Renting in Argentina
Código Civil y Comercial (arts. 1187 y ss.) y DNU 70/2023
Overview: renting in Argentina
Argentina has had significant changes in its rental legislation. Law 27,551 of 2020 established minimum 3-year contracts and regulated adjustments, but it was modified by Emergency Decree (DNU) 70/2023, which liberalized the market: now terms, currency and adjustment method are freely agreed between parties. Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Rosario are the cities with the highest rental demand.
Key law: Código Civil y Comercial (arts. 1187 y ss.) y DNU 70/2023
Laws in Argentina can change. This is general educational information, not legal advice. Always verify the current rules and seek local legal help if you have a serious problem.
Deposit or guarantee
The security deposit cannot exceed the equivalent of one month of rent for each year of contract. It is returned at the end of the contract. It is essential to document the property condition when moving in with photos and a signed inspection report.
Rent increases
Since DNU 70/2023, there is no mandatory rent adjustment mechanism. The parties freely agree on the frequency and update index. Previously, the Rental Contract Index (ICL) from the Central Bank applied.
Eviction process
Eviction requires a court process. When the contract expires, the landlord must formally notify the tenant. If they do not vacate, an eviction lawsuit is filed that can take between 6 and 18 months depending on the jurisdiction.
Local tip
In the City of Buenos Aires there is the Tenant Ombudsman, which provides free legal advice to tenants with rental problems. The Community Mediation Center of the City Government can also help.
Common issue in Argentina
Abusive real estate commissions. Some agencies charge high commissions to the tenant. In Buenos Aires city, the law states that the real estate commission is paid by the landlord, not the tenant. Inform yourself before signing.
Your fundamental rights in Argentina
- Right to a habitable and safe home
- Protection against forced eviction without legal process
- Right to have your deposit returned (if there are no damages)
- Protection against arbitrary rent increases during the contract
- Right to privacy and advance notice before the landlord enters
What to do if you have a problem
- 1Document everything: keep your lease, payment receipts and take dated photos of the property condition.
- 2Always notify your landlord in writing (text, email or letter) and keep a dated copy.
- 3If the landlord does not respond, seek local legal aid. In the City of Buenos Aires there is the Tenant Ombudsman, which provides free legal advice to tenants with rental problems. The Community Mediation Center of the City Government can also help.
- 4Never stop paying rent on your own without legal advice — in many countries this can be grounds for eviction.
- 5If you suffered discrimination, seek help from the local ombudsman or human rights office.
Frequently asked questions
Is a written contract mandatory to rent in Argentina?
In Argentina, a written contract is always the best protection. Argentina has had significant changes in its rental legislation. Law 27,551 of 2020 established minimum 3-year contracts and regulated adjustments, but it was modified by Emergency Decree (DNU) 70/2023, which liberalized the market: now terms, currency and adjustment method are freely agreed between parties.
How much deposit can the landlord charge in Argentina?
The security deposit cannot exceed the equivalent of one month of rent for each year of contract. It is returned at the end of the contract. It is essential to document the property condition when moving in with photos and a signed inspection report.
Is there rent control in Argentina?
Since DNU 70/2023, there is no mandatory rent adjustment mechanism. The parties freely agree on the frequency and update index. Previously, the Rental Contract Index (ICL) from the Central Bank applied.
What do I do if they try to evict me in Argentina?
Eviction requires a court process. When the contract expires, the landlord must formally notify the tenant. If they do not vacate, an eviction lawsuit is filed that can take between 6 and 18 months depending on the jurisdiction.
Golden rule
Put EVERYTHING in writing and keep receipts. Contracts, payments, requests and agreements should always be documented. It is your best protection.
Before you sign
Read the entire contract carefully. Never sign with blank spaces. Keep a copy signed by both parties.