In Costa Rica, the typical lease term for renting a property ranges from one year to three years. The lease agreement is usually signed for a period of one year, and then renewed annually. However, some landlords may prefer a longer lease term of up to three years.
Furnished and Unfurnished Rental Properties in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, rental properties can either be furnished or unfurnished. A furnished rental property includes furniture, appliances, and household items such as a bed, couch, dining table, refrigerator, stove, and washing machine. On the other hand, an unfurnished rental property does not come with any of these items and the tenant is responsible for providing their own furniture and household items.
Standard or Typical Clauses in a Lease Agreement in Costa Rica
The standard clauses in a lease agreement in Costa Rica include the rental amount, the length of the lease term, the payment due date, the security deposit, the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant, and the rights and obligations of each party. The lease agreement must also include the names of the landlord and tenant, the address of the rental property, and the date of the agreement.
Additional Clauses in a Lease Agreement in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, additional clauses in a lease agreement may include a no-smoking policy, a no-pets policy, and a clause regarding subleasing. These clauses are not mandatory, but can be included in the lease agreement if both the landlord and tenant agree to them.
Before Signing a Lease Contract in Costa Rica?
Expats should be especially aware of the language used in the lease agreement in Costa Rica. Since Spanish is the official language of the country, it is important for expats to ensure that they fully understand the terms and conditions of the lease agreement before signing. They may also want to consider hiring a translator or a lawyer to review the lease agreement and explain any unclear terms.
Expats should also be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding rental properties in Costa Rica. It is important to understand their rights and obligations as a tenant, as well as the responsibilities of the landlord.
Condition Reports in Costa Rica
Condition reports are not commonly used in Costa Rica before signing a lease agreement. However, it is always a good idea for the tenant to inspect the rental property and take note of any existing damages or issues before moving in. This can serve as evidence if there are any disputes regarding the condition of the property at the end of the lease term.
Letting Agent Qualifications/Licenses in Costa Rica
Letting agents in Costa Rica are not required to have any specific qualifications or licenses. However, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced agent who is familiar with the local real estate market and the laws and regulations regarding rental properties.
Letting Agent Association or Organisation in Costa Rica
There is no specific association or organization in Costa Rica that reputable letting agencies must be a member of. However, the Costa Rican Association of Real Estate Professionals (Asociación Costarricense de Profesionales Inmobiliarios) is a well-known organization in the country that promotes professional standards in the real estate industry. Contact details for this organization can be found on their website.
