So, you’re thinking of moving to Colombia. Great choice. The landscapes are stunning, the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet, the food is ridiculously good — and then there’s the rental market.
If you’ve ever scrolled Zillow and thought, “Wow, this is complicated,” let me introduce you to Colombia’s housing scene, where the rules make U.S. landlords look like saints and paperwork feels like a national sport. But don’t worry. After four and a half years living in Bogotá, I’ve cracked the code. Here’s how foreigners can actually rent an apartment or house in Colombia without going insane.
Where to Even Start Looking
The main platform in Colombia is Finca Raíz. Think of it as Zillow’s over-caffeinated, Spanish-speaking cousin. It’s in Spanish only, but here’s a pro tip: if you’re using Chrome, right-click and translate the page into English. Just be careful — if you try to change filters or switch pages while it’s translated, the site breaks. Yep, error message city. So, switch back to Spanish before clicking anything.
Finca Raíz has an app too, equally useful, equally Spanish. On both the site and the app, you can usually tell whether a property is listed by an agency or directly by the owner. This matters. A lot.
The Agency Route (and Why It’s a Headache)
Renting through a real estate agency in Colombia sounds like a safe bet… until you try it. Here’s what you’ll need:
A Colombian bank account.
Proof of income from Colombia (foreign income doesn’t count).
Two Colombian co-signers with spotless credit.
Yes, you read that right. Your U.S. salary might as well be Monopoly money because agencies can’t seize a U.S. account if you default. Even worse, many agencies don’t bother telling the property owner when foreigners are interested. I’ve personally been ghosted by agencies for houses that sat empty for months.
Oh, and forget short-term leases. Agencies almost always demand 12-month minimums. Ask for six months and you’ll be laughed out of the room — unless you’re paying upfront, bringing flowers, and maybe a puppy.
How to Actually Land a Place
Here’s what’s worked for me (and countless other expats I know):
1. Rent Directly from the Owner
Look for listings that say propietario directo or don’t have an agency logo. Owners are more flexible. Some will even accept proof of foreign income if you communicate your situation clearly and respectfully.
2. Pay Several Months Upfront
Money talks. Offering 6 or 12 months of rent upfront is a game-changer. Not only does it skip the cosigner nightmare, but it also opens the door for negotiation.
I once took a house listed at 6 million pesos per month and got it for 5 million by paying the full year upfront. That’s a 17% discount — just for stacking my receipts and showing good faith.
Extra Costs (and Sneaky Fees)
Administration fees: Most apartments and gated communities tack on a monthly administración. This covers security, common areas, and the guy in the jacket who opens your garage door with Olympic-level pride. Sometimes this is included in rent, sometimes not. Always ask.
Rental insurance: Agencies may require it, but in four years of renting directly from owners, I’ve never once been asked.
Neighborhood guard payments: In some neighborhoods, you can opt to pay a local guard service. If you pay, they’ll keep a watchful eye on your place. If you don’t… let’s just say they might still wave at the guy carrying your TV out the door.
The Bottom Line
Renting in Colombia is equal parts opportunity and obstacle course. The good news? If you’re willing to navigate the quirks, speak a little Spanish, and come prepared with either cash or patience, you can land incredible places at prices that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t move here sooner.
Skip the agencies, focus on owners, and don’t be afraid to pay upfront if it gets you a better deal. Once you’re settled, you’ll quickly realize that the challenge of getting the keys was worth every peso saved.