Why You Can Still Rent Out Your Condo in Thailand — Legally and Safely with Inter Property Phuket
If you’ve recently purchased a condo in Thailand—or are considering doing so—you’ve likely heard the mixed messages around short-term rentals. Some condos say “no less than 30 days,” while others hint at legal grey areas. Even headlines about police raids in Bangkok can cause unnecessary panic.
Let’s set the record straight:
You can absolutely rent out your condo short-term in Thailand—legally, safely, and profitably—when done the right way. And Inter Property Phuket is here to make that happen for you.
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🛑 The Scare Tactics: What’s Really Going On?
You’ve probably seen stories of big Bangkok condo buildings being raided for Airbnb-style rentals. But here’s what those headlines don’t tell you:
•These raids almost always target large-scale commercial operations—dozens of units, rotating guests, no oversight, often foreign-managed.
•In some cases, units were being used for illegal activities, or guests were disturbing residents.
•Authorities focus on unlicensed hotels, not private owners renting out a home occasionally and responsibly.
So, are individual owners being dragged out in handcuffs for offering a weekend stay?
Absolutely not. The law and enforcement are not aimed at responsible homeowners.
🧾 The Law Is On Your Side
✅ The Hotel Act (No. 2) B.E. 2551 (2008)
The Hotel Act is often cited as a reason to prohibit short-term rentals, but few understand its built-in exemptions:
➤ You do NOT need a hotel license if:
•Your property has fewer than 8 rooms, and
•It hosts fewer than 30 guests at a time, and
•It’s run as supplementary income by the owner.
So, if you’re renting out a single condo or even a few units—not running a 50-room business—you’re exempt from the hotel license requirement.
✅ Thai Civil Code: You Own It, You Control It
Article 1336: Owners have the right to profit from their property.
Article 1360: Owners can use their property as they wish, provided it doesn’t violate other co-owners’ rights.
This means that unless your guests are causing noise, safety, or nuisance issues, you are legally protected in using your property for short-term rentals.
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🏢 What About Condo Rules?
Some condo buildings may issue rules banning rentals of less than 30 days. But here’s the truth:
•Many of these rules have no legal teeth unless they were part of the purchase contract or properly voted on and registered.
•Often, the rules don’t cite actual legal codes—just vague mentions of the Hotel Act.
•Thousands of condos in Thailand do allow short-term rentals, or turn a blind eye—especially when managed professionally and quietly.
And that’s where Inter Property Phuket comes in.
🛎️ Why Inter Property Phuket Is Your Legal & Professional Rental Partner
We understand the legal terrain and we operate strictly within it. Our approach is designed to keep you protected while maximizing your return:
•✅ We only manage legal, private units under the Hotel Act exemption.
•✅ We handle all TM30 immigration reporting—no headaches for you.
•✅ We pay VAT and income tax.
•✅ We fully insure your property, including rental activity.
•✅ We screen guests, handle deposits, and prevent disturbances.
•✅ We communicate directly with juristic offices to avoid conflicts.
Our rentals are supervised, discreet, and compliant. That’s why we’ve never had an owner experience legal action or get caught in enforcement issues.
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💡 Real Story: How One Owner Did It Right
In March 2025, one of our clients purchased a condominium in Phuket. Just two weeks later, new building rules were suddenly introduced stating that “no rentals under 30 days” would be allowed. These rules came without any legal references—only confusion and uncertainty.
After we began listing the unit for short-term rental, the building management informed the owner that such rentals were not permitted. They went so far as to threaten cutting off power and water to the unit and denying entry to any guests. Understandably, the owner was frustrated—short-term rentals typically yield far higher returns than long-term leases.
Fortunately, this owner was already working with us. We immediately referred him to our trusted property lawyer, who has worked with us for years. After reviewing the situation, the lawyer confirmed that the unit qualified for an exemption under Thailand’s Hotel Act and that short-term rentals were indeed legal in this case. He sent a formal legal notice to the condominium management, warning of legal action under the relevant laws.
The condo board invited the owner to a meeting, but as he doesn’t reside in Phuket, our company director, Karl, attended on his behalf. Following the meeting, the condominium agreed to allow short-term rentals in his unit. Interestingly, signs still remain in the building stating that short-term rentals are not allowed—but for this owner, the matter was resolved.
Today, he enjoys hassle-free income every month and the flexibility to use his condo whenever he visits Phuket—all thanks to having the right legal and property management team behind him.
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🌍 Airbnb, Agoda, Booking.com Still Thrive in Thailand
If short-term rentals were really illegal, why do these platforms still operate? Because:
•Thai authorities recognize the economic benefits: jobs, tourism, and taxes.
•Most problems occur only when rules are broken—not by owners renting out responsibly managed homes.
•TM30 immigration reporting is routinely accepted, even for one-night stays.
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🧠 Final Word: Don’t Be Afraid—Be Smart
The short-term rental landscape in Thailand is not “illegal”—it’s misunderstood. With the right team behind you, you can:
✔ Legally rent your condo short-term
✔ Earn passive income year-round
✔ Stay protected from legal and condo issues
✔ Avoid the headaches of managing guests, paperwork, and complaints
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🙌 Inter Property Phuket: We’ve Got You Covered
When you rent with Inter Property Phuket, you’re not alone. You’re backed by a team that knows the law, works with local officials, and protects your property like it’s our own.
✅ Legal
✅ Insured
✅ Professional
✅ Hassle-free
Contact us today to turn your condo into a compliant, income-generating asset—while you enjoy your time abroad.
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📞 Contact Inter Property Phuket Now
📍 Serving Phuket & beyond | Trusted by over 200 property owners
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