Renting in Colombia
Ley 820 de 2003 (Ley de Arrendamiento de Vivienda Urbana)
Overview: renting in Colombia
Colombia has one of the most comprehensive rental laws in Latin America: Law 820 of 2003. This regulation governs urban housing contracts and establishes clear rules on deposits, rent increases, grounds for termination and the property return process. Cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali have high rental demand, and tenants have good protections if they know the law.
Key law: Ley 820 de 2003 (Ley de Arrendamiento de Vivienda Urbana)
Laws in Colombia 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
In Colombia, the law prohibits charging security deposits for urban housing rentals. However, it is common to request one month of rent in advance. The landlord cannot demand an additional security deposit for housing.
Rent increases
Yes, there is regulation of increases. The rent can only be increased once a year and cannot exceed the previous year’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). This cap applies to all urban housing rentals in Colombia.
Eviction process
Eviction is called "leased property return process" and requires a court lawsuit. Grounds include non-payment for more than two months, unauthorized subletting or use different from what was agreed. The process can take between 3 and 12 months.
Local tip
In Colombia you can go to the Conciliation Centers of the Ministry of Justice to resolve rental conflicts for free and without needing a lawyer. It is faster than a lawsuit.
Common issue in Colombia
Landlords who demand a security deposit even though the law prohibits it. If they ask for a deposit, remember that Law 820 of 2003 (article 16) prohibits it for urban housing. You can report it to the mayor’s office.
Your fundamental rights in Colombia
- 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 Colombia you can go to the Conciliation Centers of the Ministry of Justice to resolve rental conflicts for free and without needing a lawyer. It is faster than a lawsuit.
- 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 Colombia?
In Colombia, a written contract is always the best protection. Colombia has one of the most comprehensive rental laws in Latin America: Law 820 of 2003. This regulation governs urban housing contracts and establishes clear rules on deposits, rent increases, grounds for termination and the property return process.
How much deposit can the landlord charge in Colombia?
In Colombia, the law prohibits charging security deposits for urban housing rentals. However, it is common to request one month of rent in advance. The landlord cannot demand an additional security deposit for housing.
Is there rent control in Colombia?
Yes, there is regulation of increases. The rent can only be increased once a year and cannot exceed the previous year’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). This cap applies to all urban housing rentals in Colombia.
What do I do if they try to evict me in Colombia?
Eviction is called "leased property return process" and requires a court lawsuit. Grounds include non-payment for more than two months, unauthorized subletting or use different from what was agreed. The process can take between 3 and 12 months.
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.