How do rental contracts and deposits work in Chile in 2026?

Confirm the parties’ full names and RUN or passport numbers, the exact address, start and end dates, monthly rent, and currency unit. Many Santiago leases aimed at professionals quote UF (Unidad de Fomento); others stay in pesos. Write who pays gastos comunes, utilities, and repairs: Utilities, internet, and transport. Ask for a recent gastos comunes boleta before you celebrate a “cheap” listed rent: Santiago cost of living.

List the garantía (deposit) amount, return conditions, and inventory process. If rent and deposit are set in UF, push for return in the same unit so inflation does not silently shrink your refund. Note aval or prepaid alternatives: Rent without a guarantor. Agency commissions, when used, should appear in writing. If the landlord wants several months prepaid, define refunds if the contract ends early: How to rent a home.

Photograph every room, appliance, and meter at move-in and keep dated copies with both parties. Pay garantía and first rent through a traceable Chilean bank transfer when you can, after the contract is signed: Get a RUT. Never treat a verbal promise as the inventory. At exit, schedule a joint inspection and keep written notes on deductions.

Commune choice still shapes what “normal” clauses look like. Providencia Metro flats, Las Condes towers, and Valparaíso hillside stock carry different building-fee and humidity stories: Living in Santiago. Scam resistance stays part of contract hygiene: Avoid rental scams.