Temporary Monthly Rentals (30 Days or More) in Colombia: How to List Legally without RNT

If you have a furnished apartment in Medellín, Bogotá, or Cali, you've probably run into the headache of short-term rentals. The National Tourism Registry (RNT), building administrations blocking your guests, FONTUR contributions. Honestly, it can be an enormous hassle. But there's a very clear rule that many owners are taking advantage of in 2026 to make their properties profitable without fighting with the front desk: monthly temporary rentals.

The Big Barrier to Short-Term Rentals in Colombia (Less Than 30 Days)

Renting a property for less than 30 days in Colombia is legally considered a tourist lodging service. Pay attention to this, because under Law 2068 of 2020, operating under this model requires having an active RNT, carrying the Lodging Registration Card (TRA), and paying parafiscal contributions.

The RNT process is free and done online through Confecámaras (it must be renewed annually before March 31), but it requires having your RUT updated and complying with strict regulations. Also, if your building's bylaws don't explicitly allow it, you risk severe fines. If you're looking for options in the housingsection, you'll notice that many owners and investors prefer to avoid this model because of the administrative burden it entails.

The 30-Day Rule: The Legal Gap That Protects the Owner

This is where things change radically. Rentals of 30 days or more are not considered tourism; they are governed exclusively by Law 820 of 2003 (Urban Residential Leasing Regime).

This means that if you rent your furnished apartment for one month, three months, or six months, you do not need an RNT, a TRA, or FONTUR contributions. Legally, it is a traditional residential lease contract, except that it includes furniture and is agreed for a set period. It is the smartest way to keep income high without turning your home into a hotel.

Why can't your building's administration prohibit monthly rentals?

This is the most common question. Many administrators hide behind "the building prohibited Airbnb." And yes, under Law 675 of 2001 (Horizontal Property Regime), the condominium can prohibit short-stay rentals if they are not expressly authorized in the bylaws. If they remain silent, the administration can block your guests from entering.

However, the administration does not have the legal power to prohibit rentals of 30 days or more. Doing so would violate your right to private property and to the free exercise of residential leasing. Note that this does not mean you can skip the community rules: you still must register your tenant at the front desk for security reasons, but they cannot require tourism permits or block their entry.

Want to know how to screen interested people once you publish? Read: How to Publish a Temporary Rental in Colombia and Receive More Serious Inquiries.

How to Structure Your Temporary Rental Listing to Attract Serious Tenants

Now you have legal peace of mind. Next, how do you find that digital nomad, executive, or graduate student who needs your apartment for three months? The key is clarity in your listing.

First, set the exact monthly price in Colombian pesos. If your target market deals in dollars, keep in mind that the TRM is around COP 3,460 (June 2026), but clarity in the local currency avoids misunderstandings. Second, specify in the first sentence of your description: "Minimum rental of 30 days (Law 820 of 2003)." This immediately scares off those looking for a weekend farm to throw parties.

Upload real, well-lit photos of each space, including the work area and the kitchen. And to protect yourself, I recommend reading about how to avoid scams on online platforms: always require a written contract and ask for proof of income before handing over the keys. Never accept blind deposits from dubious profiles.

Publish your temporary rental for free in Colombia Move

If you wonder whether there really are people looking for this format, the answer is a resounding yes. According to live data from Colombia Move (June 2026), 14 recent searches in the marketplace found no results in this category. Literally, there are people looking for monthly rentals, but right now we only have 1 active listing. Demand is far outpacing supply.

Instead of struggling with the algorithm of Facebook groups or paying 10% to 20% commissions to real estate agencies, you can list your furnished property directly and capture that unmet demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much does it cost to publish a temporary rental listing on Colombia Move?

Publishing on Colombia Move is currently free and commission-free (June 2026). Just register, upload photos of your property, set the monthly price, and interested people will contact you directly on your WhatsApp with no intermediaries.

❓ How do I get my listing to attract serious inquiries rather than just curious ones?

The most effective approach: include the exact monthly price and specify that the minimum rental is 30 days under Law 820 of 2003. This immediately scares off those looking for weekend rentals. Also detail which utilities are included in the price and upload high-quality photos of each space.

❓ What photos and information should I include to sell or rent faster?

Include sharp, well-lit photos of the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms, as well as the building's common areas. Specify the dimensions, the socioeconomic stratum, whether it has parking, and whether pets are allowed.

❓ Can I publish from my phone? What happens after I publish?

Yes, you can take the photos and upload the entire listing directly from your phone in under 5 minutes. Once published, your listing stays visible permanently and interested people will contact you directly on your WhatsApp with no intermediaries.

❓ How do I avoid scams or people who aren't serious when I sell or rent?

Always require a written lease contract under Law 820 of 2003. Before handing over the keys, request proof of income or the tenant's bank statements, and never give access without verifying their identity.