How to rent an apartment in Phuket
How condos, apartments and houses differ, what you need for the deposit and contract, monthly vs long-term stays, and where to compare local listings near the beach.
If you stay in Phuket longer than a couple of weeks, renting a place almost always beats a hotel: more space, your own kitchen and a lower nightly cost. The choice is simple – a studio or condo in a residence, a larger apartment, or a standalone house with a pool. What fits depends on your budget, length of stay and how much a pool, parking and beach proximity matter.
Condo, apartment or house
| What matters to you | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Solo or a couple, budget, shared pool | Studio or condo: pool, gym and security in the residence |
| Family or a group, want your own yard | House or villa: a private pool and more rooms |
| Working remotely, need fast internet and a desk | A serviced apartment/condo: stable Wi-Fi and furniture |
| Just a month or two, want flexibility | A monthly condo: short term, everything included |
What you need to rent a place
- A deposit: usually one to two months’ rent. Agree up front how much, what it covers and when it comes back.
- Your passport: for the contract and address registration (the owner files a TM30 when a foreigner moves in).
- A rental contract: term, rent, deposit, who pays for water, electricity and internet, and rules on guests and pets.
- An in-person check: inspect the place, appliances and air conditioners, and photograph the condition before you move in.
Utilities, term and areas
Rent is usually quoted without utilities: electricity is metered (often the biggest bill because of air conditioning), water is cheap, internet is sometimes included. For a month or two take a monthly condo; for six months to a year the per-month price drops noticeably and houses open up. On areas: Patong is nightlife and noise, Kata and Karon are calmer and near the beach, Rawai and Nai Harn suit long stays, Kamala and Bang Tao have modern condo residences. The closer to the sea, the pricier.
Prices and where to compare
Prices vary a lot by area, season and length: a long lease is almost always cheaper per month. Don’t settle for the first listing in a chat group – compare a few nearby. In Balm Rentals, open the Phuket map, pick “Real estate” and the type (apartment, house or condo), compare local listings’ prices and photos, and message the owner directly about the deposit, utilities and contract – before you pay anything. The same map shows transport nearby if you need that too.
FAQ
What deposit do I need to rent a place in Phuket?
It is usually one to two months’ rent, plus the first month up front. Before moving in, agree with the owner how much, what can be deducted for damage and when the deposit is returned. Photograph the condition at move-in – it makes the refund easier.
Can foreigners rent property in Phuket?
Yes, foreigners can rent freely – the restrictions apply to buying, not renting. You just need a passport and a contract. When a foreigner moves in, the owner files a TM30 address notification; that is usually their job, but it is worth confirming.
Monthly or long-term – which is cheaper?
Per month, a long lease is almost always cheaper: a 6–12 month term is noticeably below the monthly rate, with more choice. If your plans are flexible, take a monthly condo; if you are staying a while, a six-month to one-year contract is better value and opens up houses with a pool.
Who pays for electricity and water in a rental?
Usually the tenant pays utilities on top of rent: electricity by meter (typically the biggest item because of air conditioning), water is cheap, internet is sometimes included. Confirm the per-kWh rate and what the rent covers before signing – it goes in the contract. In Balm Rentals you can ask the owner in chat up front.
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Updated 2026-07-07