Renting long-term on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
Last checked 17 October 2026 · General information, not legal advice
Monthly rentals are how most people start island life. A few minutes of questions before you sign saves a lot of arguments later.
Contract and deposit
Expect one or two months' deposit plus the first month's rent in advance. Get a written contract that states the rent, term, deposit, notice period and when the deposit is returned.
Walk round with the landlord and photograph everything — furniture, appliances, marks on walls — and attach the list to the contract.
Bills
Ask how electricity is charged. Some landlords pass on the government rate from the PEA meter; others charge their own, higher rate per unit. With air-con running, this can be a big part of the monthly cost.
Also ask about water, internet, rubbish collection, garden and pool care, and who fixes what.
TM30 and your address
When a foreigner stays at a property, the owner or landlord must notify Immigration (form TM30). Ask your landlord to do it and give you the receipt — you'll need it for visa extensions, 90-day reports, a certificate of residence and a Thai driving licence.
Season and location
Rents are higher in high season and for short contracts; 6- and 12-month contracts are cheaper per month. On Koh Phangan, rents near Haad Rin and Srithanu rise around big events; on Koh Tao, Sairee and Mae Haad cost more than the quieter east coast; on Samui, Chaweng, Bophut and Choeng Mon tend to cost more than the west coast.
Quick answers
- How much is a rental deposit on Koh Samui?
- Usually one or two months' rent, plus the first month in advance.
- What is a TM30?
- The notification a landlord makes to Immigration when a foreigner stays at their property. You'll need it for visa extensions and other paperwork.
Check with the official source
Thai rules and fees change, and offices apply them differently. This guide is general information written by KOHlist, not legal, tax or immigration advice. For a decision that matters, ask the office below or an independent licensed professional.
More guides