Renting as a Foreigner in Chile
Chile welcomes foreign residents and allows non-citizens to rent property. However, the rental process can be challenging for newcomers who don't have a local credit history, Chilean references, or familiarity with the market. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Traditional Rental Requirements in Chile
To rent a standard unfurnished apartment in Chile, landlords typically require:
- RUT number: Chile's tax identification number (foreigners receive a temporary RUT with their visa)
- Proof of income: Usually 3x the monthly rent, documented with employment contract or bank statements
- Guarantor (aval): A Chilean resident who guarantees the lease — this is the biggest obstacle for foreigners
- Security deposit: Typically 1-2 months' rent
- Chilean bank account: Required for monthly rent payments
- Credit check (Dicom): Chilean credit report, which foreigners won't have initially
The Corporate Housing Alternative
For professionals and families new to Chile, corporate housing through HOMVUK eliminates these barriers:
- No Chilean guarantor needed — HOMVUK provides simple international contracts
- No local credit history required — corporate references accepted
- Immediate availability — move in within days, not weeks
- Fully furnished — no need to buy furniture or set up utilities
- Flexible terms — 1 to 12+ months, with easy extension options
- All-inclusive pricing — utilities, WiFi, cleaning included
Many expatriates start with HOMVUK corporate housing and then transition to a traditional lease after establishing their Chilean credit history, references, and neighborhood preference.
Step-by-Step: Renting in Santiago
Arrive & Settle
Start in corporate housing while exploring neighborhoods and understanding the market.
Get Documentation
Obtain your RUT, open a bank account, and begin building local financial history.
Search & Compare
Explore apartments in person. Key platforms: Portal Inmobiliario, Yapo.cl, and real estate agencies.
Negotiate & Sign
Negotiate terms, have the contract reviewed, and sign your long-term lease.
Tips for Foreign Renters
- Always visit in person: Never sign a lease without physically visiting the apartment
- Beware of scams: Don't send deposits to landlords you haven't met. Use established agencies
- Understand common expenses: "Gastos comunes" (common expenses) are additional monthly fees in buildings
- Negotiate the guarantor: Some landlords accept extra deposit months instead of a guarantor for foreigners
- Check the "certificado de dominio": Verify the landlord actually owns the property
- Use a notarized contract: Chilean rental contracts should be notarized for legal protection
- Know your rights: Chilean tenant protection laws are strong — educate yourself on your rights
Popular Rental Platforms in Chile
- Portal Inmobiliario (portalinmobiliario.com): Chile's largest property platform
- Toctoc.com: Growing platform with detailed neighborhood data
- Yapo.cl: Classifieds platform, good for private listings
- Real estate agencies: Useful for furnished or premium properties
- HOMVUK (homvuk.com): Specialized in corporate housing and furnished rentals for foreigners
Understanding Chilean Lease Agreements
Key points about Chilean rental contracts:
- Standard lease term is 12 months
- Rent is typically quoted in UF (Unidad de Fomento) — an inflation-adjusted unit
- Notice period is usually 2 months before contract end
- Deposit is returned at end of lease minus any damages
- Landlord is responsible for structural maintenance
- Tenant pays utilities unless otherwise specified
