The Complete Guide to Renting an Apartment in Argentina
Everything you need to know about finding and renting an apartment in Argentina: contracts, deposits, guarantees, and avoiding scams.
The Complete Guide to Renting an Apartment in Argentina
Finding a place to live is your first major challenge as an expat in Argentina. The rental system here is unique—and often confusing for foreigners. Here's everything you need to know.
Understanding the Argentine Rental Market
Key Differences from Other Countries
1. Guarantee Required: Most landlords require a garantía (property guarantee)
2. Cash Preferred: USD cash often gets discounts
3. Long Leases: Standard is 2-3 years (though shorter terms are becoming available)
4. Inflation Adjustments: Rents increase every 6-12 months
5. Broker Fees: Tenant typically pays commission
Types of Rentals
Traditional Lease (Contrato de Alquiler)
- 2-3 year commitment
- Requires garantía
- Rent adjustments every 6 months
- Most legally protected
- Best for long-term stays
Temporary/Furnished (Alquiler Temporario)
- 1-12 month terms
- No garantía needed
- Fully furnished
- Higher monthly cost
- More flexible
Room Rentals
- Shared apartment
- Monthly payments
- Minimal requirements
- Great for first arrivals
The Garantía Problem
The biggest hurdle for expats is the garantía—a property owner who guarantees your rent.
Why It Exists
Argentine law makes it difficult to evict tenants. Landlords protect themselves by requiring someone with local property to vouch for you.
Options for Expats
1. Garantía de Alquiler (Insurance)
- Pay monthly premium (~5-10% of rent)
- Insurance company acts as guarantor
- Accepted by most modern landlords
- Companies: Caja de Seguros, Sura, others
2. Depósito en Garantía
- 3-6 months rent as deposit
- Held in escrow
- Returned at lease end
- Not all landlords accept
3. Find a Local Guarantor
- Argentine friend or family member
- Must own property
- Significant responsibility for them
- Most difficult for new expats
4. Negotiate Without Garantía
- Offer higher deposit
- Show strong income proof
- Shorter lease term
- Pay more months upfront
- Possible with foreign landlords
5. Temporary Rentals
- Skip garantía entirely
- Pay premium for flexibility
- Good for first 3-6 months
Where to Search
Online Platforms
Zonaprop
- Largest rental site
- Filter by neighborhood, price
- Many listings
- Direct contact with agents
MercadoLibre
- Classifieds section
- Individual landlords
- Variable quality
- Good for deals
Airbnb (Short-term)
- First month while searching
- Negotiate long-term directly with host
- More expensive but easy
Expat Groups
- Facebook groups
- Sublets from leaving expats
- No garantía often needed
- Word-of-mouth deals
Real Estate Agents (Inmobiliarias)
- Professional service
- Access to better listings
- Help with paperwork
- Charge commission (usually 1 month rent)
The Viewing Process
Red Flags to Avoid
- No written contract
- Cash only, no receipt
- Unwilling to show ownership papers
- Price too good to be true
- Rush to decide
Questions to Ask
- What's included? (utilities, expenses)
- How old is the building?
- What's the neighborhood like at night?
- Any planned construction nearby?
- Internet providers available?
- Pet policy?
Documents to Request
- Titulo de Propiedad: Proof of ownership
- Expensas: Monthly building fees
- ABL: Property tax receipt
- Service bills: Recent utility amounts
Lease Agreement Essentials
What Should Be Included
- Exact address and description
- Lease term and start date
- Monthly rent amount
- Payment method and due date
- Expenses (building fees) responsibility
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Early termination clauses
- Rent adjustment formula
Standard Terms
- Duration: Usually 2-3 years
- Rent Increases: Every 6-12 months (indexed to inflation)
- Deposit: 1-2 months rent
- Notice Period: Usually 2-3 months to terminate
Get Everything in Writing
Verbal promises mean nothing. If it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.
Costs Beyond Rent
Upfront Costs
Monthly Expenses
Negotiation Tips
1. Pay in USD Cash: Can get 10-20% discount
2. Longer Lease: Commit to 2+ years for better rate
3. Multiple Months Upfront: Offer 3-6 months for lower monthly
4. No Garantía: Accept higher deposit instead
5. Furnished vs Unfurnished: Unfurnished is cheaper but requires investment
Moving In Checklist
Before Signing
- [ ] Verify owner identity and ownership
- [ ] Inspect every room for damage
- [ ] Test all appliances
- [ ] Check water pressure and hot water
- [ ] Verify internet ports work
- [ ] Take dated photos of everything
- [ ] Get spare keys
After Moving In
- [ ] Transfer utilities to your name
- [ ] Set up internet
- [ ] Get property tax (ABL) in your name
- [ ] Introduce yourself to building manager (encargado)
- [ ] Learn building rules and garbage schedule
- [ ] Get building access (fob/key)
Common Scams to Avoid
The Fake Landlord
Scam: Rents apartment they don't own
Prevention: Always request titulo de propiedad, verify ID matches
The Bait and Switch
Scam: Shows great apartment, "rents" different one
Prevention: Visit exact unit, get address in writing
The No-Contract Deal
Scam: Cash only, no paperwork, "cheaper"
Prevention: Always get official contract and receipts
The Disappearing Deposit
Scam: Keeps deposit with fake damages
Prevention: Detailed move-in inspection with photos
Special Considerations for Expats
Short-Term (1-6 months)
- Use temporary rental agencies
- Airbnb with monthly discount
- Expat Facebook groups
- Expect to pay more for flexibility
Medium-Term (6-18 months)
- Negotiate traditional lease without garantía
- Offer higher deposit
- Consider room rental
- Use garantía insurance
Long-Term (2+ years)
- Worth getting garantía insurance
- Traditional lease best value
- Build local credit history
- Consider buying if staying 5+ years
Your Rights as a Tenant
Argentine law strongly protects tenants:
- Eviction: Very difficult, takes months/years
- Rent Increases: Capped by law (though often ignored)
- Repairs: Landlord responsible for major repairs
- Privacy: Notice required for entry
- Contract: Must be honored by both parties
If Problems Arise
1. Document everything in writing
2. Contact inmobiliaria if applicable
3. Consult a lawyer (abogado)
4. File complaint at Defensor del Pueblo
5. Consider tenant associations
Conclusion
Renting in Argentina requires patience, paperwork, and persistence. The garantía system is the biggest hurdle, but options exist. Take your time finding the right place, get everything in writing, and don't rush into anything.
Start with temporary housing while you learn the system. Once you understand the market, you'll find a great place at a fair price. Buenos Aires has options for every budget—you just need to know where to look.
Welcome home.