What sits on top of the advertised rent

At September 2026's roughly ARS 1,545 per US dollar, a US$750 central Buenos Aires one-bedroom amounts to around ARS 1.16 million a month; outside the centre, the comparison is about US$545. Living costs in Córdoba and Mendoza run 20–30% lower than in Buenos Aires. Apartment budgets also depend on the building and on the lease's adjustment schedule.

Expensas pay for shared services such as cleaning, lifts and a doorman; a pool, gym or 24-hour security can raise them. Tenants normally cover ordinary expensas, while owners cover extraordinary charges for major works such as a new lift or façade repair. The lease should also allocate ABL, the city property tax. Electricity from Edenor or Edesur, gas from Metrogas and water from AySA are separate utility bills in Buenos Aires.

A furnished first stay buys time to choose

An alquiler temporario for one to three months usually costs more each month than a long lease, but generally asks for a passport and deposit rather than a local guarantee. Search furnished rentals on PlataPlace for owner and brokerage listings with source and last-seen date. The time in the apartment lets you hear the street at night and try the commute. Before moving to a longer agreement, read rental guarantees and lease currency for Canadians.

Long leases, or alquiler tradicional, often go through an inmobiliaria. Browse long-term rentals from agencies and owners on PlataPlace once you know the area and your residence plan. Canadians have 90 visa-free days, with one possible 90-day extension; a multi-year lease makes more sense alongside a residence application filed with Migraciones.

What a landlord may accept as a garantía

A long-term landlord usually wants someone or something to stand behind the rent. A garantía propietaria uses a relative's or friend's property deed, often from the same city or province. Argentine pay slips from a tenant or co-signer can also serve, though few newcomers have them. New arrivals more often encounter seguro de caución or a guarantee company such as Finaer or Hoggax: a one-off fee based on the lease's total value buys the guarantee, subject to the agency accepting that company.

Some owners instead accept several months' rent in advance or a larger deposit, particularly on dollar leases. Each payment needs a signed receipt. The costs and trade-offs are set out in guarantees, deposits and lease adjustments.

The clauses that decide the eventual cost

DNU 70/2023 repealed the 2020 rental law (Law 27,551) in December 2023. The landlord and tenant can now set the term, currency and adjustment schedule. Without a stated term, a home lease runs for two years; a tenant can leave early by paying 10% of the rent still due for the remaining term.

Rent may be set in pesos or US dollars, with a dollar lease paid in dollars. Peso rents commonly adjust by INDEC's IPC consumer price index every three, four or six months. The index, interval and first adjustment date belong in the written clause, alongside the terms for returning the deposit, usually one month's rent, including its currency and value. The IVC's tenant and owner guide and the Civil and Commercial Code explain the wider rules.

What the viewing cannot show in a photograph

A visit before any deposit or reservation payment gives you a chance to meet the owner or agent. Buenos Aires city agents must hold a CUCICBA licence, and that organization lists registered brokers. A bank transfer to an account in the owner or agency's name leaves a receipt for the payment.

A second visit on a weekday evening may reveal a different level of street noise and a different walk from the bus or subte. Water pressure, hot water, windows and mobile reception can be tested inside. At handover, a signed inventario and dated photographs record rooms, appliances and meter readings; promised repairs and utility-payment arrangements belong in the lease or a signed annex.

The better long lease is the one whose full monthly cost, guarantee and adjustment you can explain after seeing the building at the hours you will live in it.

Questions that change the plan

Can a foreigner rent an apartment in Argentina?

Yes. A passport is enough for a furnished temporary rental. A long lease also needs a garantía, which newcomers usually meet with guarantee insurance or an advance payment.

How much is rent in Buenos Aires?

About US$750 a month for a central one-bedroom and about US$545 outside the centre (September 2026), plus expensas and utilities.

Are expensas included in the rent?

Usually not. Listings show expensas separately; ordinary expensas are normally the tenant's and extraordinary expensas the owner's.

Can rent be charged in US dollars?

Yes. Since DNU 70/2023, landlord and tenant can set the rent in US dollars, and a dollar lease is paid in dollars.

Can I leave a lease early?

Yes. The tenant can end a home lease at any time by paying 10% of the rent still due for the remaining term.