I want my deposit back

[KunMatt]

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.

So well connected that you cannot even get your full deposit back but when facing a loss you want to act like a child and break some of the owner's property and run away.

There are daily stories like this and it seems like this immature behaviour runs through all Thai people, especially the politicians. I wonder why before I choose to raise my kids here?

[joepattaya1961]

Hansje......looking at your name you must be Dutch or at least Dutch-languaged.

Things in Thailand are way different from what we are used to.

As many other posters told you....take the THB 40,000 and leave the rest.

You may go to a lawyer in Europe, but they'll charge your loss per hour.

Connections or no connections, next time you rent a property read your contract and only accept a contract in Thai and English.

Every time I rented a property the landlord returned me what we agreed minus possible utilities, but I usually leave a property in a better state than it was when I moved in.

[klauskunkel]

Read the Headline, thought you were talking about sinsood, ooops!

[bob4you]

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.

If you are a Thai, you should be aware that you are getting off better than the average person, don't destroy she may be better connected than you are. If you want some justice just keep the apartment until your deposit is used up, you will get your money;s worth but still will not get your B40,000 cash which is probably a better deal. I had a similar situation and had a well know attorney threaten to take her to court as he was a friend of mine. Court costs would have cost her more so she paid.

[lemoncake]

I think anyone should be allowed to be a TV member and ask things as long as their posts are Thai related. You never know, you might get some good advice from them.

Yes, only a Thai asking foreigners about Thai

[rotary]

If that's the worst experience you have in Thailand you are lucky

[IMHO]

Perhaps someone has already mentioned this, but in Thailand it is your responsibility to return any rented/leased property in it's original condition - i.e. all maintenance and repairs (even normal wear and tear) must be fixed at the renter's expense.

So yes, it is the OP's responsibility to fix the water damage mentioned, and if they go about creating more damage (and don't pay for it) they can rest assured they're going to have a very hard time getting out of the country...

[SSSlongtime]

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

your in the wrong country

[nosatisfaction]

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

I totally agree, consider yourself lucky and happy they don't deduce: cleaning, painting and so on. One advice , when you move into the next one ask for a complete written review, make photos of every possible problem , including the representative of the agency, if any problem whrite as many emails as you can. not a garantee for getting your deposit better, but better than nothing.

[nosatisfaction]

Perhaps someone has already mentioned this, but in Thailand it is your responsibility to return any rented/leased property in it's original condition - i.e. all maintenance and repairs (even normal wear and tear) must be fixed at the renter's expense.

So yes, it is the OP's responsibility to fix the water damage mentioned, and if they go about creating more damage (and don't pay for it) they can rest assured they're going to have a very hard time getting out of the country...

Completely correct, except some, where I live, all repairs are charged to the owner, he knows and this is contractually signed, if any problem, for instance AirCo, a technician is sent to fix it, sometimes I have to pay but can deduct from the rent, in other events it is charged directly to the owner.

Don't bother asking where I live, 5555555

[monty1412]

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

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

Absolute crap.. I got done by an agent who ripped me off 110K.... farang as well.. went to the police.. not interested.. went to a lawyer said it would take dowuble that to get money back and no chance of recouping costs

[khunPer]

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.

When you that much Thai, you should know to be happy with 40k

[mrmazinkle]

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

give her a present of fresh prawns..... stuffed in the curtains...before you leave

[NoshowJones]

I think anyone should be allowed to be a TV member and ask things as long as their posts are Thai related. You never know, you might get some good advice from them.

Yes, only a Thai asking foreigners about Thai

I was thinking more about foreigners asking Thais about Thai, after all, they know more about Thailand and Thai culture than we do.

[Globeman]

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

Don't use a hammer - be more subtle than that. What you are proposing is illegal and she can have you charged for willful destruction of property. Instead, open the back of the TV and yank out a few wires, ditto the washing machine, then put the covers back on... it will take ages, if ever, to "prove" you did it... have the deposit in your hand first, of course.

Oh yes, and incidentally, I know the very wise men above, told you not to use the law, and therefore did not deign to answer your original question... so... under landlord tenant law (yes, there is one, but few landlords are familiar with it), you are responsible for the upkeep of anything inside the walls, the landlord is responsible for stuff outside the walls - so if a waterpipe is leaking outside the walls of the condo, it is her problem - and under her contract, may actually be the condo management's problem- but it certainly isn't yours.

For ten grand, it isn't worth making a big legal fuss about it, but do bear in mind that Thaivisa has more than its share of narrow minded racist clowns who will tell you, from the comfort of their barstool in Pattaya that a foreigner can never win a case against a Thai and will always get screwed. This is usually only an assumption on their part, with little or nothing to support their argument - often based on their dealings with bargirls, sawngteaw drivers, plus observations of politicians' behaviour -- all fine representatives of the national character.

[Globeman]

I think anyone should be allowed to be a TV member and ask things as long as their posts are Thai related. You never know, you might get some good advice from them.

Yes, only a Thai asking foreigners about Thai

I was thinking more about foreigners asking Thais about Thai, after all, they know more about Thailand and Thai culture than we do.

But not necessarily more about Thai history... I know a few Thais who routinely ask me history questions about Thailand - because the stuff written in Thai is mostly bulls**t skewed to make the country look good - or at least never look bad.

[NoshowJones]

I think anyone should be allowed to be a TV member and ask things as long as their posts are Thai related. You never know, you might get some good advice from them.

Yes, only a Thai asking foreigners about Thai

I was thinking more about foreigners asking Thais about Thai, after all, they know more about Thailand and Thai culture than we do.

But not necessarily more about Thai history... I know a few Thais who routinely ask me history questions about Thailand - because the stuff written in Thai is mostly bulls**t skewed to make the country look good - or at least never look bad.

Good point Mr Globeman, and I agree with it, but I still think Thai members of TV can be a good help to us.

[NoshowJones]

Hansje......looking at your name you must be Dutch or at least Dutch-languaged.

Things in Thailand are way different from what we are used to.

As many other posters told you....take the THB 40,000 and leave the rest.

You may go to a lawyer in Europe, but they'll charge your loss per hour.

Connections or no connections, next time you rent a property read your contract and only accept a contract in Thai and English.

Every time I rented a property the landlord returned me what we agreed minus possible utilities, but I usually leave a property in a better state than it was when I moved in.

Your lucky, the only time I had satisfaction in renting in Thailand was when I left the property a month before I was due to and forfeited my months deposit which I had no complaints about. I have always had to fight or lose out, and I have never had any losses or damages.

[NoshowJones]

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

give her a present of fresh prawns..... stuffed in the curtains...before you leave

Or stick a fish underneath the table.

[soi41]

The OP

negotiating with his landlord

[robertson468]

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.

First, check your Contract. If you don't have one, that is your fault for not insisting on one, which would protect both parties from exactly this sort of situation. We have eight houses and written in the Contract is that we are responsible for all repairs, unless directly attributable to the tenant. So far we have not had a problem in seven years, but we do try and be fair and try to ensure all repairs are done within 24 hours. Other Landlords I understand are not quite so conscientious. We also try to make friends with our tenants, which makes for a much better basis for discussion, should there be a difference of opinion on culpability.

The message I get from you is you have been done wrong and are seeking revenge; which would incline me that you are more Thai than Farang, which is re-enforced by your declaration that you are well connected, but do not want to use them. So secondly, talk it through. If you get not joy, I would recommend you conclude you have done your best on your part and walk away. Two further points; it is not the situation that makes you angry, it is you that makes you angry and finally two wrongs (breaking up the place in a pique of childish rage) do not make it right.

I sympathize you feel you are being robbed, but if this is the worst to happen to you in life, you might conclude it is not worth wasting your ire and time on what is relatively trivial.

[belg]

get your money back

and take something with you ... euh... worth 10 k

loooooooooooooooool

just kidding

[Exsexyman]

If you look up the definition of the word 'Deposit' in the Thai dictionary it says 'Thank You'!

[chrisartist]

On the basis of past experience, the other posters are right: you are lucky if you are going to get 80% of your deposit back. Just take it and walk away. I've rented seven places in Thailand. I got zero deposit back from five of those, a partial share (2/3) back from one, and the full deposit back from one, when I rented in an apartment building in Bangkok. This is contrast to a record of getting full deposits back in the UK and USA on six rentals out of seven and a partial share from one.

Most Thai landlords seem to think that the deposit is for their use and that they don't need to give it back. A significant part of the problem is their view of what kind of damage they think they should pay for and what they think the tenant should pay for. In many countries, if something breaks down due to wear and tear, the landlord pays. In Thailand, the landlord expects the tenants to pay for *everything*, whether they have broken it or not. As a consequence, it is often the case that new tenants are faced with having to pay for the breakdown of an appliance that has already been used by many other people for many years. An interesting corollary here is that it is therefore not in the tenant's best interest to fix anything if they can manage without it; hence the poor state of much of the rental accommodation in Thailand.

I can understand that you are very, very angry right now and want to do as much damage to the landlady as possible. However, the long-term satisfaction from this course of action will be minimal and there is always the possibility of retaliation from the landlady. Further, while such thoughts besiege your mind, you will only suffer more. The best thing to do is just walk away. Accept that there is a culture of lying, cheating and stealing in Thailand. For many Thais, it's a way of life; that's my experience. You will never win out against it; all you can do is try to protect yourself and accept that, sometimes, you will need to accept a loss. Deposits on rental accommodation are an instance of this. To sweeten the pill a little, think of it this way: you've lived in the condo for two years and been stiffed ten thousand baht. That's 417 baht per month. So in reality, your rent was 417 baht per month more than you had expected. It's just one good meal or two adequate meals.

If you want to do something mischievous and there is wood in the condo (not teak), introduce some termites. They will cause damage slowly, steadily and stealthily, and will eventually necessitate large-scale renovation.

[richardt1808]

Normally the return deposit cheque will only be given to you AFTER the room has been vacated - normally 30-45 days after you have returned the keys, so it's difficult to see how you would be able to get any 'justice' in the way you have been dreaming.

[chrisartist]

Normally the return deposit cheque will only be given to you AFTER the room has been vacated - normally 30-45 days after you have returned the keys, so it's difficult to see how you would be able to get any 'justice' in the way you have been dreaming.

On the two occasions on which I got some deposit back in Thailand, I received it (in cash) on the day that I vacated the premises and returned the keys.

[Asiantravel]

Why don't you say to her if she doesn't give you the full amount back you will open the case with the consumer protection board?

http://www.ocpb.go.th/main.php?filename=index

[richardt1808]

Normally the return deposit cheque will only be given to you AFTER the room has been vacated - normally 30-45 days after you have returned the keys, so it's difficult to see how you would be able to get any 'justice' in the way you have been dreaming.

On the two occasions on which I got some deposit back in Thailand, I received it (in cash) on the day that I vacated the premises and returned the keys.

You've been lucky TWICE then. I've lived here for 14 years and always got deposits back after at least a month because utilities were in the landlord's name and they wanted to wait and see that there were no unsettled amounts. At any rate, the point is that only a half-wit landlord would return the money without having possetion of the place.

[Nana Cowboy]

go ahead destroy some things in the unit and it will be 50K your out instead of 10K. duh super intelligent

[chrisartist]

Normally the return deposit cheque will only be given to you AFTER the room has been vacated - normally 30-45 days after you have returned the keys, so it's difficult to see how you would be able to get any 'justice' in the way you have been dreaming.

On the two occasions on which I got some deposit back in Thailand, I received it (in cash) on the day that I vacated the premises and returned the keys.

You've been lucky TWICE then. I've lived here for 14 years and always got deposits back after at least a month because utilities were in the landlord's name and they wanted to wait and see that there were no unsettled amounts. At any rate, the point is that only a half-wit landlord would return the money without having possetion of the place.

I think not lucky. I think that things just don't always work the way you said they do. It depends, perhaps, on the process by which the property is let: rental agreements conducted through an agent tend towards the 30-45 days that you stated, whereas agreements entered into between two individuals might have very different conditions.

Anyway, the point is that a landlord will not return a deposit before first having received possession of the property.