Renting for a Trip to Thailand: Deposits, TM30 and What to Check First

Before booking, look past the photos and price: confirm the exact address, cancellation terms, deposit amount, utility costs and the building's own rules on parking and check-in.

Deposits and payment

There's no fixed national rule for deposit size or payment timing — that's set by the individual landlord, agency or platform. Get the amount and refund conditions in writing, ask for a contract or booking confirmation before paying, and never send a deposit to an account unconnected to the listing or an unverified owner.

Short-term rentals under a month

A private condo or house doesn't automatically become a legal short-stay property just because it's listed on a booking platform — very short stays can fall under the Hotel Act and require an actual hotel licence. Bookings of a month or longer are generally treated as ordinary rentals, but the building's own rules still apply. For a stay of just a few days, a licensed hotel, resort or serviced apartment is the safer choice.

TM30 and TDAC

• TM30: notifying Immigration of a foreign guest's address is normally the host's, owner's or hotel manager's responsibility, within 24 hours of check-in, filed through the online TM30 system
• TDAC: every foreign arrival must file Thailand's Digital Arrival Card online within 3 days of arrival, regardless of accommodation type

Check-in and check-out checklist

• Get a written contract or booking confirmation before paying
• Photograph the property's condition — furniture, appliances, walls — on arrival
• Note meter readings if the contract calls for them
• Confirm deposit-return timing and conditions in writing before you check out

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with Thai Immigration and the property owner directly. Checked 25 September 2026.