Landlord asking for passport copy - new immigration rule?

[Albertodelgado]

So my landlord is asking for a copy of my passport, which is not really a big deal since it seems that every time i want to do anything here i have to hand over a copy of my passport,, but this seemed strange cuz they said they needed it to give to immigration , that immigration wants to know where all Farangs are living.
When i got my Visa i already gave immigration my address, so it makes me think that my land lord might be making this up. Plus i had already given my land lord a copy of my passport when i signed the leasing agreement.
Does anybody out there know anything about this? Is there a new regulation by immigration that makes landlords register farrangs in some way?

[richard]

Certainly new in Condo Chain

Notices everywhere stating all residents need to hand over a passport for copying and forwarding to Immigration

Never been that enforcing before

[VincentD]

I believe it is the law for all hotels to report the particulars of any visitor to immigration within 24 (48?) hours of their arrival to stay, or they could be liable for a fine. I would think condos and such are not exempt from this rule, just that they have been a little lax in applying the rule of the law. They recently seem to be tightening up on this.

If you note on your arrival card, there is a box that you have to fill out stating your intended place of residence in Thailand. If it's a hotel that you've listed and you do get there, hotel sends details saying you're staying there, no big deal.

However, if you do come in and suddenly drop off the radar for a couple of months before resurfacing it can be quite another kettle of fish.

Overstay is in another completely different category.

[advocate]

When Thais rent to foreigners, they are required to report this to immigration, whether it is a hotel, condo, or privately rented house. It is a 1 page form and I have had landlords who did report when we rented their house.

The law is not strictly enforced and many Thais do not report as they don't want to claim the income for tax purposes.

They may also want a copy of the passport in case you damage the property.

[Super Joe]

Yeah it's legit Alberto. If anything I'd probably see it as a positive compared to one who doesn't ask you, he's at least prepared to put himself out there in the system. Downside he might have to keep your deposit to pay any tax bills

The way I've always read it, taking it to daft extremes etc, is that me/missus are breaking the law when we don't report me old Mum & Dad when they come over for a holiday

Think it's this TM.30...

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SJ

[lomuamart]

It's a tax matter I think.
Most landlords don't declare any tenants and therefore don't pay whatever is due - income from property.
Hotels and guesthouses are "under an obligation" to report guests within 24 hours of check-in.
That regulation is very loosely enforced throughout Thailand but HH seems to clamp down every now and then.
On the one hand, the Thais say that they need to know where all aliens are - maybe you die in whatever way. To a certain extent, I can understand that.
However, Thai landlords should be paying tax on the rent. Ours' occasionally tell us that if any official comes round, my wife is some distant relative and we're staying rent free. Oh yeah? My wife can do the talking, I'm not interested.
To the OP. It's a tax issue I should think and yes a landlord should should declare you and pay up. Whether you hand over a copy of your passport is up to your judgement. Personally, I's suggest that you both went together to Imm to do "the necessary".

[lomuamart]

Thanks to the above posters. Their views o the situation are the same as mine.

[Albertodelgado]

Cool, thanks for the replies, I just wanted to make sure it was legit,, i have been in Thailand for 2 and a half years and this never came up,, cheers to my landlord for being one of the few that follow the law.

[chaspul]

lomuamart

Although many Thai landlords may avoid this for tax purposes, its location.

All house owners, landlords and hotels have obligation to do 24 hour reporting of foreigner, that includes themselves if they are foreign and own the property, the reason given in SJ's posted notice from immigration on TM 30, is that many travelers give wrong address on landing card.

On arrival I did 24 hour reporting and filled out TM 30 as house owner, this included my wife. The tear off slip is in my passport, filled in another when Mum visited. Also do 24 hour whenever we have been away, IMM just date and initial original tear off strip.

The system is computerised and even an overnight in BK hotel would have you residing away from HH, I like to play on the right side of authority and always do 24 hour to avoid any future problems.

Although 24 hour reporting dosn't seem to be strictly enforced, maybe IMM are having a clampdown on condos and rentals at present?

Or maybe a check of all foreigner locations is imminent, would be too easy at 90 day reporting to quiz computer with passport number to find residential address. What would be the fine if you were found to be "out of bounds" or just not registered?

To OP remember to sign photocopy, or it will not be accepted.

Chas

[Dannie Boy]

Slight change of subject, but can you still use HH Immigration if you live in Cha Am?