Renting in Panamá
Ley 93 de 1973 sobre Arrendamientos y Ministerio de Vivienda (MIVIOT)
Overview: renting in Panamá
Panama regulates rentals with Law 93 of 1973, administered by the General Directorate of Leases of the Ministry of Housing (MIVIOT). Panama City concentrates the highest demand. The law protects tenants and requires registration of rental contracts with MIVIOT.
Key law: Ley 93 de 1973 sobre Arrendamientos y Ministerio de Vivienda (MIVIOT)
Laws in Panamá 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 deposit is usually one month and must be deposited with MIVIOT, not in the landlord’s hands. This protects the tenant and guarantees the return at the end of the contract if there is no damage.
Rent increases
For low-rent housing, the law establishes controls on increases, which must be authorized. For high-rent housing, there is more freedom to agree on the amount between the parties.
Eviction process
Eviction is processed before the General Directorate of Leases of MIVIOT or the courts, depending on the case. There are specific grounds and the tenant has the right to defend themselves. Forced eviction is not allowed.
Local tip
Make sure your contract is registered with MIVIOT and that the deposit is deposited there. It is your best protection and facilitates any subsequent claim.
Common issue in Panamá
Landlords who improperly withhold the deposit. If the deposit is held at MIVIOT, you can claim its return before that body with your registered contract.
Your fundamental rights in Panamá
- 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. Make sure your contract is registered with MIVIOT and that the deposit is deposited there. It is your best protection and facilitates any subsequent claim.
- 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 Panamá?
In Panamá, a written contract is always the best protection. Panama regulates rentals with Law 93 of 1973, administered by the General Directorate of Leases of the Ministry of Housing (MIVIOT). Panama City concentrates the highest demand.
How much deposit can the landlord charge in Panamá?
The deposit is usually one month and must be deposited with MIVIOT, not in the landlord’s hands. This protects the tenant and guarantees the return at the end of the contract if there is no damage.
Is there rent control in Panamá?
For low-rent housing, the law establishes controls on increases, which must be authorized. For high-rent housing, there is more freedom to agree on the amount between the parties.
What do I do if they try to evict me in Panamá?
Eviction is processed before the General Directorate of Leases of MIVIOT or the courts, depending on the case. There are specific grounds and the tenant has the right to defend themselves. Forced eviction is not allowed.
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.