Renting a condo or apartment in Hua Hin, Thailand

So what exactly is the difference between an apartment and condominium here in Thailand? I get asked this question so many times, I thought it's best to settle it here once and for all. The difference is simple. An apartment is owned by an single entity or individual where all units are for rent only, whereas a condo comprises of many units that are owned by different individuals. Condo units may be for rent or sale.

I find that Hua Hin apartments units also tend to be larger and more spacious than condo units, simply because condominiums are sold for a profit, thus it is only natural that the developer tries to squeeze as many units into one building. I suppose this is the case anywhere on the world and condo units can only get smaller with the rising construction costs.

However, there is a utility surcharge for all Hua Hin apartments that can be quite significant when you total that all up at the end of each month. Electricity charges direct from the M.E.A. is 3.75 baht per unit and apartments tend to charge between 4 - 7 baht per unit depending on the grade of the apartment and the facilities it offers. Apartments usually charge a flat rate for water, around 1000 baht per month which is about a 100% mark up from the actual rate.

For apartments, all repair and maintenance costs are included in the rent, however with condos, depending on your landlord, most private contracts stipulate that the tenant is responsible for day to day, minor repairs not exceeding 2000 baht each time.

The other thing many tenants are concerned about is getting high speed internet connected at home. ADSL in Thailand comes through the telephone line. Thus, as long as there is a land line at home, you have a chance to be connected to the ADSL world. However, if your rental unit is an older property, chances are your phone lines will be in analog which makes getting ADSL impossible. The only way around that would be install a new, digital line yourself which is a pretty painless process and takes a week or so to be installed.

Almost all rental properties come internet ready - meaning there is a phone line installed. Meaning, there is a digital phone line installed where you can easily apply for an ADSL account with any local ISP. For some reason, majority of landlords prefer the internet connection to be made in the tenant's name which is easily done. Internet charges are rarely included in the rent unless indicated specifically on our website or during final negotiations.

The same applies for long-stay apartments. Internet line is connected when you move in and disconnected when you move out, until someone else takes over the unit. However, serviced apartments are a difference case. Since they operate like hotels, wireless internet is usually readily available when you check in and included in the rental rates.