Condo viewing checklist

Questions to ask the landlord or agent

Ask these before you agree to anything. Write the answers down, or ask for them by LINE or email so you have them in writing.

• What's the rent for 6 months, and for 12?Longer leases are usually cheaper per month.
• How much is the deposit and advance rent, and when exactly do I get the deposit back?Landlords with three or more rentals can't take more than three months in total, and must return it within 7 days (14 if there's damage).
• What do you charge per unit for electricity, and per unit for water?Covered landlords can't charge above the government rate. Ask to see a recent bill.
• What's included in the rent: internet, cleaning, common fees, parking?
• Who pays for repairs, and for cleaning the air conditioning?
• Will you file my TM30 within 24 hours, and give me the receipt?You need it for 90-day reports and extensions.
• Can you give me a copy of your ID card and the title deed or house book?You'll need them for a residence certificate, and some banks ask for them.
• Can I end the lease early, and how much notice do you need?
• Are pets allowed? Is smoking allowed?
• Is there a contract in English? Can I read it before I pay anything?
• How do I pay rent, and will I get a receipt every month?
• What does the building do in burning season?From about February to April the air in Chiang Mai can be very smoky. Sealed windows and an air purifier make a big difference.

What to check at the viewing

Go in daylight, and if you can, once more in the evening.

• Turn on the shower and the taps. Is the water pressure good, and does the hot water work?
• Run every air conditioner for a few minutes. Does it cool, and does it smell?
• Look for mould on ceilings, in wardrobes and behind curtains.
• Which way do the windows face?West-facing rooms get the afternoon sun and run hot.
• Listen for noise: roads, bars, construction next door, dogs.
• Check the phone signal and ask which internet providers the building has (for example AIS, True or 3BB).
• Look at the electricity and water meters, and note the numbers.
• Check the bed, sofa and fridge. Ask for anything broken to be fixed before you move in.
• If it's a ground-floor room, ask if it floods in rainy season.
• Check scooter or car parking, security, keycards, laundry, and the pool and gym hours.
• Walk to the nearest shop. Is it close enough for daily life without a scooter?

On move-in day

• Photograph and video every room, the furniture and any damage, and send it to the landlord the same day.Dated photos are your best protection when it's time to get the deposit back.
• Photograph the electricity and water meter readings.
• Sign an inventory of the furniture and appliances, and keep a copy.
• Count the keys and keycards you've been given.
• Get your TM30 receipt within a day or two, and take a photo of it.
• Save the landlord's and building manager's numbers, and add them on LINE.