Required notice period costa rica | Landager

Under the General Law of Urban and Suburban Tenancies (Law No. 7527), effective 17 August 1995, disclosures in Costa Rica are focused on the "habitabilidad" of the unit and the guarantee of "uso o goce pacífico" (peaceful use or enjoyment) under Art. 26(c). The landlord must guarantee that the property is fit for the purpose it is being rented for (Art. 27). This means if you are renting a house, it must have potable water, a functional sewage system, and safe electricity. Additionally, both parties must adhere to statutory notice periods for termination: tenants must provide three (3) months' notice (Art. 71), and landlords must provide three (3) months' notice at the end of the term (Art. 72).

One area often overlooked is the disclosure of utility bills. In many Costa Rican rentals, water or electricity stays in the landlord's name. You must disclose the current status of these accounts to ensure the tenant doesn't face a cutoff on Day 1 due to your previous debts. Additionally, if the property is part of a Condominium (HOA), you must provide the tenant with the "Reglamento de Condominio" as required by Art. 9 of Law No. 7933. They are legally bound by these rules, and failing to disclose them can lead to disputes if the tenant violates noise or common area policies they were unaware of.

Transparency and Disclosure Requirements

The landlord's primary obligation is to deliver a property that is fit for the agreed-upon use. This requires disclosing certain facts about the property and the surrounding neighborhood. Under the Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 7472), tenants must be informed of the total price, including all applicable taxes, to ensure transparency.

Hidden Defects (Vicios Ocultos)

A "vicio oculto" is a defect that is not visible during a standard inspection but makes the property unusable or dangerous. Examples include a foundation problem, termite infestation, or electrical wiring that is not up to code. Under Art. 103(b) of Law No. 7527, the tenant may terminate the contract immediately due to "vicios o defectos graves" that prevent the intended use of the property. If a landlord knowingly hides these facts, they can be held liable for damages.

Condominium Rules and HOA Fees

In modern Costa Rica, many rentals are in gated communities or apartment towers. Under Art. 9 of the Condominium Property Law (Law No. 7933), the "Reglamento de Condominio y Administración" is mandatory for all owners and tenants. The landlord is responsible for providing the tenant with a copy of these rules. The tenant must follow these rules (noise, pets, common area usage). If the tenant violates these rules, the landlord is the one who gets fined by the HOA, so making sure the tenant understands them is crucial.

Water and Electricity Quality

In some remote areas of Costa Rica, water is provided by local "ASADAS" rather than the national AyA. Disclosing the source and reliability of water and electricity is important, especially for tenants who work from home and require stable internet and power.

Termination Notice Periods

Statutory notice periods are a critical disclosure for both parties to understand their rights regarding lease termination:

• Tenant Notice (Art. 71): The tenant may terminate the contract at any time by providing a minimum of three (3) months' prior notice.
• Landlord Notice (Art. 72): The landlord may only terminate the contract at the end of the term by providing a minimum of three (3) months' prior notice, subject to specific renewal conditions.

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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