Renting in Costa Rica
Ley General de Arrendamientos Urbanos y Suburbanos (Ley 7527)
Overview: renting in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a fairly protective rental law for tenants: Law 7527. This regulation governs housing and commercial property contracts, establishes a minimum three-year term for housing and limits annual rent increases. San José and the Greater Metropolitan Area concentrate the largest rental supply.
Key law: Ley General de Arrendamientos Urbanos y Suburbanos (Ley 7527)
Laws in Costa Rica 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
One month security deposit is most common. At the end of the contract, the landlord has one month to return the deposit with legal interest, deducting only proven damages.
Rent increases
Yes. The law establishes that the annual rent increase cannot exceed 15% of the current rent. This cap protects the tenant against excessive increases during the term of the contract.
Eviction process
Eviction requires a court process. The landlord must prove the grounds (non-payment, serious damage, illegal use of the property). They cannot forcibly remove the tenant. The process is handled by civil courts.
Local tip
In Costa Rica, if the contract is for housing, the minimum legal term is three years, even if the contract says less. This gives you stability as a tenant so you do not have to move constantly.
Common issue in Costa Rica
Contracts that establish terms shorter than three years for housing. Law 7527 states the minimum term for housing is three years, even if the contract says one year. The tenant has the right to stay for three years.
Your fundamental rights in Costa Rica
- 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 Costa Rica, if the contract is for housing, the minimum legal term is three years, even if the contract says less. This gives you stability as a tenant so you do not have to move constantly.
- 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 Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, a written contract is always the best protection. Costa Rica has a fairly protective rental law for tenants: Law 7527. This regulation governs housing and commercial property contracts, establishes a minimum three-year term for housing and limits annual rent increases.
How much deposit can the landlord charge in Costa Rica?
One month security deposit is most common. At the end of the contract, the landlord has one month to return the deposit with legal interest, deducting only proven damages.
Is there rent control in Costa Rica?
Yes. The law establishes that the annual rent increase cannot exceed 15% of the current rent. This cap protects the tenant against excessive increases during the term of the contract.
What do I do if they try to evict me in Costa Rica?
Eviction requires a court process. The landlord must prove the grounds (non-payment, serious damage, illegal use of the property). They cannot forcibly remove the tenant. The process is handled by civil courts.
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.