Renting a Condo Near Chula: How Much Money Do You Need Upfront?

Looking for a condo near Chulalongkorn University, also known as Chula, or in the Sam Yan area? One of the questions Baan Ying Property hears most often from students and parents is: “How much money do we need before moving in?”

If your chosen unit requires one month’s rent in advance and a two-month security deposit, you will need a total equal to three months’ rent for these two items.

For example, a condo renting for THB 21,000 per month requires THB 63,000 upfront under these terms. This consists of a THB 21,000 reservation payment credited toward the first month’s rent, plus a THB 42,000 security deposit.

The terms below are an example. Confirm the amounts and payment dates for your chosen unit before making a reservation.

What Do You Pay Before Moving In?

In this example, there are two payments, made at different stages.

1. Reservation payment: one month’s rent
Paid when you agree to reserve the unit. This payment is credited toward your first month’s rent.

2. Security deposit: two months’ rent
Paid on the agreed move-in date. This is separate from your rent and is refundable under the lease terms after the tenancy ends and the unit is handed back.

How Does the Reservation Payment Cover Your First Month’s Rent?

Once you have chosen a unit and agreed on the details with the landlord, you pay the reservation amount. In this example, it equals one month’s rent.

Suppose Piti chooses a condo at THB 21,000 per month and plans to move in at the beginning of August. Piti pays THB 21,000 to reserve the unit, with the agreement that this payment covers August’s rent.

Piti does not need to pay August’s rent again on move-in day. It has already been covered by the reservation payment.

Before transferring money, make sure the written reservation confirmation states what the payment covers, the tenancy start date, and the cancellation or change-of-plan terms.

How Much Is the Security Deposit?

The security deposit is separate from advance rent. In this example, it equals two months’ rent and is paid on the agreed move-in date.

For a condo renting at THB 21,000 per month, the deposit is:

THB 21,000 × 2 = THB 42,000

When Piti signs the lease and moves in at the beginning of August, Piti pays the landlord a further THB 42,000 as the security deposit.

The deposit is returned according to the lease terms after the tenancy ends and the unit is handed back. The amount returned depends on the inspection and any applicable deductions, such as unpaid bills or damage for which the tenant is responsible. Check the refund terms and timeframe before signing.

Example: When Do You Pay for a THB 21,000 Condo?

Here is the payment timeline for this example:

• When reserving the unit: Pay THB 21,000, credited toward August’s rent.

• When signing the lease and moving in at the beginning of August: Pay the THB 42,000 security deposit.

• For the following month: Pay rent by the due date stated in the lease.

Total reservation payment and security deposit: THB 63,000. This already includes the first month’s rent.

Other expenses, such as moving costs and personal household items, are not included in this total.

How Much Should You Prepare at Different Rental Prices?

If the terms are one month’s advance rent plus a two-month security deposit, use this calculation:

Monthly rent × 3 = first month’s rent plus security deposit

• THB 15,000/month: Prepare THB 45,000

• THB 18,000/month: Prepare THB 54,000

• THB 21,000/month: Prepare THB 63,000

• THB 25,000/month: Prepare THB 75,000

• THB 30,000/month: Prepare THB 90,000

These figures illustrate the calculation only. They do not confirm current market prices or available listings, and they apply only to units with the payment terms described above.

What Other Expenses Should You Budget For?

Before moving into a condo near Chula or Sam Yan, ask what is included in the rent and whether any additional charges apply, such as:

• Moving services and personal household items.

• Internet service or installation, if not included.

• Parking, access cards or building move-in charges, where applicable.

• Water and electricity bills based on your usage after moving in.

These expenses vary by unit and building. Checking them in advance will help you plan your budget more accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay the first month’s rent again after making a reservation payment?

Not in this example. The reservation payment is credited toward the first month’s rent. Make sure this is stated in the written reservation confirmation.

Do I need to pay the full amount on the reservation date?

In this example, you pay one month’s rent to reserve the unit, followed by the two-month security deposit on move-in day. Always follow the payment schedule agreed for your chosen unit.

Will I receive the full security deposit back?

This depends on the condition of the unit when returned, any outstanding bills and the lease terms. Check the possible deductions and refund timeframe before signing.

Will my reservation payment be refunded if I cancel?

If you cancel the reservation, the payment may be non-refundable under the agreed reservation terms. Before paying, obtain written confirmation of the cancellation and refund conditions, including what happens if the landlord cannot hand over the unit as agreed.

Explore Condos for Rent Near Chula and Sam Yan

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You can also share your monthly budget, preferred move-in date and the projects you are interested in with Baan Ying Property. We can help check availability and confirm the payment details before you decide.