We (my Thai wife and I) are just coming to the end of a 12 month rental contract in our condo in Bangkok and expect to leave on Sunday.

The agent has been to visit yesterday and checked the condition, inventory etc and all is in order.

The agent will return on Sunday and read the meters and take final payment for Elec and Water (about B500.)

She says the deposit (B30K), will be returned to our bank within 1 week of leaving, is this normal?

She promised a document, on behalf of the owner, witnessed by the Juristic Office, that the money will be paid; but what guarantee's do we have if the owner's not present and isn't signing?

I had expected cash on departure but she says "no cash"!

I'd be interested to know what's normal practice.

dont leave till you have the cash in your hand

Getting you deposit returned in one week is exceptionally quick. Most landlords can take up to six or eight weeks to return your deposit. If you have the statement in writing that you will get your entire deposit back would be to your benefit. Most landords wait one billing cycle for the electric and water before returning your deposit.