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How can I find a 6-month rental in Thailand when most landlords prefer 1-year contracts?

Rental agreements Short-term leases Thailand housing Expat living DTV Visa Property rental tips Negotiation with landlords

Dec 22, 2024

2 months ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello guys,

In 2026 I will surely apply for the DTV VISA but for the year 2025 I only plan to stay 6 months in Thailand.

How do you manage to rent for 6 months? 

I have the impression that it's an obstacle course. 99% of landlords only want a minimum one-year contract.

For those of you who have been able to rent for 6 months, how did you manage?

My agent have recommended that I rent for 1 year, but he'd find me a renter at the end of the 6 months.

Do you have any advice?

Thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Navigating short-term rentals in Thailand can be challenging, especially as most landlords prefer minimum one-year contracts. However, expats have shared various strategies to secure a 6-month rental. Suggestions include negotiating directly with landlords for shorter leases, being open to higher monthly rates, or considering properties listed on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. It's also advisable to carefully read the terms regarding deposits and ensure you thoroughly vet potential rental agreements, possibly opting for a year-long contract with a strategy for subletting later.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Toni *******

Where are you heading? I can (maybe, i will ask if youre interested) get you a 6month lease in my village, nong prue near pattaya. I think about

*****

thb/month for a 3bedroom house, landlord is norwegian

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Romain ****

If i were you i would apply for dtv asap, will avoid any surprise if they make conditions harder, you can use it for the next 5 years then ;)

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Toni *******

true, based on this group some embassies are going crazy already.

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Romain ****

some are asking nonsense stuff like proof of accommodation for 6 months ! But no one forces you to stay in Thailand for 6 months, and even less at the same place 😆😆 I’m happy I requested in the first days in Paris, took a month but not any question asked just received the pdf directly 😆😆

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Toni *******

oh, they did ask for the latest payslip (workcation)

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Toni *******

i applied in august, was only asked for the stuff it says in the official requirements, nothing extra

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Toni *******

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Charles **********

NEVER pay 2 months deposit, you won’t get it back, sign up for a year contract , say you have emergency back home but give a few weeks notice. Some landlords won’t mind as they get to pocket your deposit , also you should try find someone yourself maybe to take over the lease before you move

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Martin ********

@Charles *********

I wouldn’t rent from someone who was subletting without confirmation from the landlord that he accepts this. Nor would I sign a 12 month contract knowing I was going to break the lease.

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Martin ********

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Lianne ********

What is your nationality? I don't think the DTV is worth it for 6 months if you can do 2 60-day tourist visas with 30 day extensions

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Greg ********

As others have said there are 6 monthly rentals around at a slightly higher monthly rate. Signing for a year and not getting a tenant to take over the last 6 months means you will lose your 2 months deposit. The agent will be laughing as they get the commission on the next one too. If you believe the agent will find you someone to take over your rental ie work for free I have a bridge to sell you. They want you to sign for a year so they get the commission

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Tae'lur ********

You can find six month stays but usually they charge more because of the shorter lease

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René *******

In which area you want to stay? and what period of year 2025?

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Pete *******

Very easy to get monthly rentals just expect to pay a bit more than for a year contract.

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David ********

A lot do 6 months but a higher rate. I currently have a tenant on a 6 month contract.

Check FB marketplace and start sending messages to the ones you like

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Andy ************

Most landlords want 12 months, but some will negotiate, but expect to pay a higher rent. For example a 10,000/month apartment you might get for

*****

/month on a 6-month basis

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Jens ********

are you here already?

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Christopher ********

Ask them if they can do six month contract one month deposit until someone does. I did it.

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Christopher ********

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