BANGKOK, Thailand – The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has reminded landlords and rental operators that reductions in electricity prices must be passed on to tenants following new measures approved by the National Energy Policy Council. The measures include lowering the residential electricity tariff for the first 200 units of monthly consumption to 3 baht per unit and extending residential rates to rental houses, dormitories, apartments, and homes without household registration. Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi said the policy is consistent with existing OCPB regulations governing residential rental contracts. Under the rules, landlords may charge tenants only the actual electricity and water rates billed by utility providers and are prohibited from adding surcharges or profit margins. Rental agreements must also clearly state how utility charges are calculated.
Supamas said the OCPB has already inspected rental properties in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng area and Udon Thani province and has ordered nationwide inspections after the new electricity tariff takes effect. The agency will also coordinate with the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the Provincial Electricity Authority, and all Damrongdharma Centers to help ensure tenants receive the lower electricity rates. The OCPB warned that landlords who violate the regulations face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. The rules also limit advance rent and security deposits to a combined maximum of three months’ rent and require security deposits to be returned within seven days after a tenancy ends if no damage has occurred. Tenants who believe they have been overcharged or treated unfairly can file complaints through the OCPB Hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the OCPB website, or Provincial Damrongdharma Centers. (NNT)
