

 

Then find some NON-airbnb accommodation. Their whole existence is predicated on finding vacation bolt-holes. I could be wrong but I have a feeling that the OP isn't on holiday.

[DrHoneydew]

Another twist to the story is that I have one more AirBnB payment hat will come out in a few days. If I go to a hotel and leave this place, that payment is still going to come out of my account. Should I just pay it anyways and find another rental? In my home country all of this could/should be solved the legal route without fear of retribution, but my fear here is that this dodgy landlord now has my passport info and might cause trouble if they are forced to cancel my stay or make any refunds or worst case, get delisted from AirBnB. Is my fear unwarranted? 

[DrHoneydew]

With the hotel option for the TM30 done Sunday/Mon... is that not going to cause any confusion or raise any eyebrows considering the TM30 was submitted by the landlord late Friday? Am I expected to stay at the hotel for a longer period or could I come back to the AirBnB and finish my stay here .... or is that just a bad idea all things considered.

 

To answer the question about me being on vacation, yes I am I guess. I don't "live" here, but I am staying this time for close to 6 or 7 months.

[DrHoneydew]

I think the best option that I am comfortable with is to simply apply for an extension tomorrow and use the address/dates stated on AirBnB. If they find a discrepancy and want to to fix it or deny the application, then so be i. At least I won't put myself in a position to have to lie to immigration. 

 

If it winds up with an unwanted outcome, then I can leave feedback on AirBnB in the host's reviews and ask AirBnB to cancel my final payment.

 

My ultimate concern is this landlord loses face and, in retaliation, makes up something to cause me bigger trouble now that they have my passport info.

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, DrHoneydew said:

With the hotel option for the TM30 done Sunday/Mon... is that not going to cause any confusion or raise any eyebrows considering the TM30 was submitted by the landlord late Friday?

Did they give you copy of the report receipt or a screenshot of it they did it online.

No need to stay in a hotel if the report was done.

[DrHoneydew]

18 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Did they give you copy of the report receipt or a screenshot of it they did it online.

No need to stay in a hotel if the report was done.

Yes, they provided a screenshot. They reported online late Friday afternoon. The problem is that they reported a different address and check-in date and told me to use their reported info while I apply for an extension. This would put me in a position where I personally provide inaccurate info to immigration and I'm concerned about doing so.

[ubonjoe]

11 minutes ago, DrHoneydew said:

Yes, they provided a screenshot. They reported online late Friday afternoon. The problem is that they reported a different address and check-in date and told me to use their reported info while I apply for an extension. This would put me in a position where I personally provide inaccurate info to immigration and I'm concerned about doing so.

Since you will be applying for a 30 day extension I cannot see a problem with using the TM30 they did.

Immigration does not normally ask for anything more than the TM30 receipt.

[DrHoneydew]

17 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Since you will be applying for a 30 day extension I cannot see a problem with using the TM30 they did.

Immigration does not normally ask for anything more than the TM30 receipt.

No reason to worry about the TM30 address being different than the actual address I would have to provide on the other forms?

[Myran]

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

But isn't the OP's issue that he doesn't have the requisite paperwork from his current 'landlord' to apply for any extension?

 

The hotel route seems like the fast fix.

 

Then find some NON-airbnb accommodation. Their whole existence is predicated on finding vacation bolt-holes. I could be wrong but I have a feeling that the OP isn't on holiday.

I'm simply responding to his concern regarding being on overstay when he goes to immigration on Monday, since his permit to stay ends on Sunday. Nothing else.

[JimTripper]

How about going into a visa agent and asking them to sort it. They do everything else seems like they could sort the tm30 out.

 

Your landlord is a nothing, a loser. There’s nothing they can do to you. They deserve any problems that come their way.

[problemfarang]

this is the 3rd or 4th post about airbnb being not ok with rooms.. i think should avoid them.

 

i never used it and dont know the differences between airbnb rooms and just go and check in an hotel. is it like cheaper? all these headaches are for 200-300 baht?

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, DrHoneydew said:

No reason to worry about the TM30 address being different than the actual address I would have to provide on the other forms?

You would need to use the address shown on the TM30 report on the TM7 form and etc.

[DrHoneydew]

4 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

You would need to use the address shown on the TM30 report on the TM7 form and etc.

Exactly. So I either lie to the police as the owner wants me to or I end up with conflicting addresses.

[DrHoneydew]

4 hours ago, problemfarang said:

this is the 3rd or 4th post about airbnb being not ok with rooms.. i think should avoid them.

 

i never used it and dont know the differences between airbnb rooms and just go and check in an hotel. is it like cheaper? all these headaches are for 200-300 baht?

I like living on condo resorts, and airbnb is a LOT cheaper for longer stays, plus you get much more. For example, you can find a 2 bedroom condo/penthouse with a jacuzzi overlooking the ocean for a month, about what you'd pay for 1 week in a hotel and have more freedoms and (most importantly) space. I once had a 200sq meter penthouse on the 32nd floor overlooking the ocean in Jomtien for 40K/m. You can find smaller new condos on resorts with massive pools and slides etc for about 10-15K/m. I just find that you simply can't find that quality of living in any hotel. I go through airbnb instead of something like a facebook marketplace for anything less than a year because the large property management companies usually only offer long term stays.