Rentals are common in Chile. In small towns or rural parts, houses and cabins are the most common options. In the city, apartments are more readily available. Prices tend to be higher during the summer in tourist areas such as the south.
Contracts and deposits in Chile
Contracts are typical in Chile. There are two types - one is for an indefinite period and can be ended at any time with a one month notice, and the other is for a definite period like one year or in a tourist area, and it may be only from March through December. Rates go up dramatically in the summer in tourist areas, and they usually charge only by the night or week. A deposit equivalent to one month of rent is the norm. Some places may request an additional deposit, especially if you lack certain required documentation. As it is the norm, you should be wary if there is no deposit requested; however, you should also be wary if a deposit is requested without seeing the place first. Check the condition of the rental carefully before you sign the contract to account for anything in poor condition.
Furnished v/s unfurnished accommodation in Chile
Many places come fully furnished (amoblado in Spanish), including everything you may need in the kitchen if it is in a tourist area. If it isn't fully furnished, it is likely that it is semi-furnished - semi-amoblado- which means it comes with a fridge, stove, water heater, and maybe a couch or bed. You should always check to make sure what is included.
Houses and apartments are generally small with two bedrooms and one bathroom plus a small living/kitchen area. Typically, rent does not include utilities so you should ask about water, power, and internet as you may be responsible for paying them. Most houses in Chile are not well-insulated and may be quite drafty, especially if you live in the south which can have cool, windy and wet winters. Additionally, central heating is not typical. Instead, heating is usually an electric or propane space heater and/or a wood-burning stove. You may have to get your own space heaters and/or fans for cooling in the summer.
Rent prices in Chile
Prices outside of Santiago are usually much lower, and the campo or countryside is even cheaper than living in a small town or city. You can rent a small basic house with two bedrooms and one bathroom for 250,000 to 350,000 CLP which as of early 2020 is about USD 350 to USD 500. A larger house with three bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms in the city would be on the higher end of 450,000 CLP to 700,000 CLP which is around USD 650 to USD 900.
Apartment complexes in Chile
Many apartment complexes are offered through real estate agencies, in which case you will generally have to pay them half a month's rent as commission upon signing the contract. Some complexes include some utilities, but otherwise, you will need to pay for your own water, electricity, and internet. Many apartment complexes come with additional fees called gastos comunes. It is also essential to verify the maintenance costs of an apartment and to have a clear idea of which services they include. These may include building and maintenance fees, swimming pool fees, and storage or parking fees. Sometimes they require a deposit on these too so make sure to ask.
Useful links:
Zoom Inmobiliario
Portal Inmobiliario
Acop
Viva Street
Long Term Lettings
Realtor
Yapo
Craigslist Santiago
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