5 Essential Things to Check Before Renting an Apartment in Mexico City

To help you make the best decision, we've compiled a list of the 5 essential things you must check before signing that lease and saying "yes" to your new home. Let's get started!

1. The Lease Agreement: Read the Fine Print (and the Large Print)

The contract (contrato) is the most important document, and you should never sign it without fully understanding it. Don't feel pressured; take your time to read every clause.

Key points to verify:

Lease Term (Plazo Forzoso): Most leases are for a mandatory 12-month term. Make sure you understand the penalties if you need to leave early.
Security Deposit (Depósito en Garantía): How much is it (usually one or two months' rent)? Most importantly, what are the exact conditions for its return at the end of the lease? Ask for this to be specified in writing.
Guarantor (Aval) or Legal Insurance (Póliza Jurídica): This is a critical and unique aspect of renting in CDMX.
- Aval: Do you need a co-signer who owns a property in Mexico City free of liens?
- Póliza Jurídica: If you don't have an aval, many landlords require a legal insurance policy. Find out the cost (typically a percentage of the annual rent) and who is responsible for paying it.
Maintenance and Pet Clauses: Are pets allowed? Who is responsible for major repairs (water heater, plumbing) versus minor ones (light bulbs, paint)?

Pro Tip: If anything is unclear, ask. If a verbal promise isn't in the contract, request to have it added. If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist!

2. The Physical Inspection: Be a Detective for a Day

The apartment may look amazing in photos, but the day-to-day functional details are what truly matter. During your visit, inspect everything meticulously.

Inspection Checklist:

Water: Turn on all faucets and showers. Is there good pressure? Does the hot water work, and how long does it take to heat up? Flush the toilets.
Electricity: Test all the electrical outlets. Bring a phone charger to check them. Flip all light switches on and off.
Dampness and Leaks: Look for water stains or mold on ceilings (especially in bathrooms and under sinks), walls, and in closets. A musty smell is a major red flag.
Gas: If there is a gas stove or water heater, ask about the type of installation (natural gas or an LP tank) and check for any visible leaks or strange odors.
Windows and Doors: Ensure they all open, close, and seal properly. This is key for noise, dust, and security.
Cell Signal and Internet: Do you have good reception inside the apartment? Ask which internet companies service the building.

Pro Tip: Take photos and videos of any existing damage BEFORE you move in. This will protect you upon moving out so you aren't blamed for issues that were already there.

3. The Building & Maintenance Fees: Who Pays for What?

You're not just renting an apartment; you're renting a space within a larger building.

Maintenance Fee (Mantenimiento): Ask if there's a monthly maintenance fee and whether it's included in the rent or paid separately. This can make a big difference in your budget.
What Does it Include? Clarify which services the fee covers: water, trash collection, cleaning of common areas, security, gas?
Building Rules: Are there rules about pets, hours for parties or gatherings, or use of common areas (like roof gardens or gyms)? Ask for a copy of the building's regulations.

4. Basic Utilities: Clarify the Bills

Make sure you know exactly which utilities you will be paying for.

Electricity (Luz): This is almost always paid by the tenant. Ask to see a previous bill to estimate the cost.
Water (Agua): Is the cost of water included in the maintenance fee, or is there an individual meter?
Gas (Gas): Is it natural gas (billed every two months) or LP gas (requiring you to order and pay for a tank refill)?

Pro Tip: Ask if there are any outstanding debts on any of the utilities. It's best to ensure you're starting with a clean slate.

5. The Zone: Visit by Day and by Night

Location is everything. A neighborhood (colonia) might seem quiet on a Tuesday morning but could be a party zone on a Friday night.

Visit at Different Times: If possible, visit the area on a weekday and on the weekend, during the day and at night, to gauge noise levels and activity.
Safety: Walk around the immediate vicinity. Do you feel safe? Are the streets well-lit?
Convenience: Locate the services you'll use: where is the nearest corner store (tiendita), market, supermarket, laundromat, or Metro/Metrobús station?
Parking: If you have a car, does the apartment include a parking spot? Is it a designated spot? How does access work? If it doesn’t include one, research nearby parking garages and their monthly rates.

Conclusion

Renting an apartment in Mexico City is an exciting adventure. Taking the time to check these five key points will save you a lot of headaches and money in the future. Remember, you are choosing your home; you have the right to be completely confident in your decision.

Feeling overwhelmed by the process? At Get Your Depa, we specialize in finding the perfect place for you, verifying all these details so your only worry is enjoying your new home. Contact us and let us help!