Renting in Perú
Código Civil (arts. 1666 a 1712) y Ley 30201
Overview: renting in Perú
In Peru, leasing is regulated by the Civil Code and Law 30201 which created the Delinquent Debtors Registry and the express eviction process. Lima concentrates the highest rental demand in the country. Peruvian law allows verbal contracts, but it is always better to have a written contract to protect both parties.
Key law: Código Civil (arts. 1666 a 1712) y Ley 30201
Laws in Perú 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
There is no legal limit for the deposit, but the most common is one to two months of rent. The deposit is agreed in the contract and returned upon vacating if there is no damage. Always keep the deposit payment receipt.
Rent increases
There is no rent control in Peru. The amount and increases are freely agreed in the contract. It is advisable to include an annual adjustment clause to avoid surprises when renewing.
Eviction process
Law 30201 created "express eviction" for contracts registered in a notarial registry: if the tenant does not pay or the contract expires, the process can be faster. For unregistered contracts, eviction requires a civil lawsuit that can take over a year.
Local tip
If you have a contract with notarized signatures registered in the registry, you can access express eviction in case of tenant default. It is an advantage for both landlords and tenants who want legal certainty.
Common issue in Perú
Verbal contracts or contracts without notarized signatures. Many rentals are done "verbally", leaving the tenant without protection. Always sign a written contract, preferably with notarized signatures, to have legal backing.
Your fundamental rights in Perú
- 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. If you have a contract with notarized signatures registered in the registry, you can access express eviction in case of tenant default. It is an advantage for both landlords and tenants who want legal certainty.
- 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 Perú?
In Perú, a written contract is always the best protection. In Peru, leasing is regulated by the Civil Code and Law 30201 which created the Delinquent Debtors Registry and the express eviction process. Lima concentrates the highest rental demand in the country.
How much deposit can the landlord charge in Perú?
There is no legal limit for the deposit, but the most common is one to two months of rent. The deposit is agreed in the contract and returned upon vacating if there is no damage. Always keep the deposit payment receipt.
Is there rent control in Perú?
There is no rent control in Peru. The amount and increases are freely agreed in the contract. It is advisable to include an annual adjustment clause to avoid surprises when renewing.
What do I do if they try to evict me in Perú?
Law 30201 created "express eviction" for contracts registered in a notarial registry: if the tenant does not pay or the contract expires, the process can be faster. For unregistered contracts, eviction requires a civil lawsuit that can take over a year.
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.