Renting in Paraguay
Código Civil (Ley 1183/85, arts. 803 y ss.)
Overview: renting in Paraguay
Paraguay regulates leasing through its Civil Code. Asunción and Ciudad del Este concentrate the highest rental demand. The Code establishes the rules for property lease contracts, terms, maintenance obligations and grounds for contract termination.
Key law: Código Civil (Ley 1183/85, arts. 803 y ss.)
Laws in Paraguay 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 or two months deposit is standard. It is agreed in the contract and returned at the end if the property is delivered in good condition. Document everything with receipts and photos of the initial condition.
Rent increases
There is no statewide rent control. The amount and increases are freely agreed. It is advisable to set in the contract how and when the rent will be updated to avoid conflicts.
Eviction process
Eviction requires a lawsuit before civil courts. The landlord must prove the grounds, such as non-payment or contract expiration. They cannot take justice into their own hands.
Local tip
In Paraguay you can seek guidance at the Ministry of Justice or free university legal clinics. Having the contract signed and notarized provides greater security.
Common issue in Paraguay
Surprise increases when renewing the contract. To avoid them, negotiate and put a clear rent update clause in writing from the start of the contract.
Your fundamental rights in Paraguay
- 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 Paraguay you can seek guidance at the Ministry of Justice or free university legal clinics. Having the contract signed and notarized provides greater security.
- 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 Paraguay?
In Paraguay, a written contract is always the best protection. Paraguay regulates leasing through its Civil Code. Asunción and Ciudad del Este concentrate the highest rental demand.
How much deposit can the landlord charge in Paraguay?
One or two months deposit is standard. It is agreed in the contract and returned at the end if the property is delivered in good condition. Document everything with receipts and photos of the initial condition.
Is there rent control in Paraguay?
There is no statewide rent control. The amount and increases are freely agreed. It is advisable to set in the contract how and when the rent will be updated to avoid conflicts.
What do I do if they try to evict me in Paraguay?
Eviction requires a lawsuit before civil courts. The landlord must prove the grounds, such as non-payment or contract expiration. They cannot take justice into their own hands.
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.