BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi led an inspection of residential rental businesses in Udon Thani province today (June 19) as authorities expanded a crackdown on unfair lease practices and excessive charges imposed on tenants. The inspection, conducted following recent operations in Bangkok, was in response to recurring complaints about high water and electricity charges, unclear fees, and conditions that allow landlords to retain security deposits. Authorities said many complaints filed with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board have already been resolved.
Under current regulations, rental operators must use standard-form lease agreements written in clear Thai and provide tenants with copies of their contracts. Water and electricity charges cannot exceed utility providers’ rates, and the combined amount of advance rent and security deposits may not exceed three months’ rent. Landlords are required to return security deposits within seven days after a lease ends if no damage to the property is found, with officials warning that violations can result in imprisonment, fines, or both. Tenants were also reminded to carefully review lease agreements, utility charges, deposit conditions, and other fees before renting a property, and to retain contracts and receipts as evidence in the event of disputes. (NNT)
