Finding a place in Bangkok when you arrive
Robin · in Bangkok on a DTV since April 2026
Updated 20 October 2026 · figures from the 3,863 condos for rent on BKK Radar
1. Book your first month before you land
Almost every condo listing in the Facebook groups that gives a lease length asks for a year or more. For your first weeks, book a serviced apartment by the month, an Airbnb of 30 nights or more, or a hotel.
Lease of a year or more
98%
of the condos that state a length
Why 30 nights or more?
Under Thailand's Hotel Act, renting out a room for less than a month may count as running a hotel, and many residences ban it in their house rules.
Aim for 30 nights or more, or for a place that holds a hotel licence.
2. Use that month to choose your neighbourhood
Walk around at different hours: a soi that is quiet at noon can be loud at midnight. Here is the going rent for a one-bedroom condo, today.
| Neighbourhood | Median rent | Listings | Alert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asok41 listings | 35,000 ฿ | 41 | |
| Phrom Phong36 listings | 30,250 ฿ | 36 | |
| Thonglor165 listings | 30,000 ฿ | 165 | |
| Ekkamai43 listings | 23,000 ฿ | 43 | |
| On Nut84 listings | 16,000 ฿ | 84 | |
| Ari17 listings | 25,000 ฿ | 17 | |
| Rama 9252 listings | 21,000 ฿ | 252 | |
| Ratchada - Huai Khwang144 listings | 16,250 ฿ | 144 |
3. Ask for 6 months instead of 12
Listings that give a short-term price usually charge more per month for it. Some “one year minimum” listings still accept six months if you ask, usually for a higher rent.
Accept 6 months or less
45
condos for rent that say so
4. Before you pay: four checks
- Deposit: usually two months, plus the first month's rent in advance. If they ask for more, ask why.
- No transfer before you have seen the place, not even a “booking fee”.
- No commission unless it is written in the contract.
- Ask to see the owner's ID and the unit's title deed: the name should match the account you pay. If it does not, ask why before paying.
Two months' deposit
96%
of the condos that state a deposit
Pay before a visit
5
condos for rent flagged
5. After signing: TM30, then the 90-day report
Within 24 hours, the owner must report your address to immigration (form TM30). Ask for the receipt.
Keep it: immigration may ask for it when you extend your DTV stay (once, up to 180 days) and for the 90-day address report, due if you stay more than 90 days in a row.
Not legal advice