The garantía is the single biggest headache for expats trying to rent in Buenos Aires. Traditional Argentine leases require a local property owner to guarantee your rent — something no foreigner has when they first arrive. Here’s how to get around it.
What Is a Garantía?
A garantía propietaria is a guarantee backed by a property owner in Buenos Aires province or the city. The guarantor puts their property title on the line — if you don’t pay rent, the landlord can go after the guarantor’s property.
Obviously, finding an Argentine willing to risk their property for a foreigner they just met is… challenging.
Option 1: Temporary Rentals (Alquiler Temporario)
The most common solution for expats. Temporary rentals are furnished apartments rented for 1–12 months without a garantía. They’re essentially the local equivalent of medium-term Airbnbs.
Where to find them:
- Zonaprop (filter for “alquiler temporario”)
- Mercado Libre (property section)
- Facebook groups — “Expats in Buenos Aires,” “BA Apartments for Rent”
- Airbnb (for shorter stays, negotiate monthly rates)
- Compartodepto.com — for shared apartments
- Inmuebles Clarín
Pros:
- No garantía needed
- Furnished and equipped
- Flexible terms
- Utilities often included
Cons:
- 20–40% more expensive than traditional leases
- Fewer legal protections
- Can feel transient
- Quality varies widely
Tips:
- Always visit in person before signing
- Check water pressure, internet speed, and noise levels
- Ask about expensas (building fees) — are they included?
- Get everything in writing, even if it’s just a simple contract
Option 2: Garantía de Caución (Insurance Guarantee)
Several companies offer insurance-based guarantees that replace the traditional property guarantee. You pay a fee (usually 3–5% of annual rent) and the company guarantees your lease.
Companies:
- Finaer — the most established
- Garantía Ya
- Aval Federal
- GarantíaBA
How it works:
- Find an apartment with a traditional lease
- Apply to the guarantee company (they check your income)
- Pay the fee
- Present the guarantee to the landlord
Pros:
- Access to traditional (cheaper) rentals
- Proper lease with full legal protections
- Increasingly accepted by landlords
Cons:
- Not all landlords accept them
- You need to prove income (monotributo, employment, or foreign income)
- Additional upfront cost
- Process takes a few days
Option 3: Pay Several Months Upfront
Some landlords will waive the garantía if you pay 6–12 months of rent upfront. This requires significant cash but opens up the traditional rental market.
How to negotiate:
- Offer to pay 6 months in advance
- Offer a larger security deposit (2–3 months instead of 1)
- Combine with a formal contract
- Get a lawyer to review the agreement
Pros:
- Access to cheaper traditional rentals
- Strong negotiating position
- No ongoing guarantee costs
Cons:
- Large upfront cash outlay
- Risk if something goes wrong with the apartment
- Not all landlords agree
Option 4: Coliving Spaces
Coliving has exploded in Buenos Aires. These are shared living spaces designed for digital nomads and remote workers — private rooms with shared common areas.
Popular options:
- Selina (multiple locations)
- Meitre Coliving
- Casa Campus
- Nomad Coliving
- Various smaller operators in Palermo and Villa Crespo
Monthly cost: $300–$600 for a private room
Pros:
- No garantía or complex paperwork
- Built-in community
- Often include coworking, cleaning, events
- Flexible terms
Cons:
- Shared living isn’t for everyone
- Can feel temporary
- Less privacy
- May lack kitchen facilities for serious cooking
Option 5: Direct Negotiation with Owner
If you find a rental directly from the owner (dueño directo, not through an agency), you have more room to negotiate alternatives to the garantía.
Search tips:
- Filter for “dueño directo” on Zonaprop or Mercado Libre
- Mention upfront that you’re a foreigner willing to pay more deposit
- Show proof of stable foreign income
- Offer references from previous landlords (even international ones)
The Rental Process
Once you’ve found your apartment:
- Visit and inspect — check everything, take photos
- Negotiate terms — rent, deposit, included services
- Review the contract — consider hiring a lawyer ($50–$100)
- Sign and pay — first month + deposit + guarantee fee (if applicable)
- Document the apartment’s condition — photos and written inventory
- Set up utilities — transfer to your name or confirm they’re included
What to Watch Out For
- Dollar vs. peso pricing — confirm the currency and which exchange rate applies for dollar-priced rentals
- Expensas — building maintenance fees, usually $30–$80/month. Are they included?
- Contract length — temporary contracts are usually 1–12 months; traditional leases are now 2 years minimum by law
- Aumentos (increases) — traditional leases include periodic rent adjustments tied to an official index (ICL). Make sure you understand the schedule.
- Return conditions — what’s expected when you leave? Professional cleaning? Repainting?
My Recommendation
First 1–3 months: Temporary rental via Zonaprop or Facebook groups. Don’t rush into a long-term lease before you know the city and your preferred neighborhood.
After settling in: Either a traditional lease with a garantía de caución, or negotiate directly with an owner offering advance payment. The savings over temporary rentals will be significant.
Renting in Buenos Aires without a garantía is totally doable — thousands of expats do it. It just requires knowing your options and being flexible in the first few months.