BillyBobzTeeth Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I'd just like to ask you guys, what you make of this situation and what if anything can be done about it. To cut a long story short, the Mrs went apartment hunting for us both and found what she thought to be a nice suitable place. She decided it was okay for us and asked what she needed to pay. The reception lady told her she had to pay 1000 baht and the remainder when she signed the contract on moving in day. The Mrs was so pleased with the place she said never mind I will pay the full whack and so she did and the receptionist gave her a small paper receipt. I got to view the place yesterday and it's far from suitable. It's too small and on the 5th floor with no lift. So I asked her to get her money back, thinking we would only lose 1000 baht but the receptionist was having none of it and said we couldn't get anything back. I politely asked her to reconsider and reminded her that no contract has been signed and the only legal binding document between them was a small paper receipt which doesn't state any policy or terms of business. I asked to speak to the boss and she said she would call her. After a very short conversation she came back and said the boss is willing to give you back 3000 baht only, which means we will lose 5000 baht. So my question to you all is, can they get away with this without a signed contract and if not what should we do to solve this in a calm professional manor? Get the police involved? It seems like they're stealing our money to me. Any sensible advice appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post arthurwait Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 Get a new wife. 33 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancnx Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) £100 quid. Is it really worth it? You won't win. You will get stressed... Does your wife know these people before hand????!! Edited January 13, 2014 by iancnx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post slipperylobster Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 Perhaps find a replacement renter....advertise the location and accompany him for the rental. Give him 1000 baht as a "Reward" for getting you out of the deal. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wym Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 You're SOL, possession is 9/10ths, the one trying to get it back is the one needs a contract. But it's her fault, her money right? Not a big deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post uptheos Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 I've never known a Thai to pay more than they're asked for, usually much too careful about things such as this, especially if the partner hasn't seen it.........something sounds not right. Of course they can get away with it, you have a verbal contract and a receipt that the money was paid willingly without duress. Suggestion: Do your own business in future and don't send the wife just because she's Thai, thinking you will get one over on the landlord. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoonman Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) So 8000b total was paid, was this the rental bond or just a holding deposit ? Edited January 13, 2014 by Spoonman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BillyBobzTeeth Posted January 13, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 The Mrs at the time, didn't have a lot to look around. In one hour I've found a great new place for the same money. She feels really bad and tears have been shed and a few angry words. She knows she's made a mistake and learnt a valuable lesson. It's her money bless her but I'm going to have to pay the difference on the new place and take their 3000 baht before they change their mind. She came here on recommendation from her friend and no she doesn't know anyone here unfortunately. I'm not sure of all the Thai breakdown on the receipt regards it being for a deposit or bond and the Mrs has gone for an interview. I've just got off the phone to a mate who had a similar problem and he thinks she's been damn lucky with an offer of 3000 so we best take it and run. Note to self: Never agree to let the Mrs take on any responsibilities that require money and common sense. Lesson learnt for me too Thanks for the feedback chaps :-) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Soutpeel Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 reading what you have written, the issue is between you and the Mrs, nothing to do with the condo owners, the fact she handed over the "full whack" basically means you (she) accepted the contractural conditions, even though the written contract wasnt signed at that point, there is a verbal agreement/intent in place. Therefore to me the condo owners are well within their rights not to give you anything back...I would take the THB 3000 on offer and right the rest off as a lesson learned... ie only hand over the amount of cash asked for in a deposit situation 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seajae Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 you could take the difference out in fair wear and tear if you are really pissed seeing its a bond but at least you are getting some of it back. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeichen Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Usually when renting you need to pay first months rent, last month's rent and 1 month deposit. So if all of that was only 8,000 baht, you must have found a bargain. Take the 3k loss and don't pay any money ever until you sign the contract. She didn't have to put a deposit down to hold it. You should have gone together since you are the one that objected to the place. She seemed to think it was ok, but you didn't, so you pay up and apologize to your wife for making her life more difficult. I love showing my wife posts like this, it makes her appreciate me even more. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mario2008 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 1 flame removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 sounds reasonable.... You deposit 5000 Baht as guarantee that you take it. They give you back 3000 Baht which is very friendly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackr Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 How's about just stay there for a month and move into the new place after? Saying that, if you've soured it with the owner, you'll likely not get deposit back anyhow. Try and sweet-talk them into giving you half, so 4,000 baht. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 8000 baht to learn a valuable lesson, 8000 throw by the window, you never old enough to learn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLCrab Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 It's only money -- true apartment hell can only be provided by neighbors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JSixpack Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 I just hate wasting money on things I don't want to waste money on and getting nothing back. Stay there a month, then move out. Exercise of walking up the stairs will be good for you. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isawasnake Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 That is exactly what I would do, stay a month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex8912 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I think the lack of communication with your wife was the problem. You knew she was looking at places. You both most likely have a cell phone. You should have said if you find a place call me. Then ask a few basic questions like how much? What is the size? What floor is it on? If you don't like any answers let her know you need to see it before a deposit is left. Just take what they offered you and move on 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmfao Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) From my experience so far in Thailand, contracts don't seen to matter, The bathroom sink in my previous apartment fell of the wall and narrowly missed my foot, I went to the Managers office thinking he would be concerned about my narrow escape from injury but instead he slapped a 800 Baht fee to replace the sink lol I stood strong and eventually he turn a blind eye to the charge, so persistent does pay off in Thailand.... Edited January 13, 2014 by lmfao 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post FiftyTwo Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) It's actually a good lesson for you to learn. Rule 1 Never allow a Thai to do anything on their own, especially when it affects you. Rule 2 Never let your Thai woman buy (or arrange a purchase) anything on your behalf. I learnt that my first week here. Edited January 13, 2014 by FiftyTwo 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSixpack Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I think the lack of communication with your wife was the problem. You knew she was looking at places. You both most likely have a cell phone. You should have said if you find a place call me. Then ask a few basic questions like how much? What is the size? What floor is it on? If you don't like any answers let her know you need to see it before a deposit is left. Just take what they offered you and move on Good ol' Monday morning quarterbacking! One of our most beloved TV sports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post lmfao Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 It's actually a good lesson for you to learn. Rule 1 Never allow a Thai to do anything on their own, especially when it affects you. Rule 2 Never let your Thai woman buy (or arrange a purchase) anything on your behalf. I learnt that my first week here. Really that's a broad statement, My Thai girlfriend is really good with money and is a very capable when it comes to decision making, much better than most of my previous non Thai girlfriends but she works in management... maybe I just got lucky 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circusman Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 It's actually a good lesson for you to learn. Rule 1 Never allow a Thai to do anything on their own, especially when it affects you. Rule 2 Never let your Thai woman buy (or arrange a purchase) anything on your behalf. I learnt that my first week here. Really that's a broad statement, My Thai girlfriend is really good with money and is a very capable when it comes to decision making, much better than most of my previous non Thai girlfriends but she works in management... maybe I just got lucky Mine has a good business head also. Shouldn't be but does. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post pkspeaker Posted January 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) Funny, I had THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ONCE lol, once i arrived with the tourist police, they coughed it up, call the tourist police thats what they're there for. basically, it was about 8 years ago in pattaya i went to the TP office and a short interview with someone that speaks english, then a cop that doesn't speak english accompanied me to the reception and after a few words i had my money back..all of it, i remember it was 9000 and they wanted to give me back something like 3 or 5.. tell the police the apartment had been misrepresented to your wife and/or the language barrier was the problem, ie: they didn't tell you there was no lift, then demand to know who exactly was this other person that they had to turn down because they promised the unit to you..yaknow you gotta talk this stuff up again, they gave it all back, there wasn't even a 1000 baht that they kept. Edited January 13, 2014 by pkspeaker 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wordworx Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 (edited) It's a deposit. Why your wife would offer to pay more, especially when you had not inspected and when you did so you immediately found it unsuitable... Well, that must be some other story. Is the gal who took the money and whoever (if anybody other than her BF) she talked to on the phone taking advantage? Yes. Will they (or she) take your money, split it up (or keep it for herself), never report it to the owner? Of course. Still, deposit is a deposit. Get back what you can and lesson learned. ... But, like a couple others here, I am also somewhat *surprised*. What Thai woman offers to remit more to, of all types, property managers? And remits substantially more. You having not even seen the place. No phone call first. ... Edited January 13, 2014 by Wordworx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loles Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Man, you take your 3000 THB and forget them immediately. What can you do else? If you go to the police they don't care at all or if you get bad luck you have to pay to them more with any reason. If you go to lawyers they will laugh and will ask 15 000 THB in advance. The landlord already decided about your refund (3000) so won't loose face to change. Other way I guess "she" couldn't pay so quickly like this if she had to spend her own money. And how did you get this idea to send "her" to find apartment for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oogster8 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Get a new wife. wholeheartedly agree.................lol. 5th floor no lift..........................hahahahahahahaha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oogster8 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Get a new wife. wholeheartedly agree.................lol. 5th floor no lift..........................hahahahahahahaha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukrules Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Always pay the absolute minimum deposit for anything you ever order anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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