6 things that car owners must check before signing a contract to rent a dormitory or condo

1. Is there sufficient parking space?

The first thing you should ask your apartment, condo, or building owner is how much parking is available, how it is allocated to tenants, and whether you will have your own parking space.

Things you should ask before signing a contract

• Dormitory or condo, do tenants have the right to park their cars?
• Is it a regular or rotating parking lot?
• If there is no parking, where can I park nearby?

If the dorm or condo you’re renting doesn’t offer parking, you may need to consider other options. If you absolutely must rent there, you should also look for other options, such as monthly parking near the dorm. Is parking available in the area around the dorm?

2. Are there any additional costs?

Even if the room rent is within your budget, don’t forget to check whether parking is included separately. Some apartments and condos charge separate room and parking fees. Parking is typically an additional charge of around 500-1,500 baht per month, depending on the location or size of your car. Be sure to inquire about this beforehand, as it could become an unplanned expense and cost you more than you need.

Questions to ask before signing a lease agreement

• Is parking included in the rental fee?
• If calculated separately, daily or monthly, how much is the amount?
• Do I have to pay in advance?

3. Parking safety

This is especially important if the parking area is dark, with no security guards or CCTV cameras around, meaning your car could be stolen and untraceable. Remember, cars are valuable assets, so you should always consider carefully before agreeing to rent.

In addition to risk prevention, if an emergency occurs, such as a car accident or stolen items, having CCTV footage will help track down the culprit more easily and quickly.

Things you should check

• Are there CCTV cameras covering every corner?
• Is there a 24-hour security guard?
• Is there an entry/exit system, such as a key card or barrier?

4. Check the conditions for using the parking lot.

Many condos and dormitories have parking regulations, such as allowing only residents’ cars to park, prohibiting parking beyond the designated time limit, or changing parking spaces regularly, which can be inconvenient for users. Therefore, it is always best to check the conditions beforehand.

What you should ask

• Do I have to park only in the numbered spaces?
• Are there any entry/exit times or other restrictions?

5. Is there parking for guests?

If you have friends or family visiting frequently, not having a guest parking spot could cause problems with neighbors or the management. For example, guests will have to park on the street, risking fines or even being warned about disturbing common areas. So, do your research, as this could cause complications for friends and family visiting, as well as yourself and your neighbors.

Data checking questions

• Can guests park in the common area?
• Are there any limits on the number or time period?
• Do guests need to register before parking?

6. Does car insurance cover damages caused by parking?

Many people believe that when a car is parked, nothing will happen. But in reality, accidents can happen at any time, such as:

• The car was hit while parked.
• Something fell on the car
• The vehicle was scratched or intentionally damaged.

So, make sure to check your insurance policy before moving in.

Because each insurance company’s terms and conditions are different, some policies may have specific exclusions, such as not covering private areas or if the car is scratched without witnesses.

Things to check in your insurance policy

• Does it cover cases where there is no other party involved?
• Does it cover the car if it is parked and then gets hit?
• Is there a claim service outside of business hours?
• Do you offer on-site repairs or free towing?

What type of car insurance is recommended?

• First class insurance covers your car in all cases, including accidents with or without other parties involved, including incidents that occur while the car is parked.
• Class 2+ or 3+ insurance only covers certain cases, and you should read the terms and conditions carefully to see if it covers incidents that may occur from parking.

For example, if a child in your condo scratches your car while playing and you have comprehensive car insurance, you can make a claim even if there is no other party involved.

Having a car is great, but if you’re renting a room or condo, planning and checking your parking space from the start can save you from future headaches, such as not having enough space, paying parking fees without realizing it, or risking theft or vandalism.

Parking may not seem like a big deal, but for those with cars, it’s a crucial factor in life, significantly impacting convenience, safety, and daily expenses. Choosing a rental car that meets your parking needs, along with comprehensive car insurance coverage, is an option that will help you live worry-free in the city.