Thai landlord refuses advance payment return, adds repair bill

A mother’s concern grows as her son, who had rented a house for two years, struggles to get the advance payment back from the landlord. The landlord also presented the man with a repair bill amounting to 43,000 baht, sparking significant online debate.

On a Facebook group focused on consumer rights, a member shared images of the repair estimate along with a detailed post seeking advice. The post mentioned that the son had rented a two-story house, which includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, for two years. Despite the landlord’s refusal to return the advance payment and security deposit, the landlord has also sent an invoice for 43,000 baht for repairs.

“I need some advice. My son has been renting a house for two years. The landlord is not returning his advance payment and security deposit. Instead, he sent us a repair estimate.

“The landlord claims there will be no additional charges, but we want to know if the repair costs seem reasonable. The repairs include repainting the entire house, fixing the roof and ceiling in the kitchen, among other things.”

Further details from the post highlighted specific issues encountered over the two years. The house’s paint had faded, the bathroom door had developed mould, and although the fence remained intact, tenants had even made improvements to it.

Minor damages included torn window screens and a rusty tap. More significantly, water leakage had caused damage to the kitchen roof and ceiling, which the tenant had previously reported to the landlord. The landlord’s dissatisfaction with the tenant’s choice of paint colour was also mentioned.

The townhouse in question spans 15 square wah (approximately 60 square metres) and includes a living room, kitchen, and a small front yard suitable for parking a motorcycle.

The mother’s post has triggered widespread discussion on social media, with many debating whether the landlord’s demands were fair. Some users pointed out that the repair costs seemed excessive given the nature of the damages described. Others empathised with the son, stating that landlords often exploit tenants by withholding deposits and charging unfair repair fees, reported KhaoSod.

“The landlord should have maintained the property better. If the roof and ceiling were leaking due to rain, it’s not the tenant’s fault.”

“I’ve been a landlord for many years, and I always return the deposit unless there’s actual damage. Asking for 43,000 baht is unreasonable.”