I want my deposit back

[hansje1980]

After 2 years renting a condo in bkk I moved to another one. But I won't get my 50k deposit back. Only 40k because the owner told me there was some water leakage which I told her the day if the leakage itself. Came from outside the condo.

Now she says she needs to fix it for 10k, and I'm responsible for that. I think I'm not because 1) I do not own the condo so not my problem 2) I was so kind to let her know when it happened a year ago.

She just told me she sent a mechanic to me a year ago to fix things but the mechanic never showed up, again also not my problem. I'm not the owner and yes ofcourse a mechanic is allowed to fix things up if she pays for it, but he never came and I never was told a mechanic would even come.

So who is right here? I know I can easily go to the police back in EU and start a lawsuit to get my full deposit back. But perhaps in Thailand things are different in the law? For example if the fridge stops working I can demand a proper replacement in EU, but what about TH? Or simply bad luck and renter has to buy his own one or even worse pay for a new one to the owner as it broke when I rented it?

Looking for advice here

Thanks.

PS. What to do if the owner doesn't want to pay anything at all anymore? Slam the door and destroy everything I see? Not my fault, I not rent anymore lol, but seriously what can I do ?

[WhizBang]

You got 40K baht back.

Consider yourself lucky.

Forget it and move on.

Welcome to Thailand.

[LennyW]

80% of your deposit back, consider yourself very lucky and walk away!! Quickly!!

[Gsxrnz]

I tend to agree with the 2 posts above. It's almost obligatory for the landlord to deduct something for whatever reason. Having said that I've quit two leases and managed to have only 2,000 deducted for a few missing plates and <deleted> like that - expensive plates but....TIT.

Do you have a lease? You can probably wave the lease at her and say that you've complied with the terms of the lease and expect to get all of the deposit back. Don't push your luck too far as she may deduct more to prove her point. Don't try and involve the BIB because they will take a slice anyway.

[hansje1980]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

I just wanted to play things fair, but if she wants war it's fine with me, I don't care about the other 10k as for me it's only about the fact I didn't do anything wrong. Damn I would even pay it myself if she didn't try asking it from me in the first place. I think I'm gonna enjoy this payback :-)

Thanks guys

[Tywais]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

So grown up of you. Good you have connections as you will need them.

[Salapoo]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

I just wanted to play things fair, but if she wants war it's fine with me, I don't care about the other 10k as for me it's only about the fact I didn't do anything wrong. dam_n I would even pay it myself if she didn't try asking it from me in the first place. I think I'm gonna enjoy this payback :-)

Thanks guys

Now here's someone who's going to be in for a nasty shock Thai style.

I presume this lady has your passport details..... perhaps you'll only be nicked for criminal damage and they won't put child porn on your computer or a stack of gear in your suitcase... perhaps

[hansje1980]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

So grown up of you. Good you have connections as you will need them.

No accepting everything will make the world better... Right. In my opinion it's basically stealing my money. But I guess this is Thailand so it's better to accept everything? Pfft..

[hansje1980]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

I just wanted to play things fair, but if she wants war it's fine with me, I don't care about the other 10k as for me it's only about the fact I didn't do anything wrong. dam_n I would even pay it myself if she didn't try asking it from me in the first place. I think I'm gonna enjoy this payback :-)

Thanks guys

Now here's someone who's going to be in for a nasty shock Thai style.

I presume this lady has your passport details..... perhaps you'll only be nicked for criminal damage and they won't put child porn on your computer or a stack of gear in your suitcase... perhaps

1- I'm Thai citizen, what passport

2- cops can't do me a thing, like I said very well connected

I am not a show off guy nor want to be, I just want justice. That ain't so hard to ask.

[Billy The Kid]

Lucky to have 40 k back. Count yourself blessed.

[PattayaPhom]

Have to say it....use an agent and this wont happen...live and learn

[BookMan]

1- I'm Thai citizen, what passport

2- cops can't do me a thing, like I said very well connected

I am not a show off guy nor want to be, I just want justice. That ain't so hard to ask.

I know I can easily go to the police back in EU and start a lawsuit to get my full deposit back. But perhaps in Thailand things are different in the law? For example if the fridge stops working I can demand a proper replacement in EU, but what about TH?

The passport you might need to go back to the EU...

[hansje1980]

1- I'm Thai citizen, what passport

2- cops can't do me a thing, like I said very well connected

I am not a show off guy nor want to be, I just want justice. That ain't so hard to ask.

I know I can easily go to the police back in EU and start a lawsuit to get my full deposit back. But perhaps in Thailand things are different in the law? For example if the fridge stops working I can demand a proper replacement in EU, but what about TH?

The passport you might need to go back to the EU...

Never showed that one, always use my Thai ID card.

Ps. I'm half Thai, so in some ways I can chose which one has more benefit. Travel ASEAN always Thai passport for example.

[p_brownstone]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

I just wanted to play things fair, but if she wants war it's fine with me, I don't care about the other 10k as for me it's only about the fact I didn't do anything wrong. dam_n I would even pay it myself if she didn't try asking it from me in the first place. I think I'm gonna enjoy this payback :-)

Thanks guys

Now here's someone who's going to be in for a nasty shock Thai style.

I presume this lady has your passport details..... perhaps you'll only be nicked for criminal damage and they won't put child porn on your computer or a stack of gear in your suitcase... perhaps

1- I'm Thai citizen, what passport

2- cops can't do me a thing, like I said very well connected

I am not a show off guy nor want to be, I just want justice. That ain't so hard to ask.

1) If you are so "well connected", mention that to the Landlord and, if true, your problems are over.

2) Never heard of a "well connected" Thai renting an Apartment.

Patrick

[Tywais]

1- I'm Thai citizen, what passport

2- cops can't do me a thing, like I said very well connected

Must not be that well connected if you have to come on a forum to ask what to do. Just put a word into your BIB connection's ear to have a chat with her. But why all the stress over 10k and what may be your responsibility in the first place. I know my contracts state I'm responsible for damages as is pretty standard.

[hansje1980]

1- I'm Thai citizen, what passport

2- cops can't do me a thing, like I said very well connected

Must not be that well connected if you have to come on a forum to ask what to do. Just put a word into your BIB connection's ear to have a chat with her. But why all the stress over 10k and what may be your responsibility in the first place. I know my contracts state I'm responsible for damages as is pretty standard.

How can you be responsible for a leaking pipe in between walls?

--

Yes well connected doesn't mean I cant rent a condo, you don't know anything about me. Please go away with OFFTOPIC crap replies Patrick.

--

Why not go directly BiB? Like I freaking said before, I'm not like that and prefer to do things the correct way first, not the "Thai" way.

[Briggsy]

Don't smash anything. That is really childish.

If you want your 10 K, you need to think what leverage do you have?

Here are some ideas (that don't involve childish tantrum breakage)

1) Charm and persuasion

2) Time, that's your landlord's time, waste it diplomatically putting your case and she might just cave in to get rid of you.

3) Sitting in the flat and not paying rent. Risky, this one.

4) Contact with other tenants, a group is more powerful than an individual.

5) Your powerful police connections

6) Future revenue from you. Will you or your friends stay here again?

To be honest, 2 years and getting 80 % back is probably slightly above average. You sound like you are focusing on small details and are failing to see a bigger picture here.

Edited July 10, 2013 by Briggsy

[KittenKong]

So grown up of you.

So it's in some way worse to want to get justice for your lost deposit than to be a cheating lying landlord who tricks tenants out of said deposit?

Sorry, but I dont see it. Thieving landlords get what they deserve. That's Karma.

[KittenKong]

To be honest, 2 years and getting 80 % back is probably slightly above average. You sound like you are focusing on small details and are failing to see a bigger picture here.

Surely the "bigger picture" is that he should get all his deposit back, given that he is in no way responsible for any of the damage?

Just because most landlords are even bigger thieves than this one doesnt make this one any better.

[55Jay]

Not sure why you had to ask a bunch of farangs with the credentials you keep spouting about.

Simple for a Thai like you. Just get some powerful friends to threaten her, or poison her dog.

This will avenge your potential lost face situation, show her who's boss, and you'll receive the full 50k back. Sorted.

[bigbamboo]

You could always go to the police.

Only kidding!

[lemoncake]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

I just wanted to play things fair, but if she wants war it's fine with me, I don't care about the other 10k as for me it's only about the fact I didn't do anything wrong. dam_n I would even pay it myself if she didn't try asking it from me in the first place. I think I'm gonna enjoy this payback :-)

Thanks guys

If you well connected, why are you asking here what to do? Should you not be asking them?

[lemoncake]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

I just wanted to play things fair, but if she wants war it's fine with me, I don't care about the other 10k as for me it's only about the fact I didn't do anything wrong. dam_n I would even pay it myself if she didn't try asking it from me in the first place. I think I'm gonna enjoy this payback :-)

Thanks guys

Now here's someone who's going to be in for a nasty shock Thai style.

I presume this lady has your passport details..... perhaps you'll only be nicked for criminal damage and they won't put child porn on your computer or a stack of gear in your suitcase... perhaps

1- I'm Thai citizen, what passport

2- cops can't do me a thing, like I said very well connected

I am not a show off guy nor want to be, I just want justice. That ain't so hard to ask.

Again, if you Thai citizen, why are you asking on Expat forum?

[lemoncake]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

So grown up of you. Good you have connections as you will need them.

No accepting everything will make the world better... Right. In my opinion it's basically stealing my money. But I guess this is Thailand so it's better to accept everything? Pfft..

Well you Thai, so you should know how it is

[sotsira]

Have to say it....use an agent and this wont happen...live and learn

Oh yeah, because agents are so honest here in Thailand,

they wouldn't fiddle you out of money now would they?

You should consider becoming a comedian!

[alfieconn]

Thanks for the replies, I will go for the 80% and destroy a couple of things, always wanted to know how it feels to destroy a washingmachine, flat screen and some walls using a hammer. Not scared for gangsters or cops as there will be no proof and I'm well connected with those.

I just wanted to play things fair, but if she wants war it's fine with me, I don't care about the other 10k as for me it's only about the fact I didn't do anything wrong. dam_n I would even pay it myself if she didn't try asking it from me in the first place. I think I'm gonna enjoy this payback :-)

Thanks guys

Super glue works a treat on a lot of things air con grills being one of them !

[colin2]

I think that the op is a skint broke testerosa, and most certainly not Thai !. He has lost his face on this forum !.

[Groadie666]

I have a great revenge trick. Take a good sized glass jar, one that seals very good. Take two raw chicken breasts and put them in the jar along with some milk. Place it somewhere it will not be found, preferably somewhere warm. In about 6 to 8 weeks time the gases from the rotting milk and chicken will cause the glass jar to explode with the most horrid smell that will never go away without major repair and cleaning. Milk chicken bomb!! Your welcome!!

[Briggsy]

I have a better one, get hold of some semtex and a timer..................................

[BusyBee123]

Wouldn't the monthly maintenance fees pay for external problems? Thai law isn't that much different to European law if you want to get you money back you will have to go through the courts which could take years, is it really worth your time or have you got plenty of free time and a lot of patience. You would also be dragged through the courts (at best) if you decided to smash a few things up so I hope you have time to fight that battle too. Seems ridiculous to me but people do it out of principle even if it waste precious moments in life.

I'd personally write it off and make sure your next agreement is watertight