Commercial disclosures costa rica | Landager

Commercial disclosures in Costa Rica are heavily tied to the feasibility of the tenant's business. If a landlord hides the fact that the property has a pending fine from the Ministry of Health or that the "Uso de Suelo" is restricted, they are in breach of the requirement to provide a unit fit for its intended use. One critical disclosure is the power capacity. Many commercial properties in Costa Rica have limited electrical amperage. If a tenant needs to run heavy machinery or large ovens, the landlord must disclose if the current setup can handle it. If it can't, and the landlord didn't say so, they might be on the hook for expensive electrical upgrades. Lastly, emphasize the tax status. In commercial leasing, the landlord must be registered with Hacienda. Disclosing your status as a formal taxpayer is essential because the tenant will likely need your "factura electrónica" to deduct the rent as a business expense. If you aren't registered, the tenant loses a major tax benefit, which can lead to lease termination.

Disclosure Duties in Business Leasing

Landlords must be fully transparent about anything that could affect the tenant's ability to operate their business lawfully and profitably.

Electricity Amperage and Connectivity

Many old buildings in San José lack the electrical capacity for modern data centers or industrial kitchens. Landlords must disclose the available amperage. Similarly, you should disclose which fiber optic internet providers serve the area, as "dead zones" are a deal-breaker for modern offices.

Pending Litigation or Liens

If the property is currently involved in a lawsuit over ownership or if there is a pending foreclosure from a bank, you MUST disclose this. If you don't, and the tenant gets kicked out by a new owner, you will be liable for all their "lost profits" and the cost of moving their business.

HOA and Municipal Taxes

In commercial settings, municipal taxes (trimestrales) can be high. Disclose exactly how much these are and whether they are included in the rent. Transparency regarding the "Patente" status of the building is also key-if the previous tenant left with unpaid municipal debts, the city might refuse to issue a new license until those debts are cleared.

How Landager Helps

Landager tracks lease terms, automated rent reminders, and document expiration - making it easy to stay compliant with Costa-rica regulations.

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