How do rental contracts and deposits work in Costa Rica in 2026?

Identify landlord and tenant, property address, monthly rent and currency, payment method, start date, and term length (often about twelve months). State who pays water, electricity, internet, and HOA or condo fees. List furniture inventory for furnished units. Spell deposit amount, return conditions, and notice periods for ending early or not renewing. Many leases expect roughly one month’s written notice; confirm the exact clause before you assume a casual exit.

If Spanish is thin, hire a bilingual review before signing: How to rent a home. Escazú and beach landlords often quote USD even when law and local practice mix colones elsewhere: Rent in Costa Rica and Escazú cost of living. Keep passport and later DIMEX copies with the file: Get a DIMEX.

A guarantee deposit commonly equals about one month’s rent under the rental law framing, though some foreigner-facing landlords ask for two months or extra prepaid rent. That gap is where written receipts matter. The deposit covers unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear, not a landlord bonus. Ask for an itemised deduction list with evidence if money is withheld.

Practice and guidance often treat return within a reasonable window after handover, commonly discussed around two to four weeks, when the contract does not set a clearer timeline. Photograph every room and meter at move-in and move-out. Pay deposits by bank transfer when possible: Open a bank account. Early exit without the notice the contract requires can trigger compensation fights; do not assume the deposit automatically becomes your last month unless the agreement allows it. Scam deposits paid overseas before viewing are a different problem: Avoid rental scams.