Renting An Apartment In Bkk For 10 Months Each Year

[strikingsunset]

Hi,

Just looking for some advice please.

I am planning to live in BKK 10 months each year,returning to the UK for July and August

From reading forums lots of people do this/or similar.

My question is what is the "norm",regarding apartments when,as the tenant, you are not in BKK,do you sublet it ? or have a month by month contract and let it go ?,or keep it on and just leave it vacant and pay the rent.....?

Just thinking if I can find a nice place,I may not want to let it go and start all over again on my return,but with the exchange rate and finances in general I am not so relaxed these days at taking a 2 month rental hit.

Thanks............

.

[TerraplaneGuy]

Hi,

I don't have a definite answer as I've just moved here to Bangkok myself. But I'll be interested in any replies as I'll be in a similar situation. However, I think a lot will depend on where you live. I understand that in the Sukhumvit area which is popular with expats and tourists, many people who own condos rent them out for short term use (In some cases this may mean "short time" in the more "bar girl" sense, I'm not sure). So I'd expect you could sublet, as long as your lease allows. But if you're living in a less expat-friendly area you might have trouble finding subtenants.

TG

[Sateev]

Hi,

I don't have a definite answer as I've just moved here to Bangkok myself. But I'll be interested in any replies as I'll be in a similar situation. However, I think a lot will depend on where you live. I understand that in the Sukhumvit area which is popular with expats and tourists, many people who own condos rent them out for short term use (In some cases this may mean "short time" in the more "bar girl" sense, I'm not sure). So I'd expect you could sublet, as long as your lease allows. But if you're living in a less expat-friendly area you might have trouble finding subtenants.

TG

Having rented several apartments in Bangkok, I would say it depends largely on your price range. For example, many Serviced Apartments will give substantial discounts for long-term rentals, with breaks usually at 6-month and 1-year points. They are, of course, MUCH more expensive than comparably-sized apartments, but usually furnished to a decent standard. If you can afford to stay at one, a serviced apartment will be your best bet, and as a return customer, you will get preference over short-termers in choosing floor/unit. You can just rent for 10 months, move out, and then move back in two months later, or choose a different location.

If you're in the 10000 baht and under category, I would recommend finding an apartment in an area that you like (no small task, believe me), and then just eat the two months rent. Most small-mid sized buildings have adequate security, and leaving your stuff there shouldn't be a problem. Having someone sublease the place is, in my opinion, NOT a good idea, UNLESS you know them well. Any problems they cause with the neighbors or management will be yours, and no one will treat your stuff as well as their own. Also, there's something good about coming home to things the way you left them, and not having to unpack everything.

Your biggest challenge is to find a place that's secure, convenient, and affordable. Sukhumvit is probably NOT your best bet, although such places can be found. Any where along the MRT or BTS is good, but the prices will be higher, and properties will be scarcer. A year ago, apartments way out in Bangna were already advertising proximity to BTS stations that still haven't opened, and asking prices reflecting it.

Since I don't know what you will be doing in Bangkok, I can't be more specific, other than to say that living in a Thai neighborhood has its own rewards that may seem difficult to attain at first, but that will enrich your experience in Thailand immeasurably.

As an example, I rented a place in Chandrakasem (near Ladprao MRT station) for 4500/m, left stuff there for several months at a time, and never had a moment's worry. I have stayed there repeatedly over the years, and am always welcomed back. In the 12000/m range, there are several places near Victory Monument which are practically new hotels, equally well-managed, where I have spent a month or two at a time.

My advice: find a small building, where the owner is on-site, make friends, and negotiate a deal based on 12 months paid up front, in return for a discount. Let them know exactly what you intend, and ask them if they would keep an eye on your place. Then bring a small gift, preferably from your home company, by way of thanks.

You will be golden. Good luck.

[TerraplaneGuy]

My advice: find a small building, where the owner is on-site, make friends, and negotiate a deal based on 12 months paid up front, in return for a discount. Let them know exactly what you intend, and ask them if they would keep an eye on your place. Then bring a small gift, preferably from your home company, by way of thanks.

You will be golden. Good luck.

Sateev, on a slight tangent: I've been finding that owners of condo units are asking for 3 months rent up front. That's 1 month's rent in advance and a security deposit equal to two months' rent. In your experience is that standard? My concern is that at the end of the lease when you move out, how do you know the owner will repay the security deposit? In another country I lived in, landlords very often refused to repay the deposit, usually citing some fictitious damage that you'd done as an excuse. I knew people who threatened to go to court but here I can't imagine doing that.

[strikingsunset]

Its the OP here,thanks for your most informative reply Sateev,I was thinking circa 15000 baht/month for a pleasant,1 Bed Condo 50 to 60sqm, (not Sukhumvit) but I do like the Victory Monument area....can you suggest any specific condo/developments around there please,or pm me,many thanks.

To Terraplane Guy,I will send you a pm,would be really interested to know how you get on,particulary as our search is so similar.

Regards

[arkom]

My advice: find a small building, where the owner is on-site, make friends, and negotiate a deal based on 12 months paid up front, in return for a discount. Let them know exactly what you intend, and ask them if they would keep an eye on your place. Then bring a small gift, preferably from your home company, by way of thanks.

You will be golden. Good luck.

Sateev, on a slight tangent: I've been finding that owners of condo units are asking for 3 months rent up front. That's 1 month's rent in advance and a security deposit equal to two months' rent. In your experience is that standard? My concern is that at the end of the lease when you move out, how do you know the owner will repay the security deposit? In another country I lived in, landlords very often refused to repay the deposit, usually citing some fictitious damage that you'd done as an excuse. I knew people who threatened to go to court but here I can't imagine doing that.

That is pretty standard, of the two places I've rented that is what they asked for. When I moved out it was returned, but they certainly will not be in a hurry to return it, sometimes up to 2 weeks.

[mauiguy90]

Its the OP here,thanks for your most informative reply Sateev,I was thinking circa 15000 baht/month for a pleasant,1 Bed Condo 50 to 60sqm, (not Sukhumvit) but I do like the Victory Monument area....can you suggest any specific condo/developments around there please,or pm me,many thanks.

To Terraplane Guy,I will send you a pm,would be really interested to know how you get on,particulary as our search is so similar.

Regards

I've stayed at the serviced apartment at Starry Place in soi Rangnam. They have 1 bed units for around 16K plus utilities. They will store stuff for you within reason (a couple bags or so) for several months. Downside is there is no pool and you have to pay apartment utility rates, which are high wherever you go. A friend of mine was staying there until recently and still has some time on the clock if you are interested. If so, PM me and I'll contact him.

As far as returning deposits, the thai law gives the owners 30 days in general. It often takes time for the utility bills to be generated before the deposit is returned, so 2 weeks is pretty good. Last place I moved out of took 6 weeks despite the fact that the mgmt office coordinated the return. Best thing is to meet your owner in person. If you don't like him/her, don't rent from them. You can generally tell their disposition when you meet them. If they are arrogant or squabble about little expenses, then stay away. (If they offer to clean the air conditioner at their own expense, kiss their toes and name your grandchildren after them). Most owners are okay; there are some however that intend to keep your money even before you move into their condo.

Hint: Remember that shark's fin soup is expensive!