Uruguay is the most stable and well-organized rental market in South America. The process is formal, leases are enforced, and landlords are generally reliable. The main challenge for foreigners is the guarantee requirement — but there are established workarounds that work consistently.
Arriving soon? While you search for a long-term rental, book short-term accommodation through Booking.com or Hotels.com — both let you pay on arrival and offer free cancellation, which gives you flexibility while you view apartments.
| Typical rent range | $500–$1,400/month USD in Montevideo; $600–$2,000+ in Punta del Este (seasonal) |
| Main platforms | MercadoLibre Uruguay, Gallito, InfoCasas, real estate agents |
| Guarantee requirement | Required for most formal leases — surety bond available as alternative |
| Deposit standard | 2 months rent |
| Lease currency | Uruguayan pesos (UYU), sometimes USD |
| Market character | Most stable and formal rental market in South America |
How the Uruguayan Rental Market Works
Uruguay operates a formal rental market governed by the Housing Tenancy Law. Leases are typically 12–24 months, registered with the notary, and governed by standardized contracts. This formality protects tenants — but also creates the guarantee requirement that trips up most foreign renters on arrival.
The guarantee options are:
- ANDA surety bond (garantia de alquiler) — Uruguay has a state guarantee fund (ANDA) that provides rental guarantees for qualified renters. Foreigners with legal residency and income documentation can apply. This is the cleanest solution and increasingly accessible.
- SGR (private guarantee company) — private insurers like Mapfre and others provide rental guarantees for a fee (typically 5–8% of annual rent). More accessible than ANDA for new arrivals without full residency.
- Property guarantee — a Uruguayan property owner co-signs. Requires knowing someone locally.
- Negotiating directly. Some landlords in expat-facing buildings, particularly in Pocitos and Carrasco neighborhoods, will accept 3 months upfront plus a larger deposit instead of a formal guarantee.
Where to Find Apartments
- Gallito (gallito.com.uy) — Uruguay’s longest-running classifieds publication, now online. The most complete listing source for long-term rentals including direct landlord listings.
- MercadoLibre Uruguay — strong for furnished apartments, shorter-term, and expat-oriented units.
- InfoCasas (infocasas.com.uy) — real estate agency listings. More formal, unfurnished.
- Real estate agents (inmobiliarias) — Uruguay has a professional real estate agent market. Agents charge one month’s rent as fee. Worth it if you need help navigating the guarantee process.
Price Benchmarks
- Pocitos, Montevideo (1BR furnished): $700–$1,100 USD/month
- Carrasco, Montevideo (1BR furnished): $900–$1,400 USD/month
- Ciudad Vieja / Centro (1BR furnished): $500–$800 USD/month
- Punta del Este (annual rental): $800–$2,000+ USD/month; seasonal peaks much higher
- Colonia del Sacramento: $400–$700 USD/month
Practical Tips
- Punta del Este seasonal reality. Punta del Este is a summer resort town. Annual rental prices are reasonable, but the market turns over in summer (December–March) when seasonal prices spike. If you want to live in Punta del Este year-round, sign an annual contract to lock in off-season pricing.
- Utilities. UTE (electricity) and OSE (water) are state utilities. Electricity costs are moderate by South American standards. Gas is reticulated in most Montevideo buildings.
- Pets. Uruguay is pet-friendly by South American standards. Many buildings allow pets — but confirm in the lease, as some formally prohibit them despite building culture being accepting.
Planning a longer stay in Uruguay?
We help with residency, banking, and getting set up on the ground. See our Uruguay Residency service →
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