Argentina – Lease Agreements

What is the typical lease term for renting property in Argentina?

In December 2023, Executive Order 70/2023 — widely referred to as the “DNU” — issued by President Javier Milei’s administration, repealed Law 27.551 on residential leases and introduced far-reaching amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code (CCCN). The practical effect on lease terms has been substantial.

The DNU established a new era of contractual freedom, enabling parties to set the terms of their rental arrangements as they choose, with lease duration now a matter of mutual agreement rather than statutory prescription. That said, recognisable market patterns have emerged in practice.

Where a contract does not specify a duration, a two-year default applies. Legal specialists generally recommend formalising contracts with a maximum length of two years, given that Argentina’s economic volatility makes it difficult to sustain a balanced arrangement over longer periods. This two-year norm parallels defaults found in markets such as Germany or France — where standard residential terms also cluster in the one-to-three-year range — though the breadth of party autonomy in Argentina now considerably exceeds that seen in those more tightly regulated environments.

Long-term leases commonly run for 24 months, though agreements of up to ten years are permissible. Commercial properties tend to attract longer terms. Short-term furnished rentals for temporary occupants are also widely available, particularly in Buenos Aires, and are generally structured outside the standard residential framework.

One of the most significant changes introduced by the DNU is that tenants may now terminate a contract early at any point during the tenancy — a marked departure from the previous regime, which limited early exit to after the first six months. This added flexibility carries a financial cost, described in the early termination discussion below.

What is the difference between furnished and unfurnished rental properties in Argentina?

Both furnished and unfurnished properties are available to rent across Argentina. Furnished rentals typically include the essential items needed for immediate occupation — beds, seating, dining furniture, kitchen appliances, and sometimes bedding and cookware — making them particularly suitable for short stays or for people who have recently arrived in the country.

Expats and those requiring temporary accommodation frequently gravitate towards furnished rentals for their practical convenience. In Buenos Aires especially, furnished apartments are plentiful but come at a premium, and are often offered on shorter, more adaptable terms that suit professionals on fixed-term assignments or those who wish to explore the city before committing to a longer arrangement.

It is important to note that the term “furnished” carries no consistent standard meaning across Argentine properties. Some landlords provide a comprehensively equipped apartment — comparable to a serviced flat in many European markets — while others supply only the most basic pieces of furniture and nothing further. Unlike markets in the Netherlands or Belgium, where the concept of a furnished rental has a reasonably settled legal definition, Argentina has no statutory specification of what must be included. Tenants should therefore confirm the precise contents with the landlord or agent in writing before committing.

Unfurnished properties are handed over empty, with no furniture or appliances provided. Tenants take on the full responsibility of fitting out the space to their own taste and requirements. While these rentals demand an upfront investment in furnishings, they are better suited to people planning extended stays who want to establish a home of their own rather than living around someone else’s choices.

For furnished rentals, it is standard practice to prepare a written inventory of the contents. Tenants should insist on receiving this inventory at the outset of the tenancy, keep a signed copy, and retain it carefully, as it will serve as the reference point for any deposit discussions at the end of the lease.

What are the standard clauses typically found in a lease agreement in Argentina?

Argentine lease agreements routinely contain a core set of clauses establishing the fundamental conditions of the tenancy. These typically include: the lease duration, setting out the start and end dates; and the rent amount, specifying the monthly figure and the currency in which payment must be made.

Under the DNU, tenants are required to settle obligations exclusively in the currency stipulated in the contract, and courts are prevented from intervening in payment arrangements or currency terms once these have been mutually agreed. In practical terms, this means that if a lease is denominated in US dollars — as is common for furnished properties marketed to expats — the tenant must pay in dollars, unless the contract expressly provides an alternative.

The parties now have the power to define their own rent adjustment mechanism, using any index — public or private — provided it is denominated in the same currency as the agreed rent. Similarly, the DNU allows the parties to set the frequency of rent payments, subject to a floor of one payment per month.

Further standard clauses typically address repairs and maintenance, setting out what falls to the landlord and what falls to the tenant; and a notice clause, specifying the periods required for termination or renewal of the agreement.

Common grounds for termination by the landlord include: use of the property in a manner inconsistent with the agreed purpose; neglect or abandonment; the tenant’s failure to pay rent for two consecutive periods; or any other ground provided for in the contract itself.

The landlord is obliged to keep the property in a condition appropriate for its agreed use and to carry out any repairs arising from deterioration that cannot be attributed to the tenant. Where a landlord refuses or fails to respond to a properly notified urgent repair request, the tenant is entitled to carry out the necessary work themselves at the landlord’s cost, provided at least 24 hours have passed since the landlord received the notification.

Many landlords additionally ask tenants to sign a Convenio de Desocupación (Eviction Agreement) alongside the main lease. This document sets out the procedures that apply in the event of non-payment or the need to vacate the premises, with the aim of simplifying the eviction process should a dispute arise.

What additional or optional clauses might appear in a lease agreement in Argentina?

Beyond the core provisions, lease agreements may include a range of supplementary clauses that are not mandatory but can be introduced by either party to address particular circumstances. Expats should read these carefully before agreeing to them.

A pet clause may set out whether animals are permitted on the premises, and if so, under what conditions — such as an additional deposit or specific restrictions. Pet policies are far from uniform across Argentine rentals. Some landlords prohibit animals outright, others impose an extra charge, and others make no reference to the subject at all. If you have a pet or intend to acquire one, make sure the matter is addressed explicitly in the contract — silence should never be assumed to mean consent.

Other optional provisions may cover renewal terms, detailing the conditions and procedures for extending the tenancy; and, for furnished properties, furniture maintenance obligations, setting out what standard of care the tenant is expected to apply to the landlord’s furnishings and appliances.

It is also possible to arrange for utilities to remain registered in the landlord’s name, with costs subsequently billed to the tenant. Where this is agreed, it should be documented clearly in the contract along with the method of calculation and billing. This arrangement is fairly common in Argentina, though it differs from the approach standard in markets such as the UK or Australia, where tenants typically transfer utility accounts into their own names. Clarify how charges will be calculated and passed on in order to avoid disputes later.

Alteration restrictions frequently appear in Argentine leases. Many contracts prohibit tenants from making structural or cosmetic changes without the landlord’s prior written consent. The contract should state clearly whether any modifications have been approved and whether the tenant will be required to restore the property to its original condition on departure.

Provisions on subletting and long-stay guests may also be included. Subletting without written permission from the landlord is typically prohibited as a matter of course. If you anticipate a need to sublet the property or host extended-stay guests, raise this before signing rather than attempting to negotiate it after the fact.

What should expats be especially aware of when signing a lease in Argentina?

All standard Argentine lease agreements are written in Spanish, and there is no legal obligation on landlords or agents to provide a version in any other language. Unlike some jurisdictions — Luxembourg, for example, requires that leases be made available in the tenant’s language on request — Argentina imposes no equivalent duty. Non-Spanish speakers should arrange a professional translation and take independent legal advice before signing anything.

Lease agreements in Argentina are not required to be notarised in order to be legally valid — a written document satisfies the formal requirements set out in CCCN Article 1,188. That said, having a contract executed before a notary (escribano) can provide additional legal certainty, and expats who are unfamiliar with the Argentine legal system are well advised to consult a local lawyer before committing to any long-term arrangement.

Foreign applicants are generally expected to present certain documentation when applying for a rental, and landlords often require a guarantor to co-sign the agreement. A guarantor can be an Argentine resident, an employer, or a banking institution. For new arrivals who have not yet built local connections or established a banking relationship in Argentina, meeting this requirement can pose a genuine practical challenge.

Some landlords require tenants to sign an Eviction Agreement (Convenio de Desocupación) alongside the main lease, reflecting the fact that Argentine law tends to protect tenants more robustly than landlords, making forced eviction a slow and procedurally demanding process. This document deserves the same careful scrutiny as the lease itself, as it defines the circumstances under which you may be required to vacate.

Argentina’s persistently high inflation makes rent adjustment clauses among the most consequential provisions in any lease. The contract must state clearly the currency, payment method, and adjustment mechanism, so that both parties understand their obligations and misunderstandings are avoided. Whether advance payments are acceptable must also be mutually agreed and recorded. As of 2024, all terms relating to indexation, currency, and payment frequency are negotiable between the parties — verify the current legal position with an Argentine lawyer before signing, as the regulatory environment has shifted considerably in recent years.

Are security deposits required in Argentina, and what rules govern them?

The security deposit is ordinarily equivalent to one month’s rent and, under the law, may not exceed one month’s rent for each year of the lease, meaning the total deposit cannot surpass two months’ rent. As of 2024, tenants should verify the current limit with an Argentine lawyer or official source, as the DNU has introduced greater contractual freedom and the applicable rules may have changed.

Under the DNU, the parties are now free to agree the deposit amount and currency between themselves, as well as the method by which it will be returned at the end of the tenancy. This represents a meaningful shift away from the previous fixed statutory framework and means that deposit terms must now be explicitly negotiated and recorded in the written contract rather than assumed from default rules.

Argentina has no equivalent of the UK’s Tenancy Deposit Protection scheme or the bond lodgement systems operated by Australian states and territories, under which deposits are held by an independent body for the duration of the tenancy. In Argentina, the deposit is generally held directly by the landlord. This makes it all the more essential to record the property’s condition thoroughly at the outset of the tenancy, as described in the section on condition reports below.

Where the property has suffered damage beyond ordinary wear and tear during the tenancy, the landlord is entitled to deduct the cost of repairs from the deposit. Disagreements over what amounts to normal wear and tear are among the most frequent sources of conflict between Argentine landlords and tenants, as they are in many rental markets worldwide. A detailed move-in condition report, signed by both parties, remains the most effective safeguard available to a tenant.

The timeframe and process for returning the deposit should be set out explicitly in the contract. If these terms are absent, request their inclusion before signing. In practice, the deposit is commonly returned following a departure inspection and agreement on any applicable deductions. Where agreement cannot be reached, the matter may need to be pursued through the civil courts — making comprehensive written records throughout the tenancy an essential precaution.

Are condition reports or property inspection reports used in Argentina before signing a lease?

There is no legal requirement for a condition report in Argentina, though landlords and tenants may voluntarily produce one together to establish a shared record of the property’s state at the start of the tenancy and to reduce the risk of disputes over damage at the end. In practice, formal condition reports are not yet as routine in Argentina as they are in, say, France — where a detailed état des lieux is legally required — or the UK, where inventory reports are an established industry norm. Their absence from common practice does not diminish their usefulness.

Tenants are advised to inspect the property thoroughly before moving in, noting any pre-existing damage and photographing it immediately. Photographs should carry a date stamp, be stored securely, and ideally be sent to the landlord or agent by email so that a written record exists confirming they were received.

Expats are strongly encouraged to prepare their own written condition report at the commencement of every tenancy, regardless of whether the landlord initiates one. Walk through the entire property, recording the condition of walls, floors, windows, plumbing, appliances, and any soft furnishings. Ask the landlord or their agent to countersign the document. For furnished properties, compare your findings against the inventory provided.

This documentation is your primary line of defence in any end-of-tenancy deposit dispute. Without a contemporaneous record, demonstrating that damage was pre-existing rather than your responsibility is extremely difficult — a challenge that applies regardless of the country in which you are renting.

What qualifications or licences should letting agents hold in Argentina?

Letting agents and real estate professionals in Argentina are legally required to hold the relevant qualifications and to be registered with the appropriate local authority before they may operate. Licensing requirements differ from one province to the next, so it is important to establish what applies in the specific region where you intend to rent.

A legitimate real estate agent in Buenos Aires City must hold a matrícula (professional licence) registered with CUCICBA (the Colegio Único de Corredores Inmobiliarios de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires), while agents operating in Buenos Aires Province should be registered with the Colegio de Martilleros y Corredores Públicos.

Prospective tenants can check whether an agent is properly licensed in Buenos Aires City by searching the “matriculados” section of the CUCICBA website or contacting their office directly. For Buenos Aires Province, the Colegio de Martilleros is the relevant point of contact — bearing in mind that legal responsibility rests with the licensed broker, not necessarily every individual working under their supervision.

Outside the capital, each Argentine province operates its own regulatory framework for real estate professionals. If you are renting in Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario, or any other provincial city, contact the local colegio de corredores inmobiliarios to confirm that your agent holds a valid provincial registration. Always ask to see the agent’s matrícula number and verify it independently before paying any fees or executing any documents.

Is there a professional association or regulatory body that reputable letting agents in Argentina should belong to?

Several organisations serve the Argentine real estate profession. Among the most prominent is the Colegio Único de Corredores Inmobiliarios de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (CUCICBA), the professional body for real estate brokers operating within Buenos Aires City. CUCICBA establishes ethical and professional standards for its members, and reputable letting agencies in the city may hold membership as a mark of their commitment to those standards.

Before CUCICBA was established, complaints within the industry had to be taken directly to the civil courts. The organisation now handles such matters internally, providing a more accessible and structured process for consumers seeking redress. Membership of CUCICBA therefore represents a meaningful indicator of professional accountability when selecting a letting agent in the city.

CUCICBA’s official website can be found at www.cucicba.com.ar, where you can search for registered agents and confirm a broker’s matrícula number. Always ensure that website addresses and contact details are current, as official sources are periodically updated.

At the national level, the Cámara Inmobiliaria Argentina (CIA) operates as a broader industry association representing real estate agencies throughout the country. Membership of these bodies is a positive indicator but should always be independently confirmed by consulting the relevant register rather than relying on an agent’s own representations.

In provinces other than Buenos Aires, the equivalent bodies are the provincial colegios de corredores inmobiliarios or colegios de martilleros. Readers should contact the relevant provincial authority to verify the current registration requirements, as these differ across Argentina’s 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

What are a tenant’s rights and legal protections under rental law in Argentina?

Argentine landlord and tenant law is widely regarded as favouring the tenant. Argentina’s rental framework is designed to prioritise tenant security and stability, often at the cost of landlord flexibility — a dynamic that is particularly pronounced during periods of acute inflation or broader economic turbulence.

Tenants in Argentina are entitled to occupy a habitable property, and landlords are obliged to ensure that essential services are maintained and that necessary repairs are carried out in a timely manner.

A tenant may only be evicted through formal judicial proceedings. Where the eviction is sought on grounds of rent arrears, the landlord must first serve a demand for payment of the outstanding amounts on the tenant at least ten days before commencing legal proceedings. This procedural safeguard means that self-help evictions — such as changing the locks or removing the tenant’s belongings — are not legally permissible.

The rules governing court eviction proceedings vary between provinces. As a general principle, every jurisdiction requires that a summons and complaint be formally served on the tenant, affording them notice and an opportunity to respond. This mirrors the procedural protections found in many civil law systems across Europe and Latin America, though the practical speed with which proceedings move varies considerably from one province to another.

There is no legal distinction between the rights available to foreign nationals and those available to Argentine citizens in the context of residential tenancies — expats are entitled to the same contractual and statutory protections as local residents. However, the practical difficulties facing newcomers — securing a guarantor, navigating Spanish-language legal documents, and understanding local dispute resolution processes — make independent legal advice strongly advisable for any expat entering into a lease in Argentina.

For current and authoritative information on tenant rights, the following official and regulatory sources are recommended:

• Argentine Civil and Commercial Code (CCCN) — the primary legislative source governing leases: www.argentina.gob.ar
• Ministerio de Justicia de la Nación (Ministry of Justice): www.argentina.gob.ar/justicia
• AFIP (Federal Tax Authority) — for lease registration: www.afip.gob.ar
• CUCICBA — for verifying Buenos Aires City letting agents: www.cucicba.com.ar

How do I sign a lease agreement in Argentina?

1. Find a property and verify the agent’s licence. Search for a rental through a reputable agency. Ask for the agent’s matrícula number and verify it on the CUCICBA register (for Buenos Aires City) or the relevant provincial colegio. Confirm the landlord holds title to the property.
2. Review the draft contract in full. Obtain the contract in advance and, if you are not fluent in Spanish, arrange a full professional translation. Have an Argentine lawyer review the terms — pay particular attention to rent adjustment clauses, currency, deposit terms, and termination conditions.
3. Negotiate key terms. Under the DNU (as of 2024), most terms are freely negotiable. Agree and document: the lease duration, rent amount and currency, adjustment index and frequency, deposit amount, notice periods, and any optional clauses such as pets or alterations.
4. Request or prepare a condition report. Walk through the property with the landlord or agent before signing, document any pre-existing damage in writing, take date-stamped photographs, and request that both parties sign the condition report. For furnished properties, verify the inventory.
5. Arrange a guarantor (garante) if required. Many landlords require a local Argentine guarantor. If you cannot provide one, discuss alternatives such as a bank guarantee or an increased deposit — these terms must be agreed in advance.
6. Sign the contract and pay the deposit. The contract must be signed by both parties and dated. The deposit is typically one month’s rent (as of 2024; verify current limits). Obtain a receipt for all payments made.
7. Ensure the lease is registered with AFIP. The landlord is legally responsible for registering the lease with the Argentine Federal Tax Authority (AFIP) via the RELI system. Tenants may also register it independently. You can access AFIP’s portal at www.afip.gob.ar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do lease agreements in Argentina have to be written in Spanish?

Yes. All standard lease agreements in Argentina are drawn up in Spanish, and there is no legal obligation on landlords or agents to supply a translation into any other language. If you are not fully confident reading Spanish legal documents, engage a qualified translator and retain an Argentine lawyer to review the contract before you sign. Never put your signature to a document whose terms you have not fully understood.

Can foreigners rent property in Argentina without any restrictions?

There are no specific legal barriers preventing foreign nationals from renting property in Argentina. Expats benefit from the same contractual protections as local residents under the Civil and Commercial Code. In practice, however, landlords may require additional documentation — such as a valid passport and evidence of income or employment — and often ask for a local guarantor, which can be difficult for recent arrivals to arrange before they have built up local ties or established a banking relationship.

What happens if a tenant needs to break a lease early in Argentina?

Under the DNU 70/2023 (as of 2024), a tenant may terminate the lease at any time by paying an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the outstanding future rent, calculated from the date the notice of termination is given through to the date the contract would otherwise have ended (CCCN, Article 1221). As the legal framework has changed frequently in recent years, always confirm the current rule with an Argentine lawyer before acting.

How are rent increases regulated in Argentina?

Under the DNU, the parties are free to determine their own rent adjustment arrangements. Any index — whether published by a public body or a private entity — may be used, provided it is expressed in the same currency as the agreed rent. Because Argentina experiences persistently high inflation, it is essential to understand and agree the adjustment mechanism in precise terms before signing, and to take legal advice on what is commercially reasonable and legally enforceable.

How are disputes between landlords and tenants resolved in Argentina?

Disputes are generally handled through the civil court system, with jurisdiction determined by the province in which the property is located. Buenos Aires City has its own civil procedural rules. Tenants may only be evicted by court order, meaning landlords must follow a formal legal process from start to finish. For smaller-scale disagreements — such as disputes over deposit deductions — tenants may also approach consumer protection agencies. It is strongly advisable to consult an Argentine lawyer before initiating any formal dispute process.

Is it common to pay rent in US dollars in Argentina?

Yes, particularly for furnished properties aimed at expats and for short-term rentals in cities such as Buenos Aires. Under the DNU, tenants are required to settle their obligations exclusively in the currency specified in the contract, and there is no entitlement to pay in pesos at the official exchange rate unless the contract expressly permits this. If your contract is denominated in US dollars, you must pay in dollars. Always confirm the agreed currency and any applicable exchange arrangements in writing before signing.

Do letting agents in Argentina charge commission to tenants?

Where a rental agency is involved, tenants are commonly required to pay an amount equivalent to the first month’s rent as agency commission. This is a standard feature of the Argentine rental market and should be factored into your overall move-in budget alongside the security deposit. Always obtain written confirmation of the commission amount before engaging an agency. As of 2024, verify the current rules with a local lawyer or the relevant provincial authority, as regulations on agent fees can vary across the country.

What should I do if the landlord refuses to return my deposit?

Begin by reviewing the deposit clause in your contract and gathering all written documentation relating to the property’s condition at the start and end of the tenancy. If direct discussion with the landlord fails to resolve the matter, you may need to pursue a claim through Argentina’s civil court system. A dated condition report, a signed inventory, and receipts for all payments made during the tenancy are essential pieces of evidence. Seeking advice from an Argentine lawyer at an early stage is strongly recommended, as civil proceedings can be protracted and costly without professional guidance.