When renting a property in Ecuador you should expect to sign a tenancy agreement as you would anywhere else. This will detail everything you need to know about the property including which furniture (if any) is included, which costs you will be liable for and the length of the tenancy. Most tenancies are for a period of one year, although shorter and longer periods are available by negotiation. Some landlords may be willing to bypass having a tenancy agreement but it is not recommended to agree to this, as the tenancy document is your legal protection.

There are a range of properties available in Ecuador, particularly if you choose Quito or another large urban area. These include small apartments, studio apartments and small houses. The prices range accordingly, and even with the very low cost of living, if you choose a four bedroom beach front property then you should be aware that this will cost you more money. All the major towns and cities have estate agents that have a variety of rental properties on offer and a quick search on the internet will show you the options available.

Both furnished and unfurnished properties are available. Unfurnished can mean just floor coverings and curtains, but some landlords will include basic kitchen appliances such as a cooker and a fridge. Finding a furnished place will work out quite cheap, particularly to begin with, as to ship your own belongings from home can prove to be very expensive.

It is normal for a landlord to request a bond as well as some rent in advance. This can be as little as one month’s rent and the same again for the bond, although if you have just arrived in Ecuador you should be prepared to pay out several months rent in advance. This is for the landlord’s peace of mind that you are not just a short stay visitor who will suddenly leave them with an empty property. It is also a good idea to have the agreement checked by an independent third party before you sign, particularly if it has been written in a language you are not familiar with.

Expats have not really created their own communities within Ecuador, although there are obviously some areas, particularly in Quito, that appeal to expats. This may mean that you find yourself living in close proximity to people you may be working with. However, the Ecuadorian people are generally very welcoming so you should not worry about keeping yourself away from them.