When moving into a new country/city, taking on a new lease can often feel overwhelming and confusing.
Probably, the biggest detail that is on every renter’s mind is:
What are the addition costs of renting a property?
This article, will review the “Additional Costs” of a Rental Condo which can usually be broken down into “Maintenance Costs and Utility Bills.”
Before reviewing both cost categories, please note that Common Area Fees, Juristic Office Fees and Building Insurance are expenses covered by the Landlord. This is a Bangkok standard; and if the Landlord or Agent representing the property demands that this be paid, caution is advised.
1. Maintenance Costs
This is often a grey-area, which can lead to confusion and disagreements between a renter and his landlord. So when does Tenant’s responsibility end and Landlord’s responsibility start?
The simple and logical rule-of-thumb is:
– Any damages caused directly by the Tenant’s actions are his/her responsibility.
(Example: You accidentally crack the shower head it is your responsibility to replace the fitting)
– Any issues arising from “non-direct” causes are the Landlord’s responsibility.
(Example: The fridge/washing-machine stops working after 2 Months of Tenancy)
Based on these two rules, it is advised to raise any issues with a Condo as soon as you Move-in. In that way, Landlord is made aware of problems in the Unit early in the Tenancy and is unlikely to claim that it is the Client’s responsibility.
Secondly, any issues/damages should be alerted to the landlord or fixed immediately to ensure the problem is not aggravated.
2. Utility Bills
This section applies only to private Condos, not Apartments which are whole buildings owned by a single company. Apartment operations (Depending on the Building/Company) sometimes charge differently, from the usual government rates.
However if you are renting a “Private Condo”, you will be liable to pay:
– Electricity Bill
The provider of electricity in Bangkok is the “Metropolitan Electricity Authority”. Rates vary but a broad approximate range would be:
1 Bed = 700-1500 THB PCM
2 Beds = 1300-2500 THB PCM
*These are only ranges and really depend on Unit and overall electricity consumption.
By far the biggest contributor to your Electricity Bill will be Air-Con usage. Your Electricity Bill can be paid at any Counter Service (I.e. 7-Eleven).
– Water Bill
Water is extremely cheap in Bangkok and usually the price will vary between 100- 500 THB PCM for a 1 or 2 Bed. Water is paid directly to your Condo Management Office.
– Internet
No home is complete, without functioning and fast Wifi!
Bangkok is an extremely connected city, and finding an internet provider is easy. Some popular companies include True, AIS and TOT. All you will need to apply is:
– A Copy of your Lease Agreement
– Passport/ID
– The Property Address.
The Internet Provider usually sets-up a Technician appointment/visit to setup the router. The process usually only takes up to 1 Week; please note there is an initial set-up cost and then you go on to paying monthly (Minimum Contract is usually 12 Months).
Once you end your Lease ensure you have properly cancelled the package as the Landlord may claim damages for unpaid Bills/Cancellation Fees.
Finally …
No discussion of Rental Costs would be complete without a quick review of Security Deposit refunds. Despite the numerous “nightmare stories” from experience Landlord tend to refund Deposits without any discussion. The process usually takes 15-30 Days to allow the Landlord time to inspect the property and pay outstanding utility bills.
Out of courtesy and to ensure a smooth refund process, it is always a good idea as a renter to empty the property of any personal belongings (I.e. Leftover food in the Fridge) and to get the Unit cleaned upon check-out!
