This guide was created to help you understand, in simple terms:
- Which are the most commonly used and trusted platforms to search for properties in Chile
- What to watch out for before renting
- How to sign a fair and balanced rental contract
- Practical tips for organizing documents, negotiating, and protecting yourself
1. Most Common and Trusted Platforms to Rent a Property
Today, the most common way to find a house or apartment to rent in Chile is through real estate websites. They help you get a sense of pricing by neighborhood and make it easier to compare options.
1.1 Portalinmobiliario
Portalinmobiliario.com is one of the country’s main real estate websites. There, you’ll find:
- Homes and apartments for rent and for sale
- Filters by comuna (municipality), neighborhood, property type, number of bedrooms, square meters, etc.
- Listings by real estate agencies, brokers, and property owners
In practice, it’s a good benchmark for “market prices” in each area, especially in Santiago and more competitive urban zones. You can easily check, for example, how much a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment usually costs in a specific comuna.
1.2 TOCTOC
TOCTOC.com is another major portal, also widely used by renters, developers, and agencies. It allows you to:
- Filter properties by location, size, and price range
- View photos, floor plans, and sometimes even virtual tours
- Browse apartment buildings focused exclusively on rentals (multifamily)
It’s ideal for those who want to compare modern buildings, see what’s being launched, and better understand construction standards.
1.3 Yapo (Real Estate Section)
Yapo.cl is a general classifieds website (similar to OLX), and the “Bienes Raíces” (Real Estate) section is heavily used for rentals throughout the country. You’ll find:
- Listings by individuals, agents, and real estate agencies
- Properties in large cities, mid-size towns, and more remote areas
- Options that sometimes don’t show up on more “formal” platforms
Here, extra caution is crucial:
- Check if the listing is complete, with photos and a valid phone number
- Search the advertiser’s name on Google or social media
- Avoid paying significant amounts without a signed contract
If used wisely, with filters and a critical eye, Yapo can offer great opportunities.
1.4 Multifamily Company Platforms and Sites
In recent years, projects with entire buildings dedicated solely to rentals (multifamily) have grown rapidly. These companies tend to:
- Manage the building like a “rental condominium”
- Have clear documentation requirements
- Offer standardized contracts and more organized maintenance
Some have their own websites or are listed on portals like Portalinmobiliario and TOCTOC. For those seeking more predictability and professional service, they’re a good alternative.
2. What Tenants Should Pay Attention to Before Renting
Finding a place that looks good in photos is just the beginning. To avoid regrets, you need to assess the whole picture: the listing, the property, and the person on the other end (owner, agent, or agency).
2.1 What to Look for in the Listing
Before scheduling a visit, go over the listing with a fine-tooth comb:
Price Consistency
Compare it with similar listings in the same comuna with the same number of bedrooms. If the price is far below average, that’s a red flag—it might be a scam, the property may be in poor condition, or key info might be missing.
Basic Information
Check if it includes:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Approximate size
- Whether it’s furnished
- Whether it has parking or a storage unit (bodega)
Common Expenses (Building Fees)
In many buildings, gastos comunes are a significant part of the monthly cost. If not mentioned, ask in your first conversation. Sometimes rent seems reasonable, but the building fees are very high.
Location
Some listings show the approximate address on a map. This helps assess:
- Distance to metro or bus stops
- Proximity to shops, schools, and services
- Whether it’s a noisy or quieter area
2.2 What to Check During the Visit
If the listing looked promising, it’s time to visit the place in person. During the visit, check:
- Actual condition of the apartment/house
- Paint, flooring, doors, windows
- Signs of moisture or leaks
- Working condition of faucets, showers, heaters, stove, oven, extractor fan
- Quality of the windows (single-pane or thermopane, which insulates better from cold and noise)
Common Areas and Security
Check corridors, elevators, building entrance, front desk, cameras, lighting, and access control. These factors affect your daily life.
Noise and Neighborhood
If possible, visit at different times: late afternoon, at night, or on the weekend. This helps you gauge noise levels from bars, traffic, neighbors, etc.
Nearby Services
Check the distance to grocery stores, pharmacies, public transport, and other services you regularly use. Sometimes paying a little more in rent pays off in time and transportation savings.
2.3 What to Check About the Owner or Agency
It’s also important to know who you’re dealing with:
- Ask for full name, ID (RUT or passport), and phone/email
- Google their name and check social media (especially if it’s an agent or agency)
- If it’s a private owner, you can ask for documents proving their connection to the property (like registration records)
It’s not rude to ask questions or request proof—it’s a way to protect yourself.
3. How the Security Deposit, Rent Adjustment, and Expenses Work in Chilean Rentals
Rental contracts in Chile have some particularities you should understand calmly.
3.1 “Mes de garantía” (Security Deposit)
This is a sum paid at the start of the lease to cover damages, unpaid bills, or late rent. In practice:
- It’s usually 1 month’s rent
- By law, if paid in cash, it can’t exceed one month’s rent
- It must be refunded at the end of the contract, minus any valid deductions, and adjusted for inflation
So, it’s important to:
- Avoid agreeing to more than 1 month’s deposit in cash
- Ensure the contract clearly states:
- The deposit amount
- What can be deducted
- Deadline for refund after handing back the property (many agencies take up to 30 days)
3.2 Adjustment: IPC or UF
Two terms frequently appear in contracts:
- IPC – Consumer Price Index (official inflation rate)
- UF (Unidad de Fomento) – An inflation-indexed unit updated daily
Contracts usually follow one of these models:
- Rent in Chilean pesos, adjusted annually by IPC
- Rent in UF, which rises with inflation
To make your lease more predictable:
- Prefer annual adjustments—not every few months
- If it’s in UF, understand the current equivalent in pesos and simulate what happens if UF increases
The goal is to avoid surprise increases you didn’t anticipate.
3.3 Who Pays What?
The contract must specify:
- Rent: amount and adjustment method
- Common expenses/building fees: usually paid by the tenant
- Property taxes: typically the landlord’s responsibility
- Utility bills (water, electricity, gas, internet): almost always the tenant’s responsibility
- Condo fines: ideally, the person responsible for the violation should pay—this can be included as a clause
Anything not written becomes a gray area for disputes. The more detailed, the better.
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4. Tips to Sign a Fair Rental Contract in Chile
Now the practical part: how to turn all this into a fair agreement for both sides.
4.1 Compare Before Saying “Yes”
Before falling in love with a property and signing on the spot, try to:
- View 3 to 5 similar options in the same area
- Compare:
- Rent
- Building fees
- Property condition
- Neighborhood infrastructure
This gives you a real basis to know if the asking price is fair or above average.
4.2 Negotiate the Total Package (Not Just the Rent)
When calculating cost, always consider the full monthly total:
- Rent
- Building fees
- Estimated utility bills
Sometimes, a place with slightly higher rent but lower building fees ends up being cheaper than one with seemingly “low rent” but very high common expenses.
4.3 Ask for the Contract in Advance and Read Carefully
Before signing:
- Request a draft of the contract by email
- Read the clauses carefully, especially those about:
- Security deposit
- Rent adjustment
- Minimum lease term
- Early termination rules
- Pet policy
- Parking space usage
Write down questions or points you want to negotiate. It’s much easier to adjust before signing than to try and change later.
4.4 Put Everything in Writing
Any verbal promise should be included in the contract, such as:
- “The owner will paint the unit before move-in.”
- “The stove will be replaced.”
- “The tenant may use parking space X.”
If it’s not in the contract, consider it not guaranteed.
4.5 Don’t Pay Large Sums Without a Signed Contract
To protect yourself from scams:
- Avoid paying the deposit or several months’ rent in advance based only on WhatsApp or messages on a platform
- Ideally:
- Finalize all terms
- Sign the contract (preferably notarized)
- Only then make the agreed payment
4.6 Make an Inventory and Take Photos at Move-In
On the day you receive the keys:
- Make a detailed checklist of the property’s condition:
- Walls, floors, doors, windows
- Furniture, appliances, light fixtures
- Take photos and videos of everything and send them to the owner or agency, so there’s a record
This inventory should be attached to the contract or at least acknowledged by both parties. It’s crucial when you move out to avoid excessive deductions from your deposit.
4.7 Notarize the Signatures
Taking the contract to a notary for signature recognition is a simple step that adds legal security for both parties. In case of a dispute, a notarized contract carries more weight and simplifies legal processes.
In most cases, yes. Real estate agencies and many owners require a guarantor with income in Chile and a good credit history. Some multifamily buildings offer alternatives, but that depends on the company.
Yes, but the process is more rigorous. You’ll typically need to provide a passport or Chilean ID card, proof of income, and often a Chilean guarantor, as well as pay rent and the deposit in advance.
One month’s rent as a cash deposit is standard. If asked for two or three months, try to negotiate, as that’s uncommon and significantly increases the initial cost.
For most people, it’s easier to deal with a contract in pesos, adjusted annually by IPC. A contract in UF requires close attention to its daily value, as the rent amount in pesos changes frequently.
Generally, the tenant pays rent, building fees, and utility bills like water, electricity, gas, and internet. Property taxes are usually the landlord’s responsibility, but everything must be written into the contract.
It depends on the clauses. Some contracts include a penalty or a minimum stay requirement, others just require 30 or 60 days’ notice. It’s essential to read the termination section and negotiate fair terms before signing.
Be wary of listings with prices far below market value, don’t send large payments without a signed contract, research the advertiser’s name, visit the property whenever possible, and prioritize known platforms and companies.
Agencies and multifamily companies tend to offer more structure and standardized contracts, with clear customer service channels. Renting from an owner allows more room for negotiation but requires more attention to the contract and written records of all agreements.
5. Conclusion: Knowledge and a Well-Written Contract Are Your Best Protection
Renting a property in Chile doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require attention to details that impact your finances and peace of mind.
Using trusted platforms helps you understand the market and avoid sketchy listings. Carefully evaluating the property, its surroundings, and the owner or agency’s background greatly reduces the risk of frustration.
When it’s time to sign, a clear contract—with a limited deposit, transparent rent adjustments, a breakdown of who pays for what, and a detailed inventory—is your best protection throughout the lease.
By combining these best practices with careful contract review, document organization, and written records of every agreement, you greatly increase your chances of having a smooth experience.
And if you have specific questions about a particular comuna, price range, or contract clause, feel free to dig deeper and adapt these guidelines to your situation.
