Renting in Costa Rica
What to know about the lease, the deposit and the rental law before you sign.
Content under review by the agency. General guidance, not legal or tax advice.
The lease
Residential rentals are governed by the General Urban and Suburban Lease Law. Always ask for a written lease stating the rent, the currency, the deposit, which utilities are included and who pays for each repair.
For housing, the law sets a minimum term of three years even if the lease says less. If you need to leave earlier, agree with the owner on how and with how much notice.
Deposit and payments
The usual deposit is one month’s rent, returned when you move out if the property is in the condition you received it. Make an inventory with photos on move-in day.
Rent can be set in colones or US dollars. Yearly increases are limited by law and the rules depend on the currency; check them before you sign.
Before you sign
Visit the property by day and at night, test the water and electricity, and ask about condo fees if there are any. Confirm that the person renting it out is the owner or has the authority to do so.
If you are in Costa Rica as a tourist, also check the terms of your immigration status: a lease does not change them.