So you’ve got a visa for Thailand (or are about to apply for one) now you’re considering accomodation in Bangkok. How do you go about getting a rental? It can be intimidating to search for a new place to live, especially when starting out in an unfamiliar city.
Finding suitable rentals that – fit your budget, are in a good neighbourhood, and fulfil all your individual preferences can be tricky. There are lots of great resources online to help make the process easier. In this post, we will look at some key tips and advice on how to find the best long-term rental options in Bangkok so you can make an informed decision about where you’d like to call home.
Best websites to find long-term rentals in Bangkok
There are loads of websites to help you find a good place in Bangkok. We’ve selected a few starting with the more expensive and international online booking companies such as Airbnb which have everything furnished, ready to live in – just book and go.
You will find more affordable options and a larger range by looking at the local real estate websites. We recommend this option if you are committed to living in a particular area and want a good price.
Airbnb
We all know Airbnb. There are many places throughout Bangkok you can look at renting. Once you book a place for longer than a month you will see a reduction in the price.
The price is still a lot more than local options but you get the assurance of Airbnb – an international company, other user reviews, a secure system for rental payments and communication with the owner.
Airbnb could be a good option if you want to try a neighbourhood for a few months before committing to a longer, more permanent arrangement.
Visit site: https://www.airbnb.com/
Booking.com
You can get a serviced apartment through Booking.com. Essentially they are hotel level rooms with amenities, but offered for long-term stays.
The price is significantly higher than other options but the services and quality might be exactly what you are after.
Again, this is another good option if you want to try living in a neighbourhood before committing to something more permanent as you don’t have to be locked in for months on end. You may only be able to book month-by-month for some places on the website, but just tell them what you are after and they can usually work it all out.
Visit site: https://www.booking.com/
Nestpick
Nestpick is becoming a popular website for expats and digital nomads. It offers a good selection of long-term rentals in Bangkok and you can get some discounts if you book several months in advance.
The listings are all fully vetted so you know the accomodation will meet the standards advertised. The price range is good, and you can find both luxury options and budget friendly ones.
Visit site: https://www.nestpick.com/bangkok/
Local real estate listing websites
Thaiapartment.com
Is the largest Thai rental website focusing on Bangkok and its surrounding areas. It has an extensive list of properties and they have some good tools that allows you to search for specific amenities and locations.
The price range is very reasonable, so if you are looking for a more affordable option this website could be a great choice.
Visit site: http://thaiapartment.com/
Longtermlettings.com
This website is specifically for long-term rentals and it has a good selection of Bangkok apartments. You can filter your search by location, price or size so you can narrow down what you’re looking for quickly.
The website also offers some nice features like being able to book a viewing appointment directly from the website and there are no booking fees.
Visit site: https://www.longtermlettings.com/
Thailand-property.com
Another great website for finding long-term rentals in Bangkok. This website has a good selection of listings and you can filter your search by location, size or price.
One of the nice features is that you can search for properties based on the facilities and amenities they offer, such as whether it is pet friendly or if it has a pool.
Visit site: https://www.thailand-property.com/
9apartment
This is a good website for finding affordable long-term rentals. The prices are lower than other websites and there is an extensive list of properties to choose from.
The website also offers helpful advice on how to find the right place, such as which areas are best suited for certain lifestyles or budgets.
Visit site: https://en.9apartment.com/
What you need to rent a property in Thailand
Can a foreigner even rent an apartment in Thailand? Absolutely! It’s a simple process that anyone can achieve, regardless of the type of visa you have, including tourist visas. All you need to possess is a valid passport and enough money to cover your fees – then you’re all ready to go.
To secure a property, the landlord typically requests two months of refundable security deposit and one month’s rent in advance. Once you have left the premises in acceptable condition and taken care of all utilities bills, your landlord will return your security deposit back to you.
Tourists are limited to the duration of their visa when renting property, obviously. Foreigners looking for a longer stay can investigate other visas available in Thailand such as non-immigrant B or retirement visas designed specifically with people over 50 years old wanting to make Thailand their second home.
To ensure that you are up to date on the most recent visa regulations, we encourage you to contact your local Thai embassy or consulate for confirmation. Familiarizing oneself with the necessary requirements for renting in Thailand makes things much more straightforward and ensures that you’re prepared for what lies ahead.
Tips for foreigners when looking for a rental in Bangkok
Here are a few things to keep in mind if your an expat looking to rent in Bangkok:
- Having local connections will be of great help when it comes to finding places to rent. Working with a local who can help navigate the Thai language and culture can be invaluable. If needed you could also pay a translator to help you.
- To best assess an area you’re considering to live in, take a stroll and explore the neighbourhood. When something looks suitable, don’t hesitate to visit apartments for more insight into the location. Read reviews of restaurants nearby, check with a locals to hear their thoughts on the area. It’d be terrible to be locked into a 12 month contract and realise later the area you live is unsafe or lacks public transport.
- Look beyond the internet for postings and keep your eye out for signs around town advertising rentals. In Bangkok, on-the-ground networking may score you a great deal.
Cost to rent an apartment in Bangkok for a month
The cost of renting an apartment varies depending on the area and quality of the accommodation.
In general, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can be found for around 20,000 THB per month (approx. 600 USD). For something higher end you may need to pay closer to 40,000 THB (approx. 1200 USD).
In some of the quieter suburbs, you may find a one bedroom apartment for as little as 10,000 THB (approx. 300 USD) with basic amenities. These are not always well connected to public transportation and can be far from city centre services like hospitals, shops and entertainment venues.
If you are super tight on cash and don’t mind living on the outskirts of town, you may be able to find a studio apartment for as little as 5,000 THB (approx. 150 USD).
Renting in Thailand – what do different cities cost
Maybe you would consider renting somewhere outside of Bangkok? Here is a list of the approximate costs of renting in other locations around Thailand. Keeping in mind the price can vary greatly depending on the size and quality of the accommodation, as well as its location.
Some of the popular cities in Thailand:
- Bangkok – A one bedroom apartment close to city centre services will range from 20,000 – 40,000 THB per month (approx. 600 – 1200 USD).
- Chiang Mai – A one bedroom apartment in a decent neighbourhood will range from 10,000 – 20,000 THB per month (approx. 300 – 600 USD).
- Krabi – A two bedroom apartment can be found for around 15,000 THB per month (approx. 450 USD).
- Hua Hin – A two bedroom apartment can be found for around 10,000 THB per month (approx. 300 USD).
- Koh Samui – A one bedroom apartment on the beach can range from 15,000 – 30,000 THB per month (approx. 450 – 900 USD).
- Phuket – A one bedroom apartment close to the beach can range from 15,000 – 30,000 THB per month (approx. 450 – 900 USD).
- Pattaya – A two bedroom apartment in a decent neighbourhood will range from 10,000 – 20,000 THB per month (approx. 300 – 600 USD).
Arranging a viewing before signing a rental contract
Start by narrowing down your search by setting criteria such as location, budget, square footage and amenities. Many property websites offer listing services and you can often request a viewing through their platform. Ask if the listing agent has any recommendations on other nearby viewings to save time.
Be sure to take notes during the viewing – assessing furniture quality, getting an understanding of public transit options, checking out security systems are all worth noting – so you can refer to them when making a decision later on.
Other things to look out for are:
- Make sure to thoroughly inspect all electrical appliances, furniture and other items for any signs of malfunction or damage. If you should find anything that’s not functioning properly, take a photo as evidence so the homeowner will have no cause to accuse you of causing it.
- Some apartments don’t come with a washing machine, as the building has communal laundry facilities equipped with public machines. If you don’t like the idea of sharing, make sure you find a place that has one.
- Make sure to determine whether an electric boiler is present if your place does not feature central water heating. The electric boilers heat the cold water instantaneously.
- Modern complexes usually have a wide range of extra amenities, from swimming pools to saunas and gyms. Every resident can access these services – renters included! Check with the owner on usage terms and availability.
- Securing an apartment with your pet in tow might be a challenge, but it’s certainly not impossible. Though some high-rise complexes don’t accept animals, there are still plenty of options. Just be sure to check!
Signing a rental contract
Before signing a rental contract, make sure it is translated into English and that you understand all aspects of the contract. These agreements are usually provided in two languages by local real estate agencies, along with a copy of the owner’s identification card. Take your time to read through every clause before putting pen to paper.
When signing a rental agreement, both the landlord and renter will be required to sign two copies. For your own protection, it is essential that you keep one copy stored safely until the contract has expired.
Some things to look out for are:
- Are you certain that the rental amount in your contract is exactly what was agreed on?
- Does the landlord require an initial deposit and how much it will be?
- What happens if you need to end the lease earlier than expected?
- When should rent payments be made each month?
- If something needs repair in your apartment who incurs these costs?
- Who pays for utilities such as water, gas, or electricity bills?
- Are there any additional rules stated in this agreement that are important to know about?
Renting an unfurnished property vs furnished
Renting an unfurnished space could be ideal if you’re looking to create your own personalized home. On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend much time setting up or prefer not to bring your own furniture, furnishing within the property might be your better option.
It will give you peace of mind knowing that all the essentials are already there – no need to rush out to purchase items before moving in.
Paying for utilities – water, electricity, internet
You will need to take in consideration that you’ll have to pay for utilities such as water, electricity, and internet (unless you go with a service like AirBnB). The cost of these can vary depending on the size of your home and usage.
For a typical two bedroom apartment in Bangkok you could expect to pay around 1,500 THB (approx. 45 USD) per month for water, electricity and internet combined.
Some landlords may include these costs in the monthly rent while others might require you to make separate payments directly to the utility companies. Make sure to get clarity on this before signing a rental contract.
Summary
Finding the perfect long-term rental in Bangkok can be stressful, especially if you’re a foreigner. With so many websites to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your options.
Negotiate for the best deal and don’t shy away from inspecting the property thoroughly before signing any agreement.
Try looking on multiple websites and researching government regulations to get a well rounded understanding of pricing structures since deals can vary widely between tenants and landlords. Best of luck searching!
We do our best to provide the most accurate and helpful information, but rules and procedures can change at short notice. Your experience could be different depending on your country of origin and the locality and office you attend. For the most current information check official government sources and speak to a local attorney or immigration professional.
I’m a writer and videographer living abroad with my family. I enjoy learning language, understanding new cultures, experiencing places less-traveled and helping others to do the same.
