Ecuador Forum

casadecuenca
Joined 2013
Posts: 1365

10 years ago

Rental Deposits, kiss your money goodbye

10 years ago

Ecuadorian property owners are famous for asking large sums for rental deposits, sometimes a much as 6 months. If your are foolish enough to fall for this scam, kiss your money goodbye because you are unlikely to get your deposit back at the end of the lease. Ecuadorian property owners are notarious for keeping the deposits.

Earlier this year I was looking to rent a 2500 sf furnished house. The owner wanted $900 rent which was not a problem but they wanted a $5,000 security deposit, I got them down to $2500 but when it came time to sign the lease most of the furniture had disappeared and there was not $2500 worth of furniture left. I walked away.

A law has been passed that has not gone into effect yet that provides for a one month deposit, plus the first month.

The other problem is that what we think of as a furnished house or apartment and what Ecuadorian property owners think are often eons apart. Americans are used to showing up with their toothbrush and pajamas. A furnished home I rented a few months ago is a case in point. I agreed the owner could take the master bedroom furniture, she took all the beds from 3 bedrooms, curtains from windows ad nauseum after the lease was signed. So we played Italian market on the lease conditions.

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Real Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

Additional Information:

Visit our Ecuador Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.