[Mambattedge]

I think this ia a good example of an english rental contract:
http://www16.brinkster.com/woea/pent...alcontract.htm

[Yarikoff]

We didn't have to do that. It sounds like they had problems with people skipping out with unpaid bills or something. I would bet the deposit is negotiable.

[Caursedus]

In Australia they have apartments, units and flats all are basically the same thing, but we never call any dwelling a condominium. I have always known the USA has condominium's but I always thought a condominium was the same as an apartment, thanks for showing me the difference, now I know.

[BgpOoGI2]

HOW TO...: Find a place to live

The Nation, Published on May 23, 2003

If you are new to Bangkok and without a lot of time to locate a place you would really like to live, it’s probably best to find somewhere adequate to begin with, try to obtain a short-term renewable lease and begin searching for a place that suits you best.

Where To Look

Many expats settle for the Sukhumvit or Silom areas because of the convenient access to transport, shopping, nightlife and other necessities. A one-bedroom, half-decent apartment in a reasonable complex starts at about Bt20,000. If you like a bit of space, maybe an extra room for a study, then prices will begin at about Bt35,000. Large three bedroom apartments of say 1,200 to 1,500 square feet (112 sq metre to 140 sqm) range between Bt45,000 and Bt55,000.

With these sort prices, the apartment complex will probably have a swimming pool, fitness centre and a small convenience store, as well as security.

Standard leases are generally for one year, with the equivalent of two month’s rent as a deposit and one month’s rent in advance. Don’t count on getting your deposit back, as many landlords find lots of reasons to hold on them, or delay repaying, hoping you will give up in the end. And seeing there is no recourse to any decent consumer affairs body, most people do.

It is also important to make the distinction between a condominium and an apartment. With condominiums, utility charges, power, water, telephone and so on are channelled through the condo management and a surcharge for each is added. Surcharges vary and are commensurate with the greed of the person who sets them. Some are downright extortionate, while all are an insidious way to squeeze extra money out of the tenant. If you rent, for example, a Bt25,000-a-month condo, expect the true monthly outlay to be about Bt40,000, once utilities and service charges have been taken into account.

With apartments, on the other hand, bills from utility companies are sent directly to the tenant, so there are no management surcharges.

Rents for apartments and condos further down Sukhumvit Road, from Soi Thong Lor onwards, tend to be cheaper, although the quality is not of the same standard. However, perfectly adequate condos and apartments in areas such as Thong Lor, Ekamai, Phra Khanong, On Nut, and beyond can be had for about Bt15,000, and in some cases, even less.

Head even further east along Sukhumvit to the Udomsuk or Bang Na areas and you can pick up one- or two-bedroom condos in pleasant complexes, or even detached houses, from between Bt7,000 and Bt12,000.

The Phetchaburi Road and Phya Thai Road areas tend to have apartments and condos that offer the same convenience as the lower number Sukhumvit sois, but at rents around 25 to 30 per cent less.

And if you are in search of real bargains and are hardy enough to handle a lengthy commute if you work in the city, areas in greater Bangkok offer extremely good value.

In many of these areas there is a glut of empty, free-standing townhouses with owners more than eager to rent at knockdown prices.

In these areas, notably along the Bang Na-Trad highway, a furnished two- or three-bedroom townhouse, with furniture and air-conditioners can be rented for as little as Bt5,000 a month. Large detached houses, with four bedrooms and big gardens go for between Bt15,000 and Bt20,000.

Also worth exploring are some of the peaceful pockets of Bangkok that run off main sois and have escaped the bulldozers. You maybe surprised at what you find. A large three-bedroom house with a garden only 100 metres off a main road in the Phetchaburi area was recently rented for just Bt18,000 a month. Across the road, a two-storey, two-bedroom, semi-detached apartment was going for the same price.

Resources

Finding places like these depends more on luck and legwork than anything else.

English-language newspapers carry classified ads for rentals most days, but most tend to be aimed at the expatriate market and, therefore, prices are inflated. Get a Thai friend to check out classifieds in the local press or real estate magazines.

Many landlords post “for rent” signs in English (obviously signs in English mean the landlord is looking for an expat tenant) on utility poles or fences around the house or apartment building.

Some don’t even do that. They leave it up to you to find out if a place is up for rent. If you see an apartment building that you like the looks of, go inside and ask if there are any units for rent. Chances are there will be. Also, chances are the landlord will be asking above market price, so be prepared to bargain. If it is a condo, make sure you get a rundown of management fees, utility surcharges and other extras.

The same applies to houses. If you see a house that looks well-maintained but empty, ask the neighbours who owns it, get the phone number of the owner, call, and convince him or her that renting the place to you is a good idea.

[DownloadMan]

Damn, I heard that they have always been made of wood, Brick and concrete.

Or is it that you have not really figured out what one is even tho you seemed to clarify the meanings.

[boltondd]

If you go to the Tower of London you will find Henry IIX's was made of steel. His armour has the biggest codpiece you can find anywhere

[MeatteCen]

Thank you for clarifying the difference Paul.

[Caursedus]

Did you know, 100 years ago, before modern plastics, and synthetics, a Condo was made of soft leather.

[DownloadMan]

Yes, I too would like to say thanks for the clarification..
I thought a "CONDO" was something you carried in your wallet to protect you from STD.

[sessoorale]

Yes, I too would like to say thanks for the clarification..
I thought a "CONDO" was something you carried in your wallet to protect you from STD.

Good one!

[Nupbeaupeteew]

I think you should look at Mansion 91, Sukhumvit soi 91. It is a short bus ride (or walk if you don't mind the heat) from On Nut. Soi 91 is very short and the building is easy to find, even at night. Just enter the soi and look for the 8 floor apartment building on the right. There is always someone in the office during the day and they usually have apartments.

I lived there off and on for almost a year and it was great. Quiet, good ventilation, great neighbors, 24 hr security. Short walk to excellent food venders on soi 95. Just gotta watch out for the phone bill

Hope u like it. If you want a smaller building, let me know and I will check with friends in prakanong area.