Finding Housing & Apartments in Buenos Aires

Properati, ZonaProp, and Mercado Libre are the main listing sites. Facebook groups like 'Buenos Aires Expat Hub' have listings and roommate situations. Real estate agencies (inmobiliarias) charge 1-2 months commission but handle paperwork. Walking around neighborhoods looking for 'Se Alquila' signs works too. Avoid Craigslist - scam central.

Traditional 2-year contract: Cheaper monthly but requires garantía (co-signer), difficult for foreigners. Short-term/tourist rentals: Flexible, furnished, no garantía needed, 20-50% more expensive. Room in shared apartment: $300-500/month, easiest to get as foreigner. Corporate housing: Expensive but easy, includes services. Airbnb long-term: Negotiate discounts for 1+ month stays.

Traditional leases require a garantía - an Argentine property owner who guarantees your rent. Nearly impossible for foreigners to obtain. Solutions: 1) Find apartments accepting seguro de caución (insurance policy, ~1 month rent), 2) Short-term/tourist rentals that don't require it, 3) Pay 6-12 months upfront (negotiate discount), 4) Use a rental agency that works with foreigners.

Studio/1BR: $400-800 USD depending on neighborhood, 2BR: $600-1,200, 3BR: $900-1,800. Short-term adds 20-50%. Deposits: 1-2 months rent. Agency fee: 1-2 months if using inmobiliaria. Utilities: $50-100/month (usually not included). Internet: $30-50. Building expenses (expensas): $100-300 for amenities.

Never wire money before seeing the apartment in person. Verify the landlord owns the property (ask for escritura). Use established agencies for first rental. Get everything in writing. Photos can be misleading - always view in person. If it seems too cheap, it's probably a scam. Trust your gut.

Document existing damage with photos. Get meter readings. Transfer utilities to your name (or ensure landlord handles it). Test all appliances. Get building rules and doorman schedule. Learn garbage/recycling schedule. Meet the building manager (encargado). Get duplicate keys.