Renting in Argentina: Everything You Need To Know

Looking to rent a property in Argentina?

Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Buenos Aires or a house in Bariloche, there are several things you should be aware of.

From dealing with realtors to the best neighborhoods to live in, here’s everything you need to know about renting in Argentina.

Table of Contents

Types of Rental Contracts

In Argentina, there are generally two types of rentals:

Alquiler temporal (temporary rental)
Alquiler con contrato (long term rental)

Short term rentals

This is the type of rental you’re probably going to be using – at least if you’re staying in Argentina for more than a few months.

These are typically 3 to 6-month contracts that are priced in USD and renewed at the same conditions (and prices) every cycle.

(Though not always – be sure to check with the owner if the contract & prices will remain the same).

You can find these properties on your own (deal directly with the owner) or through a realtor.

Pros:

Units are normally furnished (but they don’t have to be)
Plenty of availability
Cheaper than Airbnbs

Cons:

Most realtors are unreliable at best, and incompetent at worst (check our database for recommendations)
There is often a language barrier to work through
Finding a decent apartment can be time-consuming
Contracts are almost always in USD, which tends to lead to inflated prices
If you’re using an agent, you’ll pay a commission (one month of rent normally). The Realtor’s Association of Buenos Aires calls for anywhere between 15% / 20% over the contract – there is no national law that governs real estate commissions.

Long term rentals

This is the best option if you’re planning on staying and living full-time in Argentina.

Why?

Well, it’s simple:

These contracts are in pesos, for the most part, but of late, given the laissez-faire economic policy of this new government, parties now agree upon terms – such as payment method and currency.

And while you will have semi-regular (every 3 or 6 months) reviews and price corrections, you will still pay a LOT less compared to a short-term rental.

This makes these types of apartments attractive if you plan to live in Argentina long term.

However, you will need a guarantor in most cases (more on that below), which makes them really difficult to get for most foreigners.

Also, these apartments are normally rented unfurnished, meaning you’ll need to buy everything to set it up.

Pros:

Contracts are in many cases in pesos (makes for really attractive deals) but can be in USD, as well
Per law, you don’t pay a commission to the broker (the owner pays) – in the city of Buenos Aires
Security deposit is paid in pesos (1-month rent) – of late, also negotiable

Cons:

Contracts are for 2 year minimum
You need a guarantor
Most units are rented unfurnished
Need to show proof of income

What is “garantia”?

Basically, it’s a form of insurance for the landlord.

Most commonly, it’s using someone else’s property in Buenos Aires (or other provinces) as collateral.

The guarantor needs to have the property in their name in the same place where you’re going to rent the apartment (e.g. if you’re renting in Buenos Aires, the guarantor needs to own an apartment in Buenos Aires).

Now you see why it’s so hard to get long-term rentals in Argentina. If you don’t have friends who are willing to vouch for you (and if you just got here, you most likely won’t), it can be almost impossible to get these attractive rentals.

Best Buenos Aires Neighborhoods

If you’re planning to live in Buenos Aires, here are some of the most popular (and safest) neighborhoods for expats.

Palermo: the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. It’s broken up into several different ones (Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Chico, etc.). It’s the most popular neighborhood for expats, filled with dining options, cafes, and coworking spaces. The vast majority of expat events happen here and it’s ideal for people who want to be close to the action.
Recoleta: This upscale neighborhood is renowned for its classical architecture, luxury boutiques, and the iconic Recoleta Cemetery. It’s full of classical buildings and cultural sites, and it attracts expats seeking elegance and a high-quality lifestyle. This also includes Barrio Norte (officially part of Recoleta, but some landlords put it as a separate barrio in their listings).
Belgrano: Belgrano is a family-friendly neighborhood with a blend of cultural activities and good schools, appealing to expats looking for a quiet, residential area with amenities.
San Telmo: San Telmo is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and lively street markets. It’s a cultural hub with a rustic charm, appealing to creatives and those who love the arts. The neighborhood has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of tango bars and casual dining. It’s also a bit more dangerous after the dark and far away from the action (Palermo).
Villa Crespo: Just next to Palermo, Villa Crespo offers a more laid-back vibe with a significantly lower cost of living. It’s ideal for those looking for a residential area close to central attractions but with a more local feel.
Núñez, Olivos, and San Isidro are all excellent choices for families seeking quieter, more residential neighborhoods. These areas offer a peaceful, suburban feel with plenty of green spaces, good schools, and a strong sense of community. They are well-connected to the city, making it easy to enjoy both the tranquility of a suburban lifestyle and the amenities of urban living.

Not living in Buenos Aires? Then check out our guide on the best places to live in Argentina.

How to Find Rental Properties

Now that you know where exactly you want to live, how do you find apartments?

Here are the best websites to find rental properties in Argentina:

ZonaProp: Largest real estate website in Argentina.
ArgenProp: Another really good real estate website.
Solo Duenos: Rent properties directly from owners.
Mercado Libre: The largest eCommerce site in Latin America. It has its own real estate section (both for buying and renting property).
Alternativa Prop: Short-term rentals in Buenos Aires.
Facebook groups: In addition to posting in the groups (just search on Facebook for “your city” + “alquiler”), you should also definitely check out the Facebook marketplace. These apartments are usually not targeted to foreigners so if you dig deep enough, you’ll find gems at very reasonable prices.
WhatsApp groups: While these mostly target digital nomads, you can always post in them and find properties for more long-term rent.

The Rental Process Explained

So, you’ve found a few places that look promising—what’s next?

Here’s how to handle the rental process in Argentina, step by step.

1. Reaching Out

First things first, you need to get in touch with the owner or real estate agent.

In Argentina, pretty much everyone uses WhatsApp, so that’s the way to go. Shoot them a message introducing yourself, mention the property you’re interested in, and ask if it’s still available.

Keep it simple and to the point—no need for long, formal emails here.

2. Checking Out the Place

Once you’ve got a response, it’s time to set up a viewing.

This is where you’ll really get a feel for the place.

Sure, you’re looking at the apartment itself, but don’t forget to pay attention to the neighborhood vibe, noise levels, and any little quirks the building might have.

Bring your phone and snap some photos or videos—trust me, they’ll come in handy later when you’re trying to remember which place had that weird bathroom layout.

3. Negotiation

Now comes the fun part—negotiating.

Argentina doesn’t really have a culture of bargaining.

Two exceptions:

Real estate
Vehicle purchases

It will depend on the property and the owner, but in most cases, you should be able to negotiate your rent down by at least 10-15%.

You can also talk about whether you’ll be paying in pesos or dollars (some landlords prefer one over the other), and if there’s anything in the apartment that needs to be repaired before you move in.

4. Getting Your Papers Ready

Once you’ve agreed on the basics, it’s time to get your paperwork in order.

For a short-term rental, you’ll usually just need a copy of your passport and a deposit (usually one month’s rent).

Long-term rentals are a bit more complicated—you’ll need to show proof of income, and most likely, you’ll need a “garantia“.

There are exceptions.

Cash, of course, is a great motivator.

If you can pay upfront 6+ months of rent, you can then talk to your landlord about making an exception and renting to you without a garantia.

It should be said, however, that paying cash in advance can also get you in hot water since if problems arise in the future, there’s less of an incentive for the broker/landlord to see to items that need to be tended to.

5. Signing the Contract

When you’re ready to sign, make sure you read through the contract carefully.

It’s usually in Spanish, so if your language skills aren’t up to scratch, get some help from a friend or use Google Translate.

Double-check that all the things you’ve negotiated are in the contract—like the rent amount, how you’ll pay, and any promises about repairs.

This is the part where you want to be extra sure everything’s in writing.

6. Final Check and Moving In

Before you start lugging boxes, do a final walkthrough of the apartment. Be sure to record a video of the walkthrough – that way you can have a record of the condition of the apartment when you decide to move out.

Make sure everything is as agreed, especially if the landlord promised to fix anything. Once you’re happy, sign the final papers, grab your keys, and start moving in.

Congrats! You’ve just navigated the rental process in Argentina!

It might feel a bit tricky at times, but now you’ve got a new place to call home.

Conclusion

Renting in Argentina has its quirks, but with a bit of prep and caution, you can find a great place.

Know the process, keep an eye out for common scams, and don’t rush.

With the right approach, you’ll land a spot that suits your needs and helps you settle into life in Argentina.