? Security Deposit (usually 2 months rent) *
? Monthly rental charge *
? Utility charges (including connection of water, electricity, telephone, cable TV)
? Furnishings
? Kitchen utensils, e.g. cutlery, crockery, cooking pans and etc., **
? Linen, e.g. bed sheets & towels

* Rental charges are usually paid in advance. The security deposit is returnable to you at the end of the rental period, usually following an inspection of the property by the vendor. Any sums to cover breakages or damage will be deducted from this amount.

** The majority of rental properties come fully furnished as you would expect, but none the less you should always factor these into your sums. There are an abundance of shops selling appliances, home furnishings and prices are usually cheaper than those of your home country.

Finding a location that suits your needs is probably just as important. In a place like Pattaya a lot of people are influenced by the entertainment venues, restaurants and bars. It?s often the case that after a few months when the novelty has worn off some people may wish that they had chosen somewhere a little more sedate. Perhaps you are relocating here for work requirements, in which case you may wish to consider somewhere a little quieter away from the noise or somewhere with good road transport links. Here are just some examples of the determining factors;

? Where will your place of work be? Do you need to be close-by?
? Do you know people here already? Do you need to be close to them?
? Are you a big water-sports enthusiast, would you prefer to be close to beach?
? Are you a night-owl? Would you like to be close to entertainment venues?
? Is shopping a big factor in your life?
? Are you a golfer? Do you need to be close to a golf course?
? Are you coming here to teach English? Do you need to be close to Schools?
? Are you here for a quiet life? Would you prefer a quiet area?

Determine what is important for you. It may be that there are several areas that may serve your purpose in which case you should take a look at properties there before making a decision. In all cases one of the REBA-ES members will gladly give you the benefit of our experience and advise you on all areas.

2. ENTRANCES - When looking at houses, make sure there are two entrance ways. There should be a way to enter the house from the front and the back in addition to any patio doors. As well, all doors should either lock or be able to have locks attached to them.

3. RESERVE WATER SUPPLY - Most homes will have a large water reserve system (tank & pump) in case of a main water supply failure from the city's own water reserve. This is of great importance since the city's water supply can be cut off at times! Note: This is most often for short periods of time, but can be very annoying if you do not have a reserve water system.

4. WINDOWS AND SCREENS - Check all windows for opening, closing and locking. Make sure that there are enough windows and doors with mosquito screens for your comfort.

5. OUTSIDE WATER SUPPLY - A house should have at least one outside water supply (spigot/faucet). You can buy the hose and clamps here, but any type of special nozzles for spraying may need to be brought with you (Local Hardware stores have them!).

6. CABLE OR SATELLITE TV RECEPTION - The local television reception is almost entirely in the Thai language. You will want to look for another option (cable and/or satellite) for TV viewing. We highly recommends the UBC Satellite television network. Remember! All televisions here are PAL format (not NTSC or MESCAM) but, multi systems VCR- DVD (video players) are easily obtainable.

7. HOT WATER SHOWER - You will find that many houses and condominiums will have a small water heater in the bathrooms for hot water showers. You may not find hot water in the kitchen, so make sure you look for a water heater! (Usually under the kitchen sink!). Also, check to see if a shower curtain is included. Bath tubs are a bit of a rarity also, so do not expect to always see one in a house or condominium.

8. GAS STOVE - Most of the time, you will see gas stoves in the kitchens. Check to see how many burners are available and whether there is an oven or not. Some places will have a micro wave oven which can be very handy to use.

9. REFRIGERATOR - The refrigerator should be at least medium size if not a large one. Many homes and condos will have one of the small refrigerators and they usually are just not enough. You may want to have your real estate consultant negotiate a larger one into the lease agreement.

10. UTILITIES AND APPLIANCES - It is very important that all of the homes utilities hardware, appliances and air conditioning equipment is in good working order. It is standard procedure with most Real Estate Agents to ensure that the properties Landlord/Owner does check and service all appliances, electrical outlets and switches, plumbing fixtures and air conditioning units before you move into your new home.

11. WASHING MACHINES - Not all of the houses and condos will feature a washing machine. There are laundry services everywhere and usually, they are quite reasonable in price. Dryers are even less seldom seen (hang the clothes out a few hours and they are dry!). If you do find a place that does have a washer or you decide to purchase one, remember that they are often gravity drained (there are often no pumps to get the water up and out). Also, check for places and space to hang out your clothes for drying.

12. AIR CONDITIONING - It would be best to have at least the bedrooms air conditioned. It takes most expats a good while to get acclimated to Thailand?s very hot weather??remember you also have a very high level of humidity here also!

13. TELEPHONES - You will most likely want to have a telephone (IDD-International Direct Dial). Normally they are in the homes and are most often assigned to the home owner?s account. Be sure and ask what sort of service their phone has and what is necessary to get IDD if it doesn't already have it.

14. STORAGE - You should look to have at least one room available for the storage of items like luggage, boxes, recreational items, etc.

15. NEGOTIABLE - Remember...You can always try and ask for improvements (painting, repairing, replacing, etc.) during the negotiation period (prior to signing the rental agreement contract).

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REMEMBER! It is very important that you always have someone that you may contact in case of any problems or emergencies with your new home. You will need a name and number of someone to get in touch with (Property Owner, Property Manager, Your Real Estate Broker/Agency Property Management representative, etc.)

Also, make sure that you know where and when to pay your utility bills (electric, water and telephone) and any additional monthly charges and/or fees you may incur. It is very easy to get these utilities ?cut off? if you are not aware of when and where to pay them.