The owners of condominiums and houses renting their assets to tenants say the authorities did not properly inform them when making new leasing regulations that will take effect on May 1, the Bangkok Post reported.

The regulations, drawn up by the Office of the Consumers' Protection Board, were announced in the Royal Gazette on Feb 16. The changes have created widespread panic among property owners, who say the regulations will make it harder for them to handle unscrupulous tenants. 

This organic law covers owners of condominiums and houses renting more than five rooms to individual tenants. It will not cover dormitories or hotels. 

The organic law prohibits owners from asking for more than one month's rent as a deposit and one month deposit to cover damage to chattels. 

The owner is also prohibited from collecting electricity fees or water charges exceeding those of the state utility. 

Tenants are allowed to terminate the lease agreement prior to the contract expiry, on condition they give a month's notice. 

The law prevents owners from confiscating or moving the tenant's personal belongings even if he or she has not paid the rent or related service fees. 

On the upside, the regulations will help low-income tenants meet their rental bills although they would have a negative effect on the rental market in general, according to property analyst Surachet Kongcheep.