Colombia – Property Letting

How does the property letting process work in Colombia?

Residential leasing in Colombia is governed by Law 820 of 2003, which applies to all lease agreements concluded after 10 July 2003. This legislation defines the rules applicable to contracts, permissible rent levels, renewal conditions, and the entitlements of both parties — making it the fundamental reference for any landlord operating in the country.

Landlords generally advertise available properties through online platforms such as Finca Raíz, Metrocuadrado, and Ciencuadras, as well as through local letting agencies. Prior to approving a tenant, landlords and agencies are expected to verify identity, financial stability, and legal status in Colombia. In practice, landlords typically request several months of payslips, recent bank statements, and references from prior landlords.

A defining feature of the Colombian rental market is the fiador (guarantor or co-signer). Real estate agents in Colombia routinely require one or more fiadors — individuals who own property and assume joint liability for the tenant’s obligations — when letting apartments. This requirement can sometimes be replaced by a rental insurance policy (seguro de arrendamiento), a solution that has become increasingly prevalent in cities such as Bogotá and Medellín.

A lease agreement may be concluded verbally or in writing. In practice, however, a written contract is strongly recommended and affords substantially greater protection to landlords. Unlike certain common-law jurisdictions where well-documented verbal agreements may carry legal weight, in Colombia only a written contract has legal validity — verbal agreements are not binding.

A valid contract must include the names and identification details of both parties, identification of the property, a description of the portion being let and any shared zones or services, the rent amount and method of payment, a list of associated and supplementary services, the duration of the lease, and clarity on which party is responsible for paying utility bills.

Landlord and tenant are free to agree on the duration of the lease. Where no specific period is stated, the contract is deemed to be for one year. Unless a valid termination notice is issued, the contract will renew for successive equal periods provided both parties have fulfilled their obligations and the tenant accepts any authorised rent increases.

Rental requirements are not uniform across Colombia. Bogotá and Medellín tend to operate with greater formality, with agencies often demanding more rigorous income verification or policies that substitute for the fiador requirement. Markets such as Cali and Cartagena are comparatively more flexible, though landlords still expect clear documentation and evidence of steady income.

What types of rental arrangements are available in Colombia — long-term, short-term, and holiday lets?

Colombia accommodates three principal categories of rental arrangement, each operating under its own distinct rules and compliance obligations. Identifying which category applies to your property is essential before marketing it to potential tenants.

Long-term residential letting is the most prevalent form and falls under Law 820 of 2003. Leases are commonly agreed for one year and renew automatically unless either party provides appropriate written notice. This category carries the most robust tenant protections and the most tightly regulated framework for rent adjustments.

Short-term and holiday letting — encompassing listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com — is classified as a tourism service and is subject to a separate regulatory regime. Colombian law requires landlords targeting the short-term tourist market to obtain a tourism licence in the form of the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT). This requirement was introduced to place short-term rental hosts on an equal regulatory footing with hotels and hostels.

All short-term rentals of under 30 days must be registered with the National Tourism Registry (RNT) — a mandatory step for anyone offering tourist accommodation services. Registration requires submission of personal information and RUT details, property particulars including address, number of rooms and beds, and any applicable business information. The process is completed online, with approval typically granted within five days, and registration must be renewed annually.

Certain apartments or houses are prohibited from being rented for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days under the terms of the community by-laws — the Reglamento de Propiedad Horizontal. These by-laws function similarly to Homeowners’ Association rules in other countries, and under Colombian law, any property subject to such rules may only permit rentals of under 30 days if this is explicitly provided for in the by-laws themselves.

Colombia has no national maximum-stay requirement for short-term rentals, but local regulations — for example in Cartagena and in Medellín, which applies a 30-day threshold — may impose their own restrictions. Landlords should check with their local municipality before advertising short-term accommodation.

Colombian law provides substantial protections for long-term tenants, shielding them from eviction driven by a landlord’s desire to convert a property into a short-term rental. The Urban Lease Law (Law 820 of 2003) prohibits eviction without just cause. Landlords cannot end a tenancy prematurely in order to pursue short-term rental opportunities unless the tenant has breached the lease terms or other specific legal conditions are satisfied.

Hosts in Colombia are also required to notify national immigration authorities of the presence of foreign guests. This involves registering guest information with Migración Colombia, the country’s immigration agency, to monitor and regulate the entry and stay of foreign nationals.

What rental income can landlords expect in Colombia, and how are rates set?

Colombia does not operate a rigid rent control regime in the manner of some European markets, but it does impose meaningful caps on both the initial level of rent and on annual increases for residential properties.

Landlord and tenant are free to negotiate and agree on the rent, subject to the constraint that monthly rent cannot exceed 1% of the commercial value of the property or the portion of the property being let. That commercial value, in turn, cannot exceed twice the cadastral value of the dwelling at the time the contract is entered into. This means that a property with a commercial value of, say, COP 300 million could attract a maximum monthly rent of COP 3 million.

Under Law 820 of 2003, for urban residential properties the annual rent increase cannot exceed 100% of the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in the previous year, providing tenants with protection from excessive increases. Adjustments to residential rents are therefore linked to the preceding year’s inflation rate and are applied at the point of contract renewal. The applicable variations for 2025 are derived from the Consumer Price Index (CPI), directly affecting both landlords and tenants.

For lease contracts covering properties not classified as urban housing — such as commercial premises or rural properties — rent increases are generally governed by the terms of the individual lease contract. No special statutory provisions or specific ceilings apply to rent increases for these categories of property.

Where a tenant considers that a landlord’s proposed increase exceeds the permitted level, the tenant has six months in which to request a review from the Mayor’s Office of the city in which the property is located. Landlords should consult the current CPI figures published annually in January by the DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística) to determine the applicable rate for any given year. The Ministry of Housing (MinVivienda) is the principal authority responsible for residential rental policy.

Do landlords need to provide a furnished or unfurnished property in Colombia?

Colombian law imposes no statutory requirement for a landlord to offer a property either furnished or unfurnished. The decision is entirely a commercial one, and both formats are widely found in the market depending on location, price bracket, and intended tenant profile.

In major urban centres such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, the market tends to divide broadly along the lines of price and purpose. Long-term residential tenancies aimed at families and local renters are generally offered unfurnished: tenants are expected to supply their own furniture and appliances. Properties marketed to short-term visitors, digital nomads, and expatriates, on the other hand, are almost invariably fully furnished and equipped — typically including kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi connectivity, and air conditioning.

Furnishing standards are not directly regulated by Law 820, but they can influence which rental category your property falls into. A fully furnished property marketed as tourist accommodation will generally be subject to short-term rental regulations and will require the Registro Nacional de Turismo (see the licence section below), whereas a basic unfurnished letting falls squarely within the long-term residential framework.

Under Law 820, charges for additional services, fittings, or uses cannot exceed 50% of the base rent for the property itself. This means that where a landlord levies separate charges for furnishings or supplementary amenities, those charges are capped at half the base rental figure. Landlords letting furnished properties should be mindful of this rule when structuring their pricing arrangements.

From a tax perspective, the total income received — including any amounts charged for furnishings — will generally be treated as rental income and taxed accordingly. A local tax adviser can help you structure furnished lettings in the most tax-efficient manner for your individual circumstances.

Do you need a licence or registration to let a property in Colombia?

The answer depends substantially on the scale of your letting activities and the nature of the rental product you are offering. Requirements differ considerably between long-term residential letting and short-term tourist accommodation.

For long-term residential letting: Under Law 820, any person or entity whose activity involves the letting of property — specifically those managing more than 10 properties for rental purposes in a municipality with a population exceeding 15,000 — must obtain a landlord registration certificate (matrícula de arrendador) from the competent authority. Individual landlords who let one or two properties on an informal basis are not typically required to register, but should verify the current local requirement with the relevant municipality.

Persons or legal entities that, following the enactment of Law 820, engage professionally in the letting of urban real estate belonging to others must register within ten days of commencing that activity. This obligation applies primarily to professional letting agents and property management companies rather than to private individual landlords.

For short-term and holiday letting: Colombian law requires landlords who offer accommodation to the short-term tourist market to obtain a tourism licence — the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT). This requirement was established to place short-term rental hosts on the same regulatory footing as hotels and hostels, which were already obliged to hold this licence.

Colombian law imposes strict penalties for non-compliance with short-term rental regulations. Operating a rental property without registering with the National Tourism Registry (RNT) can result in fines and suspension from listing on rental platforms. Non-resident foreign landlords are equally subject to this requirement when operating short-term lets in Colombia.

Readers should verify the most current registration requirements and any additional local rules by consulting the Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (MinCIT), which administers the RNT, and by liaising directly with their local municipality.

How do you obtain a landlord licence or register as a landlord in Colombia?

The procedure varies depending on whether you are registering as a professional landlord under Law 820 or obtaining the Registro Nacional de Turismo for short-term letting purposes. The steps below address both scenarios.

For the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT) — short-term / holiday lets

1. Open an account on the RNT portal: Go to the official Registro Nacional de Turismo website (administered by MinCIT) and set up an account. You will need your RUT (Registro Único Tributario — Colombia’s tax identification document, issued by DIAN).
2. Fill in the property registration form: Submit your personal information and RUT details, along with property particulars including the address, number of rooms and beds, and any applicable business information.
3. Upload supporting documentation: This typically includes proof of identity, evidence of property ownership or authority to let (for example, a power of attorney in the case of non-residents), and confirmation that short-term rentals are permitted under any applicable horizontal property regime.
4. Wait for approval: The registration is processed entirely online and approval is generally granted within approximately five days.
5. Renew each year: The RNT must be renewed annually — failure to do so renders your licence invalid and means you can no longer operate legally as a short-term rental host.
6. Keep accommodation records: Records relating to all short-term rental guests must be documented in Colombia’s Tarjeta de Registro de Alojamiento (Accommodation Registration Card), which assists local authorities in verifying compliance with tourist accommodation regulations.

For the matrícula de arrendador — professional long-term landlords

Landlords letting more than 10 properties in a qualifying municipality must obtain the matrícula de arrendador from the competent authority. Such persons are subject to oversight by the relevant authorities, and the law prescribes the requirements for obtaining and maintaining this registration. The process is administered at municipal level — the relevant office is typically the local Alcaldía (Mayor’s Office). Fees, documentary requirements, and procedures may differ between municipalities and are subject to change; always confirm current requirements directly with your local authority before applying.

Inspection, oversight, and control of letting activities fall under the jurisdiction of the Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá, the Gobernación de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, and the municipal alcaldías throughout the country.

What are the rules around deposits in Colombia?

Colombia’s treatment of security deposits is one of the most distinctive aspects of its rental framework — and one that frequently comes as a surprise to landlords who are accustomed to systems in other countries where deposits form a routine part of any tenancy.

Article 16 of Law 820 of 2003 bears the heading “Prohibition of deposits and real guarantees.” It provides that in urban residential lease contracts, cash deposits or any other form of real guarantee intended to secure the tenant’s contractual obligations cannot be demanded. Such guarantees cannot be imposed indirectly, through an intermediary, or through documents separate from the lease contract itself.

Unlike deposit protection schemes that exist in markets such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, or Australia — where landlords collect a deposit but must hold it in a government-backed scheme and comply with formal rules governing deductions and refunds — Colombia takes a fundamentally different approach: for standard residential lets, the concept of a cash deposit simply has no legal basis.

In practice, it is not uncommon to encounter landlords who request a deposit to secure a tenancy in Colombia. However, such guarantees may only be established indirectly or through an intermediary such as an insurance company. The most widely used alternatives are rental insurance policies (seguros de arrendamiento) and the use of a fiador — a co-signer who owns property and is jointly liable for the tenant’s obligations. Foreign landlords should note that insisting on a cash deposit in a residential tenancy is technically unlawful and that any such clause would be unenforceable before a Colombian court. Consult the Ministry of Housing or a local property lawyer for current guidance on the guarantee mechanisms that are permitted.

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in Colombia?

Colombian law draws a clear line between the obligations of the landlord and those of the tenant with regard to maintaining a rental property, broadly following the principle that structural and significant repairs are the owner’s responsibility, while routine care of the property falls to the tenant.

Under Law 820 of 2003 and the Colombian Civil Code, the landlord is obliged to deliver the property in a habitable condition and to undertake any structural or major repairs necessary to keep the property fit for its intended purpose. This encompasses repairs to the roof, external walls, plumbing infrastructure, and other structural components.

The tenant is obliged to pay rent on time, to meet utility bills and other associated charges, and to take proper care of the property and its contents. Where damage is caused, the tenant bears the cost of the necessary repairs. Minor day-to-day upkeep — such as changing light bulbs, maintaining interior surfaces in good condition, and keeping the property clean — generally falls to the tenant.

This division of responsibilities broadly mirrors the landlord/tenant maintenance split found in many civil law countries. Unlike some common-law systems where implied covenants of habitability generate extensive statutory obligations for landlords, Colombia’s rules are grounded in the lease contract itself, underpinned by the general framework of Law 820. Landlords are therefore advised to set out maintenance responsibilities explicitly and clearly in the written contract.

A tenant is entitled to terminate the contract if the landlord fails to honour the rights conferred by law or by the contract. Disputes concerning repairs may be referred to a conciliación (mediation) centre or, ultimately, to the courts. The local Mayor’s Office (Alcaldía) exercises inspection and oversight powers in relation to residential tenancies under Law 820.

How are letting agents used in Colombia, and what do they charge?

Letting agents and property management companies (inmobiliarias) occupy an active and widely relied-upon role in the Colombian rental market, particularly in major cities. For foreign nationals letting property from overseas, engaging a reputable management company is often an indispensable component of the letting arrangement.

Typical services provided by Colombian letting agents include property marketing and advertising, tenant screening (covering identity verification, income assessment, and fiador management), preparation of lease contracts, rent collection, coordination of routine maintenance, and liaison with local municipal authorities. More comprehensive property management packages — particularly relevant to remote landlords — additionally cover utility registrations, building administration charges, and ongoing communication with tenants.

Agent fees in Colombia are not subject to a nationally regulated ceiling in the way that letting agent charges are legally capped in some other markets. Fee structures vary between agents and across cities. As a general market convention, landlords typically pay around one month’s rent as a placement fee for finding and securing a tenant, with ongoing management fees of approximately 8–12% of monthly rent for full property management services (as of 2025, based on prevailing market practice — confirm current rates directly with your chosen agent). Some agencies charge tenants a separate administrative fee, though this varies by market and by agency.

Persons or legal entities that engage professionally in the letting of urban real estate belonging to others must register within ten days of commencing that activity. When selecting a letting agent, landlords should verify that the agency holds a valid matrícula de arrendador where required, as this is a legal requirement for professional letting intermediaries operating above the prescribed thresholds.

For information on regulated fee structures and any consumer protection rules applicable to letting agents, consult the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), Colombia’s consumer protection authority, and check with your local municipal authority.

What taxes apply to rental income in Colombia?

The tax treatment of rental income in Colombia depends primarily on whether the landlord qualifies as a tax resident or non-resident. The governing authority is the DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales) — Colombia’s national tax and customs authority.

Determining tax residency: If you are present in Colombia for more than 183 days within any 365-day period, or satisfy the conditions set out in Article 10 of the Tax Code, you are treated as a tax resident. Residents are required to file income tax on all income earned globally — both within and outside Colombia — whenever they exceed the established thresholds or receive Colombian-source income such as rental payments.

Resident landlords: For tax residents, rental income is subject to income tax on a progressive scale ranging from 0% to 39%. Whether derived from long-term or short-term arrangements, rental income must be reported annually and is taxed under general income tax rules rather than as a separate tax category. Deductions may be available where appropriate documentation is maintained. Allowable deductions can include management fees, maintenance expenditure, and depreciation, though you should confirm the currently permitted deductions with a local tax adviser.

Non-resident landlords: If you do not satisfy the tax residency conditions, you are liable for tax only on Colombian-source income — for example, rent derived from property situated in Colombia. Where the landlord is a foreign national without domicile or a branch in Colombia, the tenant is required to apply a 20% withholding tax on the total rental payment (Article 408 of the Tax Code). In most cases, this withholding satisfies the non-resident’s Colombian tax liability, meaning that they are not required to file a tax return in Colombia, except in specific circumstances.

Withholding tax on resident landlords: A withholding tax rate of 3.5% applies to rental income, with a minimum base of 10 UVT = COP 497,990 (as of 2025, based on UVT 2025 = COP 49,799). This functions as an advance payment against the landlord’s annual income tax liability.

Property tax and VAT: All property owners in Colombia — whether resident or non-resident — are required to pay annual property tax (predial) to the relevant municipality. Short-term holiday lets may also attract potential VAT at 19% where hospitality services are provided.

Double taxation treaties may be relevant for foreign owners. Colombia has agreements with a number of countries that may reduce the overall tax burden. If you are investing in Colombia, tailored professional tax advice is strongly recommended — outcomes will vary depending on your income structure, the nature of your ownership, and any applicable double taxation treaty. Always consult the DIAN website and a qualified Colombian tax adviser for the most current rates and thresholds, which are updated annually.

What are the rules around ending a tenancy or evicting a tenant in Colombia?

Colombian law affords tenants strong protections, including security of tenure, defined notice periods, and clear rules governing the handling of any guarantees. The eviction framework nonetheless equips landlords with meaningful remedies for recovering their property — particularly in cases of non-payment — and the process moves more quickly than in many comparable jurisdictions.

Grounds for landlord termination: Landlords are restricted in the reasons they may rely upon to end a tenancy. Permissible grounds include: the tenant defaulting on rent or utility payments; the tenant subletting the property without the landlord’s consent; the tenant carrying out unauthorised alterations or causing partial or total destruction of the property; and the property being used for criminal activities as recorded by the police.

Landlord termination with notice and penalty: With three months’ written notice and payment of a penalty equivalent to three months’ rent, a landlord may terminate the tenancy where: the owner needs to occupy the property personally for a period of not less than one year; the property is to be demolished for new construction or must be vacated to carry out essential repairs; or the owner has sold the property. A landlord may also terminate a contract that has been running for not less than four years by paying a penalty equivalent to 1.5 months’ rent.

Tenant termination: A tenant wishing to terminate a lease early must provide written notice of at least three months and pay a penalty equal to three months’ rent. If the tenant gives notice shortly before the natural expiry of the contract, a minimum of three months’ written notice is still required, but no financial penalty applies and the tenant is under no obligation to give reasons for their decision.

Eviction process: Landlords in Colombia cannot evict tenants informally. All evictions must proceed through formal legal channels — either through the courts or through an authorised administrative process — affording tenants significant procedural protection. Rulings in eviction proceedings based on non-payment of rent are not subject to appeal. Unlike most other civil actions in Colombia, it is not necessary to exhaust a conciliation hearing before initiating eviction proceedings.

Under Law 820, a landlord can recover possession within up to six months in cases of tenant non-payment. Prior to the enactment of this law, the same process could take as long as ten years. Compared with many tenant-protective markets in Western Europe — where eviction proceedings frequently extend to one or two years or more — Colombia’s framework offers landlords a relatively expedient remedy for non-payment.

What should expat landlords know about managing property remotely in Colombia?

Many foreign nationals who own property in Colombia choose to let it while residing abroad. This is entirely lawful — Colombia imposes no residency requirement on property ownership. Non-resident owners are required to pay taxes on rental income generated within the country and must ensure they remain compliant with their obligations to DIAN.

Power of attorney: Managing a tenancy from overseas will almost invariably require granting a notarised power of attorney (poder notarial) to a trusted representative in Colombia — whether a property manager, lawyer, or family member. This document authorises your representative to sign contracts, communicate with tenants, oversee maintenance, collect rent, and engage with official authorities on your behalf. The power of attorney must generally be notarised and apostilled in the country where it is executed, and subsequently registered in Colombia.

Property management: Instructing a reputable property management company is the most practical solution for remote landlords. A capable manager will handle tenant sourcing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and compliance with local regulations. Management fees typically run at 8–12% of monthly rent for a comprehensive service (as of 2025 — verify current market rates with local agents). If you find a reliable property manager, it is well worth retaining them — they represent a critical asset for any landlord operating from abroad.

Tax withholding obligations: Where the landlord is a foreign national without domicile or a branch in Colombia, the tenant (or the tenant’s company, in the case of a corporate tenancy) is required to apply a 20% withholding tax on the total rental payment under Article 408 of the Tax Code. This withholding ordinarily satisfies the non-resident’s Colombian tax liability, meaning that they are generally not required to file a tax return in Colombia, except in specific circumstances. Landlords should confirm that their tenants or management company are handling this obligation correctly.

Repatriating rental income: Colombia imposes no general restrictions on transferring rental income overseas, provided the income has been properly declared and any applicable taxes paid. Transfers are routed through the Colombian banking system and must comply with the foreign exchange regulations administered by the Banco de la República. Large or regular transfers may require supporting documentation demonstrating the legitimate origin of the funds.

The Colombian tax authority (DIAN) monitors international transfers closely, so early tax planning, RUT registration, and specialist professional advice are strongly recommended. Non-resident landlords should register for a RUT (Colombian tax identification number) with DIAN before commencing any rental activity, as this is required for tax reporting and banking purposes.

Frequently asked questions

Can a non-resident own and let property in Colombia?

Yes. Colombia imposes no residency requirement for property ownership, and non-resident owners may freely let their properties and receive rental income. They are required to pay tax on rental income arising from property situated in Colombia. A RUT (Colombian tax identification number) is necessary for rental activity, and appointing a local representative or granting a power of attorney is strongly advisable for day-to-day property management.

Do I need a local agent to let my property in Colombia?

There is no legal obligation for an individual private landlord to use an agent for a long-term residential letting. However, for foreign nationals managing property from abroad, engaging a local property management company or lawyer operating under a power of attorney is a practical necessity. For short-term lets, the compliance obligations — including RNT registration and the requirement to report foreign guests to Migración Colombia — make local professional management even more important.

How much can I charge for rent in Colombia?

Landlord and tenant are free to agree the rent by negotiation, subject to the constraint that the monthly rent cannot exceed 1% of the commercial value of the property or the portion of the property being let, as stipulated by Law 820 of 2003. This cap remains in force. Check the current assessed commercial value of your property with the local cadastre authority (IGAC or the relevant municipal authority) in order to determine the maximum permitted rent.

How much can I increase the rent each year?

Under Law 820 of 2003, for urban residential properties the annual rent increase cannot exceed 100% of the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in the previous year. In practical terms, the cap is equivalent to the preceding year’s annual inflation rate. Consult the official CPI figure published by DANE each January to determine the applicable percentage for any given year (for example, as of 2025, the 2024 CPI determines the maximum permissible 2025 increase).

Are security deposits allowed in Colombia?

No. Under Article 16 of Law 820 of 2003, cash deposits or any other form of real guarantee designed to secure the tenant’s contractual obligations cannot be required in urban residential lease contracts. The standard alternatives are a fiador (a property-owning co-signer who assumes joint liability) or a rental insurance policy (seguro de arrendamiento). While some landlords informally request deposits in practice, such arrangements are not legally enforceable before a Colombian court.

Do I need a licence for short-term Airbnb-style letting in Colombia?

Yes. Colombian law requires landlords who accommodate short-term tourist guests to obtain a tourism licence in the form of the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT). Registration is completed online and approval is generally granted within approximately five days; the licence must be renewed annually. You must also verify that your property’s horizontal property by-laws permit rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Registration is carried out through the official RNT portal.

How is rental income taxed if I live outside Colombia?

Where the landlord is a foreign national without domicile or a branch in Colombia, the tenant is required to withhold 20% of the total rental payment as withholding tax (Article 408 of the Tax Code, as of 2025). This withholding generally satisfies the non-resident’s Colombian tax liability, and in most cases they are not required to submit a tax return in Colombia, except in specific circumstances. Double taxation treaties may reduce the overall tax burden. Always consult the DIAN and a qualified Colombian tax adviser for advice tailored to your personal situation.

How long does a Colombian eviction process take?

Under Law 820, a landlord can recover possession of their property within up to six months in cases of tenant non-payment. Rulings in eviction proceedings based on failure to pay rent cannot be appealed. Formal legal procedures must nonetheless be followed throughout — informal eviction is not permitted under Colombian law. For evictions pursued on other grounds, timelines may be longer. Consult a local property lawyer for advice specific to your situation.