Renting in Colombia

Location:
Colombia

Difficulties Renting in Colombia

By Frank Smith

Just last year I rented a beautiful apartment in Colombia, South America. I tried to pay six months in advance thinking that they would jump at the chance to take my money. I was surprised when they refused my offer without blinking an eye. They informed me that it was against their policy. The only way I would get this apartment would be to follow their criteria.

First, I had to have my girlfriend and two friends guarantee I would pay the rent. One of my friends was a police officer who was well known in the community and to the real estate office. He had to get a letter from his office saying he was employed and how much he made. My girlfriend had to supply proof that she owned property and had to swear to this in front of a notary. Once I secured all of this information I also had to attend a notary and swear to all of it. To add insult to injury, I had to have my thumb "printed" in their office.

It is well known nowadays that tourism is on the rise in Colombia. Many travelers going there believe they will find a nice place to live for cheap. This is possible, however, most often you have to go through the frustrating process above. In addition, when you rent a home or apartment through a real estate office 99% of the apartments come with absolutely no furniture or appliances. The houses and apartments I viewed were totally bare! No light bulbs and no hot water heater. Nothing! From what I gather, there is a total lack of trust towards anyone wanting to rent a place in Bogotá.

This belief may have a lot to do with the reason why it’s so hard to find cheap and affordable accommodations for the budget traveler in Colombia. Especially on a short term basis. It's not impossible mind you, just very hard to find a really nice place at a reduced cost short term.

For me it was worth it to do all of this. I found furniture there to be a bargain. Labor paid to clean and paint the apartment was very affordable.

If you have not visited Colombia or Bogotá, now is the time for you to venture on this wonderful journey to one of the most interesting places on planet Earth. As mentioned earlier, tourism is on the rise in Colombia and the friendly Spanish speaking people there are waiting to greet you to their great country. Colombians are very friendly by nature and will do everything to accommodate you.

www.apartmentinbogota.com/bogota-rental-room-rates.html

www.welovebogota.com

Further Information

Other helpful information: Bogota Colombia is a very big city of friendly hard working Colombians. Remember to leave all your gold jewelry etc. home and not wear it out, especially if you are partying at night. Just like any large city you have use common sense.

Must see/do at this place: There is lots to see in Bogota. Most young people like to go to Zona Rosa or Parke 93.

You should avoid here: Avoid narrow dark streets that are out of the way. Again, use common sense.