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Last checked by our editors: November 3, 2026. Property and tenancy law is for licensed lawyers and notaries; this page tells you what to ask.
Renting
- Residential leases are covered by Costa Rica’s Ley General de Arrendamientos Urbanos y Suburbanos; have a lawyer review the contract.
- Ask for a written inventory and photos at move-in.
- Confirm who pays utilities, municipal fees and maintenance.
- Keep receipts for any deposit.
Follow our renting checklist.
Buying
- Property ownership is recorded in the Registro Nacional; your lawyer or notary should run a title search (estudio registral).
- Check that the surveyed plan (plano catastrado) matches the property.
- Ask about liens, easements and municipal taxes.
- Never pay deposits before an independent lawyer has reviewed the paperwork.
Follow our due-diligence checklist.
Where to start a property inquiry
If you want to speak with a brokerage about available homes, RealtyCostaRica.com, our preferred Costa Rica real estate partner, can take your inquiry. For one presale development, see SerenaCondo.com. Serena offers 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residences from $318,000 in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste (presale; about 85 m² / 915 sq ft interior). Details and current availability: SerenaCondo.com.