Accommodation in Puerto Rico

Finding accommodation in Puerto Rico is relatively easy. Most expats opt for renting rather than buying a home, at least initially, as it's the best way to get to know areas on the island as a newcomer.

Types of accommodation in Puerto Rico

The most common type of accommodation in Puerto Rico is apartments. Though these can come furnished, they're most commonly unfurnished. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate the inclusion of furniture in a rental at an additional cost. It's best to take a look at any additional furnishings beforehand to see if they're up to scratch, as quality can vary.

Freestanding homes can also be found, but there aren’t many to choose from. You can choose to live in a luxury gated community, which offers a safe and comfortable stay at a considerable cost.

Finding accommodation in Puerto Rico

The easiest way to find accommodation in Puerto Rico is through online classifieds. Many of these are in Spanish, so having a decent grasp of the language can be useful.

Word of mouth is typically the best way to find a good deal. If you already reside within the country, you should tap into any network you may have built up, even if it's just the owner of the hotel you’re staying at. Alternatively, expats can enlist the services of a real estate agent, preferably a bilingual one fluent in both English and Spanish.

Renting accommodation in Puerto Rico

Leases

The length of a typical lease is 12 months. A full inspection of the accommodation is advised before signing any lease, and if there are any issues that need to be fixed, you should insist that they are dealt with before the move-in date.

Deposits

The deposit is usually the equivalent of one or two months' rent, but this varies according to the owner. At the completion of the lease, the deposit will be returned in full if the property is left in good condition.

Utilities

Which utilities are included in the rental is up to the landlord, and should be reflected in the price. If in doubt, communicate with the landlord so as not to accrue unexpected additional expenses.