Temporary monthly rentals in Colombia: the legal alternative without RNT or co-ownership restrictions

In short: any rental of less than 30 days is considered tourism and requires a National Tourism Registry (RNT), building permits, and contributions to FONTUR. If you rent for 30 days or more, the law classifies it as traditional urban housing (Law 820 of 2003); you do not need an RNT, and your building's administration cannot prohibit it.

If you have an apartment in Medellín, Bogotá, or Cali, you have surely noticed the boom of foreigners and digital nomads looking for a place to stay. But here comes the headache: co-owners' assemblies are banning short-term rentals, and the fines are unforgiving. Honestly, I would skip the stress of fighting with the administration over a weekend Airbnb. The real opportunity in Colombia today is medium-term monthly rentals. If you want to see real options right now, you can view apartments and houses on Colombia Move — posting is completely free.

The 30-day rule: Short-term tourist rental or urban housing lease?

The legal boundary in Colombia is very clear and is measured in days. According to Law 2068 of 2020 (General Tourism Law), if you hand over the keys to someone for 29 days or less, you are providing a tourist accommodation service. This requires you to have the RNT, report guests to the SIRE, fill out the Accommodation Registration Card (TRA), and pay parafiscal contributions to FONTUR.

Conversely, if the contract is for 30 days or more, the game changes completely. You become protected by Law 820 of 2003. It is no longer tourism; it is an urban housing lease. Be careful with trying to make "29-day contracts to bypass the law"; the regulation is strict, and any stay shorter than a month puts you on the radar of the Vice Ministry of Tourism.

Why can't your building's administration prohibit rentals of 30 days or more?

Many owners write to me frustrated because the security guard won't let their tenants in. We must be clear here: the administration of a horizontal property (regulated by Law 675 of 2001) can only restrict or prohibit tourist rentals if the assembly decides so and it is stipulated in the bylaws.

But they do not have the legal authority to prohibit rentals of 30 days or more. Renting your apartment by the month is a legitimate exercise of your property rights. If they threaten you with fines for a three-month tenant, they are abusing their power. However, keep in mind that the rules change if the use of the property is different; for example, if you decide to post an office for rent, commercial regulations have their own nuances.

Operating illegal tourist rentals can turn out to be very expensive: fines for violating the regulations reach up to 10 consecutive administration fees, or government sanctions of up to 2,000 minimum wages (remember that the SMMLV in 2026 is COP 1,750,905).

Advantages of renting by the month (medium term)

Beyond getting the building administration off your back, temporary rental to professionals has very practical benefits. You have lower turnover, which translates to less wear and tear on your furniture and appliances, and you avoid the work of coordinating cleaning every two days.

Demand exceeds supply: a key market fact

If you are wondering if there are really people looking to rent for two or three months, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, according to ads and metrics on Colombia Move (June 2026), 9 recent searches on the marketplace found no results in this category. There are foreigners and local professionals actively searching, but the supply is very low: currently, there is only 1 active temporary rental ad against a target of 8 to cover the initial demand. It is an underserved market where your property can stand out quickly and without much competition.

How to post your temporary rental for free and without commissions

If you have already decided to go the safe route of the medium term, the next step is to show your apartment. You can post it in the housing section or directly in hubs specific to your city, such as temporary rentals in Medellín.

Unlike traditional agencies that take a month's rent or a very high percentage, on our platform you can post for free and without intermediaries. It is the same transparent model we explain in our guide on where to sell used things in Colombia: you control the deal and the money.

You might also be interested in: how to post a temporary rental and filter out curious tenants — a practical guide with the photos and description that filter out curious people from the first contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much does it cost to post a temporary rental ad on Colombia Move?

Posting your ad on Colombia Move is 100% free, and we do not charge any commission on your monthly rent. Unlike traditional real estate agencies, here the deal and payment are handled directly between you and the tenant without intermediaries.

❓ What is the legal difference between renting by the day and renting by the month in Colombia?

The difference lies in the duration: contracts of less than 30 days are considered tourist accommodation and require a National Tourism Registry (RNT). Those of 30 days or more are governed by Law 820 of 2003 (current) as urban housing and are exempt from RNT, SIRE, and FONTUR.

❓ Can my building's administration prohibit me from renting my apartment by the month?

No. Law 820 of 2003 (current) protects your right to rent your property for residential use by the month. The administration of a horizontal property can only restrict tourist accommodations (less than 30 days), not medium-term housing contracts.

❓ Do I need to get the National Tourism Registry (RNT) for a medium-term rental?

No. If the lease contract is agreed upon for 30 days or more, it is not classified as a tourist service (Law 2068 of 2020, current), so you are exempt from the RNT, SIRE reports, and contributions to FONTUR.

❓ How do I avoid scams or problematic tenants when renting directly?

Always demand a written lease contract, request an initial deposit to cover utilities or damages, and verify the tenant's identity and solvency before handing over the keys. Direct contact via WhatsApp allows you to ask questions before committing.

❓ How do I post my apartment for temporary rental and what information should I include in the ad?

Upload clear photos of each space, indicate the monthly price including utilities, and specify the neighborhood. Make it clear that the minimum stay is 30 days to filter out short-term tourists and post for free on Colombia Move from your phone or computer.