Жильё: Бангкок

The hour after you get the keys decides how your deposit conversation goes when you move out. The landlord holds the deposit, so the record you make now is your evidence later. Before any furniture comes in: - Walk every room with the landlord or agent and film it slowly, then take close-ups of any marks. - Test every air-con unit, the water heater, all taps and drains, and every socket. - Photograph the electricity and water meter readings. - Count keys, key cards and remotes. - Write an inventory of the furniture and its condition, and have both sides sign it. - Send the photos and inventory to the landlord the same day so they are dated. Under the 2025 lease rules, landlords covered by them must return the deposit within 7 days, or within 14 days if they deduct repair costs. Room-by-room checklist: https://elefymove.com/en-US/blog/condo-move-in-inspection-checklist-thailand-deposit

Quick utilities reality check for condo renters. If the meter is in the owner's name with MEA (Bangkok) or PEA (elsewhere), you pay the official tariff: since September 2026 the energy charge for the first 200 units is capped at 3 baht, before the Ft surcharge, service charge and VAT. Many apartment buildings re-bill electricity at their own rate instead. The OCPB announced in December 2025 that operators covered by its rules should charge tenants no more than 4.88 baht a unit, with no extra service margin. Before you sign, ask three questions: whose name is the meter in, what rate per unit will you be billed, and is that rate written in the contract? Photograph the meter on move-in day too. Worked bills for a studio, 1-bed and 2-bed with air-con, plus water and fibre internet prices: https://elefymove.com/en-US/blog/thai-condo-electricity-water-internet-costs-2026

Saw a Facebook or LINE listing that looks too good? Most rental scams we read about in Thailand this year follow the same script: a nice photo, a chat-only "landlord" who is abroad, and a request for a deposit or "booking fee" before you have seen anything. Five checks before any money moves: 1. Reverse-image search the photos. 2. View the unit in person, or on a live video call where they walk the room you will rent. 3. Ask for the title deed (chanote) or condo unit title and check the name matches the ID of the person you are paying. 4. Ask the building's juristic office whether the unit is really for rent. 5. Sign a written contract first, then pay into an account in the owner's name, and keep the receipt. Already paid? Report it at thaipoliceonline.go.th, call the 1441 anti-online-scam hotline and ask your bank to freeze the transfer as fast as you can. Full red-flag table and checklist: https://elefymove.com/en-US/blog/rental-scams-thailand-red-flags-verify-listing-2026