An expat account of… Finding an apartment rental in Uruguay

When I was younger, myfamily was a bit like a flock of migrant birds. My mother was always on the lookout for different places for us to live (and redecorate), so we were regularly on the move. As a result, I can relate to anyone who questions the value in relocating their roost, so to speak. The process itself can seem downright intimidating, particularly when involving a migration pattern that ends somewhere outside of U.S. territory. Nevertheless, this past March I moved to Montevideo, Uruguay. This is what I learned.
 
Upon arrival, I booked myself into a modest hotel near the city center and began asking questions in broken Spanish.
 
“In your opinion, where is the best place to live in Montevideo?”
 
While the hotel clerk claimed “Pocitos,” a maid proceeded to whisper to me, “Ciudad Vieja”. Later that day, I was told “Punta Carretas,” by a woman whose friend suggested I look into “Centro” – this, despite the fact that both women are happily situated in the “Malvin” neighborhood.  Next, a man selling peanuts on the street said that I couldn’t go wrong in “Parque Rodo.”
 
By the end of the day, you might say I was left with more questions than answers.
 
Upon further inquiry and a good deal of exploring Montevideo on my own terms, I decided that the “Pocitos” district was for me – despite generally higher rental prices. Though primarily known for its beach, “Playa Pocitos,” the neighborhood offers a good balance between its shoreline, shopping, restaurants, and parks. Unlike the city center, I was also attracted to its residential feel.  
 
Having narrowed things down to Pocitos, my next move came in the form of “El Gallito,” a local newspaper crammed full of apartment listings. For those willing to take advantage of this source, the listings are updated every Sunday in the paper. That said, listings go quickly, so begin your search with the Sunday paper in one hand and a telephone in the other.
 
[A word to the wise: “El Gallito” may also be accessed online at the web address below. But be aware that their online “classifieds” content is not updated until Monday mornings. Even so, the website is a great tool. For one, you can filter your search criteria down to meet your rental needs and, in the process, avoid being bombarded by undesirable rental options. Secondly, it serves as an excellent source in terms of investigating what you can expect to be paying on a monthly basis. http://www.gallito.com/inmuebles.aspx]
 
While the vast majority of apartments in Montevideo are unfurnished, you can still find fully-furnished flats, provided you are willing to pay a bit extra. A good majority of the apartments in Pocitos are two bedroom units but you’ll still find a gamut of other options – both large and small.  
 
Some locals told me that I would need to pay a large deposit to secure a rental. In truth, deposits vary (for foreigners, at least) between one and six month’s rent. That said, do not be lulled into the belief that a six-month advance is the norm—I ended up paying a one-month advance on a five-month rental agreement.
 
Before beginning the search for your perfect abode, you should understand the following three phenomena…

The middle-man

Virtually every flat that I looked into included an agent, or middleman. Generally speaking, this person charges roughly ten percent of the total rent to be paid for the duration of the rental agreement. Though, at times, they may seem painfully unnecessary, several of the agents I came across were very kind and helpful. Ultimately, a woman by the name of Maria closed the deal with me. Dressed in silken leopard print (with plenty of gold colored jewelry to boot), Maria was very straightforward when quoting prices and made me feel relaxed throughout the process.  
 
Communal costs

Don’t forget to factor in communal costs, also known as “gastos comunes.” Essentially, these are building maintenance costs. In some instances, communal costs may also take care of other expenditures such as water utilities. Communal costs, much like the price of rent, may be used as a leveraging device when it comes time to bargain. After looking at approximately ten flats, it seemed to me that most communal costs don’t seem to go beyond $75 USD per month.    

The bargain

Be prepared to ask for a modest reduction in the overall price of the flat as most agents/owners seem to factor this into the rental equation. In fact, every person that I dealt with reduced the monthly rental price once I expressed apprehension on account of the apartment’s “high” costs.
 
In the end, my decision to fly southward to Montevideo was a good one.  Not only does my apartment (or nest) sit eleven stories high, amongst the birds, it is also in a prime location overlooking Pocitos Beach with a view that goes on for miles. Come to think of it, my mother would love this place.