In recent years Atenas has become a major destination within Costa Rica, not only for those looking to buy a retirement or vacation home but those looking to rent as well.

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There are many reasons behind the popularity of rentals in Atenas with one of the biggest factors being the economic crisis in the United States that turned one time home owners into tenants. Another factor is the continued popularity of vacation rentals.

Atenas is centrally located, making it the perfect location to call home while making day trips throughout the Central Valley and central Pacific coast. However, this popularity has caused some confusion in availability and pricing.

Because we have three distinct rental markets, long term, short term and vacation rentals, clients can often be confused about availability and pricing. By defining each rental category, I hope to clarify any confusion that may exist about renting a beautiful property in Atenas.

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Long term rentals- Long term rentals are those properties that rent for 12 months or longer. In Costa Rica renters are protected by law for three years when you sign a rental contract however, we sign “agreements” everyday (we call them a gentlemen’s agreement) for less than three year periods.

Long term rentals come both furnished (60%) and unfurnished (40%). Typically long term rental homes that are owned by expats have appliances included with the house, but that is not always the case with homes owned by Costa Ricans.

One thing to keep in mind is that owners who rent their homes out long term will almost never rent their properties as short term or vacation rentals. Long term rental rates are the most economic way to rent, often being 1/4 of the monthly rate of the equivalent short term or vacation rental.

For example a 2 bedroom, 2 bath pool home that would rent long term for $1,500 per month, can easily rent for $3,500 per month as a short term or vacation rental. Another big difference between long term and other rentals is that 95% of the time, long term rental rates do NOT include utilities, garden or pool service where-as short term/vacation rentals are all inclusive.

Long term rentals in Atenas start in the $700 per month price range and go to well over $3,000 per month depending on size, location and amenities.

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Short term rentals- Short term rentals are properties that typically rent from 1-6 months but always less than one year. Short term rentals are always furnished and generally speaking include utilities, gardening and pool services.

Short term rentals are most popular during high season, from December until the end of May (when most Northerners are leaving the cold winter) with leases ranging from 3 to 6 months. Short term rental properties range in size from one bedroom studios up to 3 bedroom pool homes.

High season (December-May) rates range from $850 per month for a studio and up to $3,500 for a 3 bedroom home. The rates are inclusive (electric, water, cable, internet, gardener and pool service).

During the rainy or green season, rates are generally 25-30% less. Like their long term counterparts, owners typically will not rent their short term rentals out for long term however will rent them as vacation rentals (weekly).

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Vacation rentals are properties that rent from 3 days up to one month, but most commonly by the week.

Vacation rental homes have become extremely popular in Atenas due to the towns ideal location making most tourist attractions in the Central Valley and central Pacific coast between one and two hours drive.

Vacation rental properties tend to be the vacation or retirement home of expats who also use the property throughout the year. These homes are fully stocked, making them your home away from home.

A typical 2 bedroom, 2 bath pool home with all the bells and whistles will rent for $1,500.00 per week and $3,500.00 per month durning high season. Low season rates are generally 25-30% less.

As with the long term and short term categories, owners of vacation rentals will generally not rent for longer than 1 month terms, especially durning the high season when rental rates are at their peak.

Renting a home that is for sale: Another question that comes up all the time, especially in our tight rental market is will owners who have their homes for sale rent the home while it is on the market. The answer, 99% of the time is NO for several reasons.

The main reason is that in Costa Rica the landlord/tenant laws are very protective and always tend to favor the tenant. Other reasons include damage and general ware that can be caused to the property as well as the fact that rental homes are more challenging to show for agents who are marketing the property for sale.

As professionals, when our inventory gets low we always approach homeowners who have their homes for sale to put them into the rental market, but unfortunately we have had little success.

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If you are considering vacationing or retiring in Atenas, renting a home can be a great option. Start your search in advance and when you see what you want, go for it because in our active market, good properties do not last long.

By knowing the market, you can save time and money in your rental search, leaving more for your enjoyment in paradise.

Real Estate Rentals in Atenas. What’s the market like in the place that the AARP ranks as one of “The Best Places to Retire Abroad?”

Article/Property ID Number 4168

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