How to find accommodation in Phuket

Phuket is a paradise island, and many people want to stay here longer than a one or two week vacation. That is why people often come here for wintering or even longer stays. In this case, it is necessary to find accommodation in Phuket. Good news – a visa is not required to rent accommodation in Phuket. You can sign a rental agreement even if you are on a tourist visa or a 30-day entry stamp.

Read more about it also in the sections Apartments Rental and Villas Rental. You can also leave a request for renting an accommodation in our telegram bot. And now we’ll explain how you can find accommodation in Phuket.

Renting through a realtor/agency

This is the most understandable and convenient option, as realtors have a large database of housing for rent in Phuket and will be able to find options at your request. However, you should be prepared for the fact that intermediaries take a commission for their services, and in general, the housing may offer a higher price.

How can you determine if the company you want to rent accommodation from in Phuket for a month is reliable?

• It is registered in Thailand
• It has a website or active social media profiles
• There is a public information about the owners
• Payment is made by preliminary agreement and to the company’s account
• You sign a rental agreement

Renting directly through a condo

This option is suitable for those who are already on the island, are mobile and have plenty of time to spare. Usually, condominiums have a reception desk where you can ask about available accommodation options. You can choose the area of Phuket you are interested in, drive around the different condos, inquire about the available options and rent directly.

Websites for booking accommodations

Among the most popular resources are Booking, Airbnb and Agoda. Here you can easily rent a property for any period of time. However, on these sites, the price may also be overpriced and designed precisely for short-term rentals.

If you’re having problems with pre-paying for your accommodation on Airbnb or Booking by card, you can write in private messages to the landlord and ask him to leave the reservation for you. You can also sort out the options with prepayment by card and choose only without it.

Facebook Marketplace

In this section of the popular social network owners and agents post free options for renint in Phuket.

It is important to understand that most of them rent exclusively for a period of 1 year, less often from 6 months. And the shorter the lease term, the higher the price will be. In this case, much depends on your diplomacy and ability to negotiate.

Telegram chats.

There are plenty of relocant chats in Phuket where you can also find bargain accommodation. However, this is quite risky and is built solely on trust.

On the surface, the landlord may seem quite reliable, but in reality turn out to be a fake. Fraudsters communicate very believably, and after prepayment disappear. Before paying any amount for rent, meet in person, ask to see documents and other proof of the reality of housing. Read more about this in the article Scams in Phuket.

Accommodation options in Phuket

Hotels. Hotels of any level – luxury or budget, with their own territory, swimming pools or without, with breakfast or without. The choice depends solely on your preferences and financial possibilities.

Condominiums. These are residential complexes where you can rent apartments of different sizes – from small studios to elite penthouses. As a rule, condominiums have everything you need for life, and on the territory – swimming pools, saunas, cafes, gyms, children’s playrooms and co-working spaces.

Villas. The best option for a comfortable and secluded vacation. Villas in Phuket come in different sizes, with different levels of landscaping, pools, etc.

What else you need to know about renting in Phuket

• The most expensive rent in high season – in January and February, as well as on the eve of Chinese New Year (late February-early March).
• The longer the rental period, the cheaper it is, usually by 30-50% or more.
• If you have a long contract, you will need to pay a deposit, usually 1 or 2 monthly payments.
• The closer the accommodation is to the sea, the more expensive it is.
• The cost of electricity and water may vary slightly in different areas of the island. Electricity in Thailand is quite expensive, and with the active use of air conditioning, the cost per month for a small villa can reach 15 thousand baht.
• There are many exotic animals and insects in Thailand, so if you want to avoid meeting them, rent an apartment rather than a villa.

It’s also important to know that Thai housing has some typical issues that both locals and expats often face:

1. Mold and mildew. High humidity year-round — especially during the rainy season (May to October) — poor ventilation, and inadequate wall insulation all contribute to their appearance. Regular airing and the use of dehumidifiers are necessary.
2. Leaks (roof, windows, walls). Poor-quality materials, simplified construction, and lack of waterproofing lead to frequent leaks.
3. Insects and other critters. Ants, cockroaches (especially in older homes and on the ground floor), mosquitoes, geckos, termites… These are the tropics, and it’s just part of life. The solution: regular pest control.
4. Unstable water supply. Water may be rusty or have an odor; pressure may be too low or too high. In some areas, water can be shut off without warning. What to do: install filters, buy bottled drinking water, or arrange delivery.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that Phuket is a tropical island, and the climate plays a key role in how comfortable your stay will be. Several factors affect the choice of accommodation: heat, humidity, and the rainy season. The question arises: which housing option is better – closer to the sea or further inland?

Closer to the sea:

• Pros – beautiful views, walking distance to the beach, vacation atmosphere;
• Cons – high humidity, corrosion, storms, higher rental/purchase prices, less privacy.

Further inland (2–5 km from the coast):

• Pros – less dampness, quieter, cheaper, more convenient for long-term living (especially for families and digital nomads);
• Cons – you need to drive to the beach, no “postcard” view from the window.

Renting accommodation can come with many surprises if you don’t ask the right questions before signing the contract. We recommend you be sure to ask:

1. What’s included in the rent?
   – Is cleaning included?
   – Who pays for internet, water, electricity, cable TV?
   – Are there monthly maintenance fees (in condos)?
2. How much are the utilities?
   – What’s the electricity rate?
   – What did the previous tenants typically pay for electricity and water?
3. Who handles repairs?
   – Who is responsible for the air conditioner, plumbing, water heater, appliances?
   – When was the last time the A/C was serviced?
   – What happens if it breaks a week after moving in?
4. Are there issues with pests, mold, or leaks?
   – Has there been mold in the bathroom or closets?
   – Is there any pest prevention for ants, cockroaches, termites?
   – What’s the condition of the roof and windows during the rainy season?
5. Can I check the meters upon move-in?
   – Be sure to record the electricity and water meter readings.
   – Have the landlord sign a document with those numbers so you don’t pay for someone else’s usage.
6. What exactly is included in the furnishings?
   – List all items: furniture, appliances, kitchenware.
   – Take photos of the property at move-in. This protects you from being blamed for a “missing chair” later.
7. What are the lease termination conditions?
   – Is there a penalty for early departure?
   – How much notice is required (usually 30 days)?
   – Will the full deposit be returned?
8. Who has access to the property?
   – Does the landlord have a spare key?
   – Does anyone enter without notice (e.g., cleaner, security, maintenance)?
9. Is the rental official?
   – Will you be registered at the address?
   – Is there a contract? It should be in Thai or include an English translation.
10. What is the lease duration?
    – Is there a minimum of 6 or 12 months?
    – What happens if you need to leave early?

Another important point is to choose the right place to live. Visit the Phuket Districts page and pick the area that suits you best. We also have a guide called “14 Popular Districts of Phuket: How to Choose”, where we tried to highlight important details about each area of the island.

To learn more about the best hotels, apartments, and villas in Phuket, visit the Accommodation in Phuket and Best Hotels in Phuket sections of the website. Also check out the Cafes and Restaurants section to find the most delicious places to eat near your new Phuket home.