How to list a temporary rental in Colombia and get more serious inquiries

If you have ever tried to rent out a studio apartment, a room, or a country house by the week in social media groups, you surely know the frustration. Hundreds of comments asking "price?" (even if it's already in the description), people asking for absurd discounts, and appointments that no one shows up for. The problem is almost never your property, but how you are showing it to the world.

There is a huge opportunity that many owners are missing out on by not posting in the right place. According to Colombia Move data (June 2026), there are currently 1 active listing in the temporary category, but we recorded 14 recent searches without results in this category. The demand exists in cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali, but serious tenants need to see clear information before writing to you. If you want to see real options right now, you can view country houses and lots available on Colombia Move — posting is completely free.

In summary: To stop wasting time with curious onlookers, your temporary housing listing must have well-lit photos, the price visible, explicit house rules, and an initial filter of questions via WhatsApp.

1. The basics: What counts as temporary housing?

Before uploading your listing to the housing section, it is key to understand what users are looking for under this term. Temporary housing can be a furnished studio apartment for digital nomads, a country house for a weekend, or a room for a couple of months. The key is that it does not require a traditional one-year contract.

Watch out for the legal side: If your property is offered purely as tourist accommodation, check if you are required to obtain the RNT (National Tourism Registry) before operating. For urban residential rentals, Law 820 of 2003 is the general framework in Colombia. Don't overcomplicate things, but always verify which regulations apply to you based on the duration and purpose of the stay.

2. Clear photos: The first filter against curious onlookers

The most common mistake is uploading dark, blurry photos or, worse yet, photos where you can't see the bed or the bathroom. A serious tenant will scroll past if they feel you are hiding something. You don't need a professional camera; your cell phone is more than enough if you take advantage of daylight.

• Natural light always: Open the curtains and take the photos in the morning or early afternoon.
• The mandatory spaces: Show the entrance, the kitchen (even if it's shared), the bathroom (essential for trust), and the beds.
• Be honest about the spaces: If the balcony is small, show it as it is. Wide-angle photos are misleading and lead to complaints when the person visits the place.

Keep reading: In-depth strategies to filter tenants for your temporary rental

3. The price and rules from the start

Hiding the price to "generate interaction" is the perfect recipe for filling your inbox with junk messages. If your studio apartment costs one million pesos per fortnight, state it. Whoever writes to you will already know that is the value and will be willing to pay it.

In addition to the price, your description should function as a quick manual. Make sure to include this checklist in your listing:

• Available dates: From when and until when is it free?
• Actual capacity: How many people sleep comfortably (and if you charge extra for visitors).
• Services included: Is the internet fiber optic? Does it include water and electricity? Clarify it.
• Non-negotiable rules: If you don't accept pets or parties are prohibited, write it in the first paragraph of the description.

4. How to filter via WhatsApp without wasting time

One of the great advantages of posting on direct platforms is that the contact arrives on your WhatsApp. But be careful, you are in control. You don't have to answer calls at 11 p.m. or organize immediate visits.

When someone writes to you, have a quick response message ready with key questions: "Hello! Thanks for your interest. To confirm availability, tell me: What dates do you need it for?, how many people are there?, and what is the reason for your stay?". If the person responds evasively or doesn't want to give details, it's a red flag. This same method applies if you are renting other types of spaces; in fact, we highly recommend it when posting offices for rent to ensure serious corporate contacts.

5. Security: Avoid scams and bad experiences

Unfortunately, the real estate market has its share of scammers. To protect yourself, never send photos of your deeds, utility bills, or your ID via chat to a stranger who "wants to verify" before visiting. Trust is built step by step.

If someone pressures you by saying "I'll transfer you right now without seeing the place" but asks for a bunch of documents in return, be suspicious. Make a short video call from the property if the tenant is in another city, or schedule an in-person visit during daylight hours. For more tips on how to transact safely online, take a look at our guide on where to sell and post in Colombia without risks.

Frequently asked questions

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

Posting is free and no commission is charged for your rentals. You just need to create your listing, define your conditions, and start receiving direct messages from interested people.

❓ What photos should a temporary housing listing have?

Upload at least 4 photos with good natural light: entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and bed. If you have a balcony, common areas, or parking, include them. Real, bright photos generate more trust than those taken at night or with a flash.

❓ How do I filter curious contacts before providing more information?

Use a welcome message with key questions: dates, number of people, reason for the stay, and budget. Whoever answers those questions without problems is a serious contact; whoever evades them, probably is not.

❓ Should I post the exact address of the property?

No. In your listing, post only the neighborhood or general area. Share the exact address only when you have confirmed the identity of the interested party and agreed on a visit or video call.

❓ What data should I include if I rent by the week or month?

Price per week or month, available dates, maximum capacity, services included (water, electricity, internet), house rules, and booking conditions. The clearer you are from the beginning, the less time you will waste.