Mexico City is loud. It’s vibrant, smells like charred corn and exhaust, and honestly, it’s currently one of the most frustrating real estate markets in Latin America. If you are looking for long term rentals Mexico City, you’ve probably already realized that the "digital nomad" gold rush has changed everything. It’s not just about finding a cool apartment in Roma Norte anymore. It’s about navigating a system that wasn’t really built for foreigners who aren't staying for decades, yet is now being flooded by people trying to do exactly that.
Most people start on Airbnb. That’s your first mistake if you want a real long-term deal.
The prices you see on short-term platforms are often 2x or 3x the actual local market rate. But here is the kicker: getting that local rate requires a "fiador." This is a person who owns property in Mexico City (specifically the CDMX area) and acts as your guarantor. Don't have one? Most landlords will shut the door in your face immediately. It’s a gatekeeping mechanism that has existed for generations, and while "póliza jurídica" (legal insurance) is becoming a common workaround, the hunt remains a chaotic, WhatsApp-driven marathon.
The Neighborhood Trap: Beyond Roma and Condesa
Everyone wants to live in Roma Norte. It’s beautiful. The trees are huge, the tacos at El Parnita are legendary, and you can walk everywhere. But because everyone wants it, the inventory for long term rentals Mexico City in these specific areas is essentially a bidding war. You’re competing with tech workers from San Francisco and remote workers from Berlin.
If you want to actually save money or live in a place where you hear more Spanish than English, you have to look elsewhere.
Take San Pedro de los Pinos. It’s a middle-class neighborhood that feels like a village. It has its own market, it’s safe, and it’s about 15 minutes away from the "cool" spots by Uber. The rent here is often 40% cheaper. Then there’s Santa María la Ribera. It’s gritty but gorgeous, anchored by the Kiosko Morisco. You’ll find high ceilings and old-world charm for a fraction of the price of a shoebox in Condesa.
Don't ignore Narvarte either. It’s the taco capital of the city. Literally. It’s flat, bike-friendly, and has a very local, family-oriented vibe that avoids the pretentiousness of the more gentrified zones. Honestly, if you aren't obsessed with being next door to a specialty coffee shop that charges 90 pesos for a latte, Narvarte is probably where you should be looking.
Why the "Fiador" System Still Exists
You might think it's outdated. It is. But Mexican rental law is heavily skewed toward protecting the tenant once they are inside. Evicting someone is a legal nightmare that can take years. Because of this, landlords are terrified. The fiador is their collateral. If you stop paying or trash the place, they go after the fiador’s property.
As a foreigner, you are a "risk."
To get around this for long term rentals Mexico City, you’ll likely need to pay for a póliza jurídica. This usually costs between 35% and 50% of one month's rent. The company vets you, checks your bank statements, and provides a layer of legal protection for the landlord. If a landlord insists on a fiador and won't accept a póliza, just move on. You aren't going to win that argument.
The WhatsApp Economy of CDMX Real Estate
Forget Zillow. Forget centralized apps. The best way to find a place is still the "Trato Directo" sign.
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Walk the streets. Look for hand-written signs on gates with a phone number. Take a photo, send a WhatsApp. This is how you find the deals that never hit the internet. Most older landlords in neighborhoods like Del Valle or Escandón don't want to deal with Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. They want someone who walks by and likes the building.
If you do use websites, stick to:
- Inmuebles24 (The giant of the industry)
- Vivanuncios
- Facebook Groups (specifically "Foreigners in Mexico City" or "Rentas CDMX")
Be careful with Facebook, though. Scams are rampant. Never, under any circumstances, send a deposit to "hold" a place before you have physically walked inside and met the person holding the keys. I’ve heard too many stories of people arriving from the airport only to find the "landlord" doesn't exist and the apartment was a ghost.
The Hidden Costs: Mantenimiento and Services
When you see a price for long term rentals Mexico City, ask immediately if "mantenimiento" (HOA/maintenance fee) is included. In buildings with security or elevators, this can be an extra 1,500 to 5,000 pesos a month. It adds up.
Also, utilities are rarely included in long-term contracts.
- Water: Usually very cheap, paid every two months.
- Gas: Most older buildings use "gas stationary" (a tank on the roof). You have to call a truck to fill it up. Newer places have "gas natural" which is piped in.
- Electricity (CFE): If you have an AC unit (uncommon in CDMX) or use electric heaters in the winter, your bill will skyrocket. The "DAC" rate (High Consumption Domestic) is a tiered pricing trap that is brutally expensive.
The city gets cold in January. Like, "I can see my breath indoors" cold. Most apartments don't have central heating. You’ll be buying a space heater from Costco. Factor that into your winter budget.
Legal Realities and the 12-Month Standard
Most long term rentals Mexico City are 12-month contracts. You can find 6-month deals, but you’ll pay a premium. The standard "contract" involves:
- One month's rent as a deposit.
- The first month's rent upfront.
- The cost of the póliza jurídica.
Be prepared to show at least three months of bank statements proving you earn roughly 3x the monthly rent. Some landlords are flexible with foreign income, but they will want to see "comprobantes de ingresos."
If you are a freelancer, this can be tricky. Having a neat PDF of your tax returns or a letter from a long-term client can sometimes grease the wheels. It’s all about building trust.
The Gentrification Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about it. The influx of remote workers looking for long term rentals Mexico City has pushed locals out of the central corridor. This has created tension. You might see "Nomads Go Home" graffiti.
How do you handle this? Be a neighbor, not a tourist. Shop at the local mercado instead of only going to City Market. Learn enough Spanish to joke with the portero (doorman). Pay your rent on time and don't host ragers on a Tuesday night. The friction comes from the "bubble" effect—people living in Mexico City but refusing to actually be in Mexico.
Actionable Steps to Secure Your Apartment
If you’re serious about moving, don't just wing it.
- Get a Mexican Phone Number: Landlords often won't answer a +1 or +44 number on WhatsApp. Get a Telcel SIM card immediately.
- Prepare Your Dossier: Have a folder ready with your passport copy, your visa (FMM or Residency), and your bank statements. When a good place pops up, it goes in hours. You need to be ready to sign that day.
- Hire a "Finder" if You're Strapped for Time: There are locals who, for a fee (usually half a month's rent), will do the legwork, call the signs, and filter out the scams for you.
- Check the Water Pressure: Seriously. Older buildings in CDMX are notorious for "trickle" showers. Turn on the taps before you sign anything.
- Visit at Night: A street that looks charming at 2 PM might be a chaotic mess of "tianguis" (street markets) or loud bars at 11 PM. Do a drive-by on a Friday night to see what you're actually signing up for.
The market for long term rentals Mexico City is rewarding if you have patience. It’s a city that requires you to play by its rules. If you try to force the "American way" of renting onto a Mexican landlord, you’re going to have a bad time. Embrace the chaos, carry cash for the deposit (sometimes), and always, always check the strength of the Wi-Fi signal in the back bedroom before you commit.
Next Steps for Your Move
Start by browsing Inmuebles24 today to get a realistic sense of pricing in neighborhoods like Escandón, Narvarte, and San Rafael. Avoid the "foreigner-targeted" Facebook groups for a week and look at the local listings instead; you’ll see the price gap immediately. Once you land, book a temporary stay for at least 14 days to give yourself enough time to walk the streets and spot the physical "Renta" signs that hold the best value in the city.