Deposits and move-in costs for a month in Chiang Mai

How deposits usually work

A security deposit is held while you stay and returned when you leave, once the room is checked and the last electricity and water bills are paid. Two patterns are common on this list: a fixed amount (3,000 to 10,000 ฿) or one full month's rent. A few places also take a reservation fee to hold the room, and that fee is not always refundable.

Deposits, place by place

Figures from the owners or their own price lists. Ask again before you pay; terms change.

Places with a small deposit

If you would rather keep your cash for the month itself, three places stand out. Yantarasri at Nimman asks for no security deposit at all, only a 2,000 ฿ key deposit. The Social Club takes no deposit but wants the full 28 nights paid in advance. Baan Chinnakarn asks 3,000 ฿, a quarter of its April-to-October rent.

What arriving actually costs: three examples

• The Pacific Cool Chic: 8,900 ฿ rent plus a one-month deposit, so 18,600 ฿ in cash on arrival, according to the owner.
• The Cosy Huay Kaew: 14,000 ฿ rent plus a 10,000 ฿ deposit, so 24,000 ฿ before electricity.
• Yantarasri at Nimman: 19,500 ฿ for 16 to 30 nights, half at booking and half on arrival, plus the 2,000 ฿ key deposit in cash.

At places with a one-month deposit plus a month in advance, such as Vanilla Residence, plan on roughly two months' rent at the start.

Reservation fees

A reservation fee holds the room while you travel. The Dome Residence (5,000 ฿) and Vanilla Residence (20% of the first month) say theirs is non-refundable, so only pay once your dates are fixed. Smith Residence charges 3,000 ฿ and The Greenery Landmark 1,000 ฿; ask whether the fee is later counted towards your rent.

Getting your deposit back

• Take photos of the room on the day you move in and send them to the owner.
• Ask for a written receipt for the deposit and any fees.
• Ask how the last electricity bill is settled and when and how (cash or transfer) the deposit is returned.
• Check how you can pay before you arrive: some places want cash (The Pacific Cool Chic), and some add a fee for cards (Tadkham Village, 3.21%).

Why we list this

This site is free, has no ads and takes no commission from any place. The aim is simple: you book direct, know the full cost, and spend the month enjoying Chiang Mai. For the rent itself, see booking direct vs Booking.com; for running costs, see monthly rentals with bills included.