Apt./Condo Rental - Wiring Money For Contract

[wolf3351]

I will be studying abroad in Bangkok in August, and I've been working on finding an apartment/condo to rent while studying there. I came across the C Residence, which looked very clean, nice, and had a reasonable price. After contacting them asking for a reservation, I was told that I need to transfer 5,000 baht (~$150) to a bank account so they can prepare the lease agreement. -->

"Thank you for your interested in C Residence. Yes for next step please make a reservations by transfer the money 5,000 Baht to this below Bank account. And send your passport copy for prepare the lease contract before you coming and let's we know about the additional what is you want in the room."

Clearly, if this were to happen in the USA I would run the other way because I would think it's a scam, however I do not know how Bangkok traditionally does rentals so I don't know if this is normal or a scam.

Some insight on how rentals are done in Bangkok would be helpful, and I would definitely like to know if I should proceed with this rental or find someone else.

Thanks!

[ukrules]

Wait until you get here.

[allane]

Normally, a three month deposit is required at the time of move in; first and last month's rent, and 1 mo. damage deposit. On a presumption that you are being asked for only one month's rent, their request seems reasonable. Still, it is AYOR. If you decide to proceed, keep a copy of whatever transmission slip (receipt) you are given to serve as proof that you sent the money.

[wolf3351]

I might add, that the rent per month is 10,500 baht (around $300), therefore this would not be a deposit amount. The deposit is 19,000 baht. It appears to be a reservation fee? I'm not sure. In any case, I responded to the residence saying I will sign when I arrive (unless I still have to pay the 5,000 baht, in which case I would take my business somewhere else).