Mahalo Chicos,

My other half and I have lived in Uruguay since 06′ and have rented from three different places. I have to say that it is really difficult to find a place that is furnished or semi furnished that’d be suitable and affordable.

When I say furnished I mean, lighting set in, walls are covered, the floors are repaired, stoves included, fridge included, sink, and some furniture and utensils. Semi furnished would mean the lesser of the first. Then there is the non-furnished places which would mean everything I mean everything is stripped from the rental.

If you are using a real estate agent you have the ‘protection’ of a legal contract. If you are renting straight from the owner there is a likely hood that you may get one over out of your deposit. And deposits here are not first, last, and damages. It is for the amount of anywhere from one year and up which will not go towards rent payments.

I have to say that from my experience with rental agents some will see that if your origin is not South American as an opportunity to make ‘more’ commission so therefore not work towards helping you get the best price for your budget. Some even have you sign a ‘contract’ to say that you have viewed a place and have decided that the rent posted -which sometimes or often times fluctuates depending on the season or what the owner will think they can get out of from you- is what you will pay if you are interested.

Real estate agents also broker for the owner, so they get twice the commission which for me seems not so good. Because how would I know if I am getting the best deal if agent is also the agent for the owner?

Just from what I’ve heard from Expats, most had a hard time getting their deposits back because the owner’s find the smallest problem or excuse and charges for it. At least with the agent you have a better chance of getting your deposit back.

The places for rent are not that great they go from dated settings to barely nothing at all shag on the walls and stains from no wall at all.

If you are willing to pay an incredibly large amount for rent and have that same amount multiplied by 12 months and more, you can find a place that is okay and somewhat close to the standards you are use to from living at either one of these areas; Europe, North America, Canada, some areas in Asia, South Asia, south of the hemisphere that is not South America, and so on. But you would not be getting a deal once you’ve seen that your neighbor has paid twice or three times less than you.

Of course you can go outside of the capital -Montevideo- and prices make a bit more sense not all of course. So good luck to you and remember, try not to get played.

Here are some websites that we’ve referred to:

www.casas.com.uy

www.apartementos.com.uy

Ciao,

www.odeliza.com