Most foreigners renting in Medellín do not get scammed. But the ones who do tend to make the same mistakes — wiring deposits before seeing the apartment, signing in Spanish without translation, paying for "verification" fees that don't exist. This guide walks through the platforms, the contracts, and the specific red flags to watch for.
The Big Three Decisions
Every rental in Medellín comes down to three choices:
- Furnished or unfurnished? Furnished costs 1.5–2x more but skips the hassle of buying furniture.
- Short-term (under 6 months) or long-term? Short-term is easier for foreigners; long-term is much cheaper but requires a Colombian co-signer (codeudor).
- Through a platform or directly? Platforms charge premiums; direct is cheaper but requires more diligence.
Where to Search
Airbnb / Booking
Easiest for first arrival. Trusted dispute resolution. Premium pricing — often 30–50% above local market for the same unit.
Spothome
Mid-term rental platform popular with nomads. Verified listings, 30+ day stays. Decent prices.
Facebook Groups
"Medellin Nomads," "Apartments Medellin," etc. Best prices, highest scam risk. Verify everything.
Local Real Estate Agencies
For unfurnished long-term leases. Will require codeudor (co-signer) or fianza (guarantee deposit).
Red Flags That Mean Scam
Walk away immediately if:
- The landlord refuses a video call or in-person showing.
- You're asked to wire a deposit before viewing the apartment.
- The price is dramatically below market for the area.
- Photos look pulled from a stock site or Pinterest.
- The "owner" is traveling abroad and needs you to deposit before they return.
- You're asked to pay through Western Union or in crypto.
- The contract is only available in Spanish and they pressure you to sign quickly.
- There's a "verification fee" or "platform fee" you're asked to pay outside the listing platform.
The Right Way to Vet a Listing
- Reverse image search the photos. If they appear on multiple unrelated listings, it's a scam.
- Video tour before any payment. Have them walk through the actual unit on WhatsApp video, including views from windows.
- Confirm the address on Google Street View. Match it against the building exterior in the listing.
- Ask for the cédula (ID) and a copy of the property title or last administración bill. Legitimate landlords will provide these.
- Pay deposits only via verified channels. Bank transfer to a verified Colombian account, payment through the platform, or in person on move-in day.
Understanding the Contract
Colombian rental contracts (contratos de arrendamiento) follow standard formats. Key items to verify:
- Duration (duración) — confirms start and end dates.
- Monthly rent (canon) — exact amount in COP.
- Administración — building HOA fee. Often NOT included in rent. Confirm.
- Servicios públicos — utilities. Confirm whether included.
- Depósito de garantía — security deposit. Standard is one month's rent.
- Inventario — for furnished units, an itemized inventory you both sign at move-in. Photograph everything.
- Cláusula de salida anticipada — early termination clause. Verify the penalty.
Tip: If your Spanish is limited, run the contract through DeepL or have a Spanish-speaking friend review it before signing. Most landlords will email a Word version on request.
What Furnished Should Actually Include
- Bed (with mattress, pillows, sheets, towels).
- Sofa or seating.
- Dining table and chairs.
- Working kitchen: fridge, stove, microwave, basic cookware, dishes, utensils.
- Washing machine (in unit or building).
- WiFi (verify speed before agreeing).
- Hot water (some older buildings have limited or no hot water — confirm).
Deposits and How to Protect Them
Standard furnished deposit: one month's rent. For longer leases or unfurnished units, sometimes two months. To get your deposit back:
- Photograph and video everything at move-in. Email it to the landlord with date.
- Sign the inventory document.
- Keep the apartment clean and report issues immediately.
- Photograph everything again at move-out, with the landlord present if possible.
- Confirm bank account info before move-out so the deposit return is fast.
Negotiation Tips
- Listed prices are often negotiable, especially for stays over 30 days.
- Offer to pay the full stay upfront in exchange for a 5–15% discount.
- Mention you have other apartments in mind. Polite urgency works.
- Pay in Colombian pesos (COP), not USD. Negotiate the exchange rate explicitly.
Find Verified Apartments
FAQ
Should I pay the full stay upfront?
For stays under 60 days through verified platforms (Airbnb, Spothome): yes, that's standard. For direct bookings with unverified landlords: pay no more than the first month plus deposit, with the balance on monthly intervals.
What if my apartment isn't as advertised when I arrive?
Document the discrepancies immediately with photos and timestamps. Contact the platform within 24 hours if you booked through one. Do not unpack until you've confirmed you're staying. Platforms like Airbnb will often relocate you and refund the difference.
Can I get a long-term unfurnished lease without a Colombian co-signer?
It's possible but harder. Some landlords accept a 3–6 month deposit (depósito en garantía) instead of a codeudor. Insurance products (afianzadoras) can also substitute for a co-signer at a monthly fee.
Is it normal for the listed price to exclude utilities and admin?
For unfurnished long-term leases, yes — utilities and administración are usually separate and can add $80–200/mo. For furnished short-term rentals, both are typically included. Always confirm in writing.