Are you thinking about renting an Airbnb in Medellin?
Whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer adventure, this guide is packed with essential tips to help you navigate the rental process smoothly.
From understanding local real estate norms to managing communication with rental agents, we cover it all.
In Medellin, things work a bit differently than you might be used to.
Timing your apartment hunt, dealing with rental communications, and understanding local features like air conditioning and laundry practices are all key to a successful rental experience.
Plus, we’ll explain some quirks you might encounter, like the liberal use of the term “penthouse” and the challenges of renting without Colombian credit.
With a little patience and the right knowledge, you can find a great place that feels like home.
Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your rental experience and live in Medellin.
Timing Your Apartment Hunt in Medellin
When you’re looking to rent an Airbnb in Medellin, timing is everything! Here’s a pro tip: local real estate agents are super busy.
They focus on apartments that need to be filled right away. If you tell them you want to move in in two or three months, they might not even answer your calls.
They’re looking for renters who can move in super soon, like in the next 20 days or less.
If you’re ready to move that quickly, then it’s the perfect time to start talking to someone about finding a place.
But if your move-in date is a month or more away, you might find that agents don’t respond much or aren’t very helpful. Don’t worry, though!
This is just how things work over there.
All these tips come from working with trusted real estate agent companies.
We make sure to avoid scams by only dealing with the best agents, which you can learn more about in our “Rent Like a Local” guide.
So, keep this advice in mind, and you’ll be all set to find your dream Airbnb in Medellin.
Keep Messaging on WhatsApp
Here’s another important tip for renting an Airbnb in Medellin: using WhatsApp to message rental agents might be tricky.
In some places, businesses are quick to reply because they really want your business.
But in Medellin, it’s a bit different.
Sometimes, you might feel like you’re working harder than the rental agents just to find a place to live and pay them money!
Don’t be surprised if you don’t get many responses at first.
This is just part of how things work there.
You may need to send a message two, three, or even four times before someone replies.
Keep trying and be patient.
This persistence is normal in Medellin and shows you’re really interested in renting.
Rental Options Mix-up
Here’s something else you need to know about renting an Airbnb in Medellin: sometimes the options they offer might not match what you asked for at all.
Even if you get someone to answer your messages, this can still happen.
This can be really frustrating!
For example, imagine you ask for a one-bedroom apartment in Laureles for up to $700 a month.
They might send back options for a huge five-bedroom mansion in Poblado that costs $10,000 a month!
It might feel like they didn’t even read your request or they just don’t care.
When this happens, it’s up to you to keep on messaging. Politely remind them what you’re looking for.
Say something like, “Hey, this isn’t what I asked for. Can you send me something closer to what I need?”
Keep asking until they send you the right kind of options.
Beware of Clickbait Listings
When you’re looking for a place to rent in Medellin, watch out for clickbait.
Clickbait means that some websites might show you super amazing deals on apartments that look perfect and super cheap.
You might think, “Wow, that place is incredible and so affordable!”
But here’s the catch: when you message them to ask about those apartments, they often say, “Oh, sorry, those places are all taken.”
You might wonder how all 20 of them got filled so fast.
Then, they’ll try to offer you other apartments that are more expensive and not as nice.
This is a trick to get you in the door so they can try to sell you something else.
It’s not very honest, and it can be really frustrating.
If this happens to you, it’s best to just move on and find another website to look at.
You don’t want to do business with people who use tricks like that.
Understanding Air Conditioning in Medellin
When you’re looking for an apartment in Medellin, keep in mind that air conditioning is not common.
In places like the US or Australia, air conditioning might be in every home, but it’s different in Medellin.
It’s very rare to find apartments with air conditioning here.
If you do find one, it will likely be more expensive because they are not usual.
A good way to solve this problem is to get a portable air conditioning unit.
These small units can sit next to your bed and cool your room.
This is a smart choice because the city of Medellin hasn’t always been very hot.
In the past, it didn’t get hot enough to need air conditioning all the time.
This is why most apartments aren’t built with air conditioning.
Dealing with Laundry in Medellin
Another thing to consider when moving to Medellin is that most apartments don’t have dryers.
This might seem strange if you’re from a place where dryers are common.
Because it’s pretty warm in Medellin, people usually dry their clothes outside on a balcony or in a yard.
You’ll see that many apartments have washers, but it’s rare to find one with a dryer.
This means you might need to adjust to drying your clothes in the sun, which is the usual way here.
It’s a simple and natural method that works well with the local weather.
Remember, living like a local means adapting to these kinds of differences!
The "Penthouse" Confusion in Medellin
If you’re searching for an apartment in Medellin, you’ll probably see a lot of places called “penthouses.”
But here’s something funny: in Medellin, the word “penthouse” doesn’t always mean what you might think it does.
It’s used very loosely!
You might click on a listing for a penthouse expecting something fancy on the top floor of a building.
Instead, you could end up visiting an apartment that’s on the first level – definitely not a penthouse!
It seems like the term is used more to catch your attention and get people interested.
So, if someone tells you they have a penthouse available, remember it might not be the luxurious top-floor space you’re imagining.
This is just a quirky thing about apartment listings in Medellin.
It’s good to keep this in mind so you’re not surprised when you see the place.
Navigating Colombian Credit for Rentals
Renting an apartment long-term in Medellin can be tricky if you’re not from Colombia.
One big reason is that most places want you to have Colombian credit, which is something foreigners usually don’t have.
Building credit in Colombia takes a long time, just like it does in the US.
You might have heard how tough it can be to build good credit—it’s a lot of work!
Since foreigners don’t have local credit, many landlords require a co-signer.
A co-signer is someone from Colombia who promises the landlord that you will pay your rent every month.
It’s like having a friend who says, “I trust this person,” to the landlord.
But don’t worry!
There are a few real estate agencies in Medellin that understand this problem and make it easier for foreigners.
These agencies will let you rent an apartment just with your passport—no co-signer needed.
This is great news if you’re planning to stay in Medellin for a while.
For more details on these friendly agencies, you can check out a guide we’ve put together.
It lists about 20 real estate agencies that are happy to rent to foreigners just using a passport.
This guide can really help you get settled in Medellin without all the hassle.
Save on Long Rentals
If you’re planning to stay in Medellin for a while, here’s a tip to get the best deals on your rental: the longer you rent, the more you can save!
Shorter rentals, like three or four months, might give you a little discount, but the real savings start when you rent for six months or more.
For the best prices, consider renting for six months or even a whole year.
When you talk to landlords or rental agencies, you can also try to negotiate.
For example, you might offer to pay three or six months of rent upfront if they can lower the monthly rate.
This shows you’re serious about staying, and it can help you get a better deal.
So, if you can, plan for a longer stay to take advantage of these savings.
This strategy can make your time in Medellin much more affordable!
Ready, Set, Go to Medellin
In conclusion, finding the perfect Airbnb in Medellin might feel like a big adventure filled with lots of ups and downs.
But with the right tips and a bit of patience, you can find a great place to call home for your stay.
Remember to act quickly if you’re ready to move in soon, keep trying even if the first few options aren’t perfect, and be smart about deals that seem too good to be true.
Understanding the local culture and how things work in Medellin will also make your search easier.
So, keep all these tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your time in this beautiful city.
Whether you’re staying for a few months or planning a longer adventure, there’s an Airbnb in Medellin that’s just right for you.