Introduction: Renting a long-term accommodation in a beautiful destination like Puerto Vallarta can be an exciting prospect. However, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it’s important to consider certain factors before signing a rental agreement. In this blog post, we will highlight the top five things you should look for when renting a long-term rental in Puerto Vallarta. These considerations will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect home as you live in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
- Location and Neighborhood: The first aspect to consider when searching for a long-term rental in Puerto Vallarta is the location and neighborhood. Determine your preferences regarding proximity to the beach, local amenities, restaurants, and shopping centers. Additionally, research the safety and security of the area to ensure peace of mind throughout your stay. Choosing a rental in a convenient and vibrant neighborhood will enhance your overall experience in Puerto Vallarta. Although we can almost agree that Vallarta is Generally very safe. The city is full of nightlife and there are locals always in the street late at night. However, you still need to make sure you take precautions as any incidents happened in any city. The neighbors are very mix unlike other countries like Canada, United states where the areas are really mark and are very similar in the same area. Here in PV ,it’s common to have a nice home and there is a beat down house next door. This is normal to see as you travel in Mexico.
- Rental Property Features and Amenities: Take a close look at the features and amenities offered by the rental property. Consider the size, layout, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure they meet your needs. Look for essential amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, parking facilities, and laundry facilities. Additionally, consider extras like a pool, gym, or a balcony with a stunning view to enhance your daily living experience. I want iterate a bit more on the internet speed if you are planning on working online. Many property owners do not invest on providing the best internet packages for their tenants specially if this is a long-term rental often, they don’t want to provide the internet service or they say they do an only offer you the basic 20mb plan with Telmex. If you are digital nomad, you should require a minimal connection of 100mb download and 20mb up. Also, the company they lease the service from is important. Some ISP providers are good generally other just have good coverage in certain areas.
- Rental Price and Lease Terms: Carefully evaluate the rental price and lease terms to ensure they align with your budget and desired rental period. Long-term rentals typically offer lower monthly rates compared to short-term rentals, but it’s essential to understand any additional costs such as utilities, maintenance fees, or security deposits. Thoroughly review the lease agreement, including the duration, renewal options, and any termination clauses, to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings. Keep in mind most properties will not provide with electrical. Since electricity in the summer can be a huge expense. Ask for a previous electrical bill, you do not want to rent a property that is DAC rate. Make sure you get a full complete lease agreement; this can be very handy to contract additional services for the property or specially if you are planning or applying for a residency status. Make sure the contract specifies who covers the furnishes such as a fridge. We have seen cases where the owner did not want to repair the fridge. If we get power outages in the rain season and the house electrical is not well grounded, its possible the fridge, microwave, tv and other electronic devices will go bad.
- Property Management and Maintenance: Research the reputation and reliability of the property management company or individual landlord. A responsive and efficient property management team can greatly enhance your rental experience by addressing any issues promptly and ensuring the property is well-maintained. Read reviews or reach out to previous tenants to get insights into their experience with the property management and maintenance services if this is available. I have heard many bad experiences with my tenants through the years. Many property owners or manager do a horrible job maintaining the place. Most of the issues you will experience could be during the rain season. Pay extra attention for any humidity issues on the ceiling or walls. Check if the property has well drains, as it pours rain very hard, many properties are not ready and you can experience leaks on the roof or by the windows. I would stay away from older properties this is just my common rule.
- Community and Lifestyle: Consider the community and lifestyle factors that are important to you. If you prefer a quiet and peaceful environment, opt for a rental in a residential area or gated community. However, these can be very strict. If you enjoy socializing and being part of a vibrant community, look for properties in areas that are accessible to areas like bars and restaurants within walking distance or a short bus ride.
Conclusion: Renting a long-term accommodation in Puerto Vallarta can be an exciting adventure, and considering these five important factors will help you find the perfect rental that suits your needs and preferences. By evaluating the location, rental property features, price and lease terms, property management, and community aspects, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay in this beautiful coastal city.
As short TIP you want to shop around right after the snow-birds leave the town during end of April. This is when you can move around and grab a good deal in your rental.
