House/condo Rental Deposits

[dvk1951]

Will be returning to LoS with my Main Squeeze soon and we will be signing a rental agreement for a humble abode. The company has kindly offered to cover the 2 month rental deposit but with the implication that we are still responsible for its return. Would expect that the contract would indicate a defined time period after which the deposit(minus contractually agreed deductions) would be returned. How long should this waiting period be. How strong is the contract and what if any recourse would we have should the condo/house owner decide to retain the deposit.

We will be based in the Pattaya area and don't know if there is a territorial uniqueness to rental contracts.

Would appreciate any advise/life experiences that could increase our chances of getting the deposit back when we vacate.

Thanks

Edited February 14, 2005 by dvk1951

[Digger]

Will be returning to LoS with my Main Squeeze      soon and we will be signing a rental agreement for a humble abode.  The company has kindly offered to cover the 2 month rental deposit but with the implication that we are still responsible for its return.     Would expect that the contract would indicate a defined time period after which the deposit(minus contractually agreed deductions) would be returned.  How long should this waiting period be.  How strong is the contract and what if any recourse would we have should the condo/house owner decide to retain the deposit.

We will be based in the Pattaya area and don't know if there is a territorial uniqueness to rental contracts.

Would appreciate any advise/life experiences that could increase our chances of getting the deposit back when we vacate.

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Depends who owns the house and how the property is managed. Some real nice farang owners in and around Pattaya, but there wifes are like pit bulls - they never let go of the money once they have sunk their teeth into it (and probably spent your deposit on something else). Also many of the real estate agents are atrocious if they manage the property as well. Couple spring to mind who seem to have a policy of NEVER giving back deposits. Also lot of it depends upon the price of the property you planning to rent. Upper end stuff is predominantly done through 3 agents, all of whom are highly considered. If they dont like the owner or have bad experiences from before they wont touch the property with a barge pole. Good ones include: Premier Homes (probably handle about 90% of upper end stuff on the Eastern Seaboard, KCR Homefinder and East Coast Real Estate. All have farang staff as well as Thai. Typically these guys are only handling property ranging from 40,000-200,000 baht month and all are based in Pattaya/Jomtien.

Oh by the way, you have virtually no rights and the price they set for damage is up to them. Be very cautious and ask around the real estate agents or if your working, ask aquaintances as places like British/Aussie chambers of Commerce which have regular meetings in and around Pattaya.

Edited February 14, 2005 by Digger