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Last updated on 19/03/2026
Finding your home in Chile
When you arrive in Chile, finding a place to live is one of the first things to sort out. I recommend starting with temporary accommodation — an apartment hotel for two or three weeks — while you explore neighborhoods and get a feel for the city. Signing a long-term lease from abroad is risky: you can't verify the property matches the listing photos, you don't know the area, and scams targeting foreigners are common.
Once you're ready for a long-term rental, our guide on finding an apartment or house in Santiago covers the process from searching to signing. If you want to understand which neighborhoods suit your profile and budget, see our guides on apartments for rent in Santiago and houses for rent in Santiago. For common questions about deposits, documents, contracts, and condo fees, check our rental FAQ.
Students, interns, and budget-conscious expats can save significantly with shared accommodation. Our guide on finding flatmates covers the platforms, the process, and how to avoid problems.
Chile Real Estate
Buying property in Chile is relatively straightforward, even as a foreigner. Our step-by-step guide to buying property covers the legal requirements, costs, and the process from search to registration. If you already own and plan to sell, see our guide to selling property in Chile. For those looking at real estate as an investment, our real estate investing FAQ covers profitability levels, tax considerations, and what to look for. And for a detailed breakdown of the taxes that apply to property ownership, see real estate taxes in Chile.
Frequently asked questions about accommodation in Chile
Finding and Renting Accommodation
It depends on your status. As an employee, you need your Chilean ID (or passport), employment contract, last 3 salary slips, AFP certificate, and a DICOM credit report. Most landlords also ask for a guarantor (codeudor solidario). As a foreigner, you likely won't have all of these — the higher your rent, the more flexible landlords tend to be about documentation.
The standard is one month's rent for unfurnished properties. Furnished properties or tenants without a guarantor may be asked for two months. If someone asks for three or more, think twice. Never pay a deposit before signing the contract — scams targeting foreigners are common.
Portal Inmobiliario is the largest. Propiedades Emol and Goplaceit are also useful. Yapo.cl has many listings but lower quality. Be careful with prices on smaller portals — they may not be up to date.
Furnished rental is subject to 19% VAT, which makes it 25 to 50% more expensive than unfurnished. If you plan to stay over a year, buying or renting furniture separately is usually cheaper. For stays under a year, furnished makes sense for the convenience.
Costs and Payments
Gastos comunes (condo fees) can add 5 to 30% to your rent depending on the building. Utilities (electricity, gas, water) run around CLP 50,000 each for a couple. Internet is CLP 30,000-40,000. Budget at least 15-25% on top of your base rent.
Chile is not a bargaining culture — listing prices are usually close to what the owner expects. A 5-10% discount is realistic. Your negotiation power depends on the price point, how long the property has been on the market, and whether you have documents that reassure the landlord.
Rarely. Gastos comunes, electricity, gas, and water are almost always separate. Some furnished short-term rentals include utilities, but always confirm before signing.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Chilean law 18.101 regulates urban property rentals. You have the right to peaceful enjoyment of the property, return of your deposit minus legitimate damages, and protection against arbitrary changes during your lease term. In practice, enforcement depends on your contract being well written.
Most residential leases are 12 months with automatic renewal. You can terminate at each renewal with 30-60 days notice. Leaving before the term ends without a diplomatic clause means you can lose your deposit — and technically, the landlord could claim the remaining months.
Yes, with the same rights as Chilean citizens. There are restrictions near borders (within 10 km) and coastal areas. You need a RUT number for tax purposes, which any foreigner can obtain.
Document everything in writing. For serious issues, you can contact SERNAC or consult a lawyer. Many contracts have small loopholes due to Chilean rental law, so having a professional review your contract before escalating is worth it.
