Ok, you found the perfect accomodation for your stay in Koh Chang, you are ready to move in and enjoy your life in the island. Here is a quick check list for you.

The lease.

Before moving in you must sign a lease, or tenancy agreement. This document  guarantees the lessee (the renter, you) the use of the accomodation during a period of time, and guarantees the lessor (the property owner) that you will pay him every month/year for this.
The lease should include these details :
  • The property address.
  • The rental ammount.
  • The security deposit.
  • The date commencement and the duration of the lease.
  • The identity and address of the owner/landlord.
This document will be legaly binding you for a long time, so read it carefuly, understand it completely, and keep a copy for you. You should ask for a double check to your real estate agent. If the owner didn’t give you a copy, ask your real estate agent to remind the owner that you are entitled to get a copy.

Security Deposit

The security deposit is money you must pay before moving in. It’s used as a security for the landlord. It should be given back to you at the end of the leasing period, unless you caused any damage to the property and you couldn’t pay any rent.
Please ask for a receipt when you pay the security deposit. This document should include :
  • A signature of you and a signature of the person getting the money.
  • A clear statement that this is a security deposit for the property you are interested in.
  • The ammount of money received and the date of the transaction.

The Inspection Report

When you have signed these two documents and paid the security deposit, you should get an Inspection Report. This document should provide a statement of the condition of the house, of the furnitures, etc. for all the area you are signing for : every room, every wall, window, door, closet, etc. You must inspect the accomodation in every detail with the landlord and fill this document before moving in.
Here in Koh Chang, we have moved out and in a lot of houses after all these years, and we know by the experience that most of the owners/landlords don’t provide this document. It can be ok to do without it if you know what you are doing and who you are dealing with, but it could cause you a lot of trouble also. Deman it !
If the owner doesn’t seem to care about it : ask assistance to your real estate agent.