General information only, not legal advice. Rental practice varies by city and landlord, and laws change. Have a local lawyer review any contract you do not fully understand. Last reviewed October 2026.
Renting long term in Colombia can be straightforward when you know what to ask and what to put in writing. This guide covers where to search, what to look for in a contract, how guarantees and deposits usually work, your rights as a tenant and how to end a lease.
Where to Search
- Listing portals: Finca Raíz, Metrocuadrado and OLX are widely used for long-term rentals. Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities are also common for expat-friendly listings. See networking and expat groups.
- Real estate agencies (inmobiliarias): they manage many rentals and usually handle contracts and paperwork.
- Furnished short stays first: many newcomers book a month or two in a furnished place, then search in person. This lets you see neighborhoods before committing. See neighborhood guides.
Visit before you sign, and be cautious about paying any money for a place you have not seen.
The Contract
Residential leases in Colombia are generally in Spanish and are commonly governed by Law 820 of 2003. Read the contract fully, or have it translated, before signing. Check that it states:
- The names and ID numbers of landlord and tenant, and the property address.
- The rent amount, due date, payment method and how annual increases are calculated. Increases are generally linked to inflation, but confirm the current rule.
- The lease term and renewal terms.
- Who pays utilities, building administration fees (administración) and repairs.
- Rules on pets, subletting and guests.
- Notice periods and penalties for ending early.
Guarantees and Deposits
Practice varies. Many landlords ask for a co-signer (codeudor), often a Colombian property owner, or for a rental guarantee policy (fianza or seguro de arrendamiento) arranged through an agency. Some ask for a deposit. Foreigners without a local co-signer sometimes face extra requirements, such as paying several months upfront or using a guarantee service. Ask exactly what is required, what it costs, whether it is refundable and under what conditions, and get the answer in writing. Do not pay large sums in cash without a receipt.
Before moving in, document the property’s condition with photos and an inventory signed by both sides. It helps avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy.
Your Rights as a Tenant
Colombian law gives tenants protections, including rules on rent increases, eviction procedures and the landlord’s obligation to deliver the property in usable condition. In practice, the contract and your paper trail matter most. If something needs repair, report it in writing (a WhatsApp or email is better than nothing) and keep a copy. Landlords cannot lawfully remove a tenant without following the legal process.
Ending a Lease
Notice periods and early-termination penalties are set by the contract and by law, and they differ from lease to lease. Check the clause before you sign, and send notice in writing as required, keeping proof of delivery. Arrange a final walk-through and agree on the condition of the property in writing.
Utilities and Connectivity
Ask which utilities are in whose name and how bills are paid. See utilities setup in Colombia and internet and SIM options.
When to Get a Lawyer
Consider legal help if the contract is long or unclear, if the landlord asks for unusual guarantees, or if a dispute arises. See legal resources for expats.
To Wrap Up
Search in person, read the contract carefully, ask exactly what guarantee is required, document the condition of the property and keep all communication in writing. Rules and market practice change, so verify the details for your city and landlord.
FAQ
Q: Do landlords ask for a deposit?
A: Some do, but many ask for a co-signer or a guarantee policy instead. Ask what is required and get it in writing.
Q: Can foreigners rent without a Colombian co-signer?
A: Often yes, but landlords may ask for extra guarantees or a service that provides one. Requirements vary.
Q: Is the contract in Spanish?
A: Usually. Have it translated or reviewed before signing.
Q: How are rent increases set?
A: Generally linked to inflation under the rules for housing leases. Confirm the current rule and the contract wording.
Q: What if there is a dispute?
A: Keep written records and consult a local lawyer.
I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Bogotá, Colombia, and yes, I know exactly what it’s like to be a solo female traveler in a country the world still misunderstands.
I’ve been travelling independently for 10 years, completing 50+ solo trips across Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Argentina, Peru and the United States. I write in both English and Spanish, and I also contribute to allaboutcolombia.com where I cover my home country in depth — from the coffee region to the Caribbean coast to the Andes.
My speciality is Latin America: the neighbourhoods the guidebooks skip, the buses that are actually fine to take, the hostels that feel like home, and the restaurants where locals actually eat. I’ve hitchhiked across Patagonia, navigated Medellín’s metro system at rush hour, and camped solo in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. I know this region the way you only can when it’s yours.
I also cover the US for solo travelers, having spent time road-tripping through the Southwest, the Pacific Coast and the Deep South.
