Rental Question

[TEXASMAC]

So I found a house in Hua Hin that I want to rent for 3 months this year. I contacted the individual and he requested I wire one months rent which will be the security deposit and he would meet me at the house on June 1 with the lease for me to sign. He sent me his banking information so I could wire him the money. Is this normal?

[rxpharm]

Do not under any circumstances send the money before the rental agreement is signed and witnessed, or at the very least have him guarantee in writing that the 1st month rent is refundable if the rental agreement is not completed.

This sounds too fishy to me, and while I don't know what the rental process in Thailand is, what he's asked for is too risky.

[TEXASMAC]

Thanks rx, I actually took a 30 day stay at a local hotel. I don't wish to send money into space and I want to know more about the place. I will spend many days walking and looking but my plane leaves for Thailand on June 3rd. Strange I am not nervous or excited. Just ready.