Asked by a couple trying Pattaya before they commit

“Can I rent a condo for three to six months instead of a full year?”

My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in Pattaya

Six months is possible with some owners, usually at a slightly higher rent. Twelve months is the norm.

Around 80% of landlords want a 12-month contract. The ones who accept six months are usually owners whose place has been on the market a while, and a six-month renter normally pays a little more.

Rentals need to be a month or more. Anything by the day or week is treated as a hotel, so for a short first look, a hotel or serviced apartment is simpler.

Renting before you buy is exactly what I'd do, and most people move area at least once as their life changes.

Up to date as of November 2026. Rules in Thailand change often, so check the current position before you act.

Next stepSee rentals at East Coast Real Estate

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More questions: RentingAll 43 questions →
Renting · Asked by someone moving next month“How much do I need up front to rent a condo, and is there an agency fee?”Usually two months' deposit plus one month's rent in advance. The renter pays no agency fee.My full answer Renting · Asked by a remote worker“What should I budget for a decent one-bed condo?”Around ฿20,000 a month. Our average across both agencies is just over ฿18,000 for a one-bed of 30 to 45 square metres.My full answer Renting · Asked by a first-time renter“Friends lost their whole deposit at the end of a lease. How do I avoid that?”It mostly happens to people who rented direct or through a freelancer. A proper agency mediates when there's a disagreement.My full answer Renting · Asked by a family of four“What does a family house with a pool cost to rent?”Roughly ฿40,000 to ฿50,000 a month with a pool, or ฿30,000 to ฿40,000 without.My full answer