How to Rent Corporate Housing in Colombia (2026 Guide)

Holistic Relocation
Dec 15, 2025
4 min read

Corporate housing rental in Colombia involves managing local processes, specific documentation, guarantees, and city-specific requirements. For a relocated employee, securing suitable housing directly impacts onboarding, adaptation timelines, and the overall relocation experience. Expert support helps reduce delays, legal risks, and budget deviations.

Corporate rental process in Colombia (step by step)

1. Area assessment based on role and workplace location

This initial stage is essential to avoid inefficient searches. Factors such as office location, work modality (on-site, hybrid, or remote), acceptable commute times, family situation, and assigned budget are analyzed. Based on this assessment, realistic and market-aligned areas are defined.

2. Property pre-selection and requirement validation

Once areas are defined, an active search is conducted for properties that meet corporate criteria. At this stage, landlord or agency requirements are validated, including guarantee types, minimum lease terms, renewal conditions, and contractual flexibility. This early filtering prevents delays later in the process.

3. Employee and company documentation

The Colombian rental process usually requires documentation from both the employee and the employer. This may include employment contracts, assignment letters, company incorporation documents, income support, and migration status. Proper preparation of documentation is key to avoiding rejections or extended approval times.

4. Contract review

Lease agreements may include clauses that are not always aligned with international corporate policies. Key aspects reviewed include lease duration, rent adjustments, maintenance responsibilities, early termination penalties, and exit conditions, ensuring clarity and predictability for both the company and the employee.

5. Deposits, guarantors, and insurance policies

Depending on the city and landlord, security deposits, local guarantors, or rental insurance policies may be required. This is often one of the main challenges for foreign companies. Proper structuring and management of guarantees is critical to successfully closing the lease.

6. Inventory and handover

Before move-in, a detailed inventory of the property’s condition, furniture, and equipment is completed. This documentation protects both the employee and the company against future claims and facilitates a smooth handover.

7. First-weeks follow-up

During the first weeks of occupancy, adjustments, questions, or issues may arise. Ongoing follow-up ensures quick resolution, supports adaptation, and contributes to a positive relocation experience.

Recommended areas for corporate teams

Bogotá

Chicó, Rosales, Usaquén, and Santa Bárbara are commonly chosen by corporate profiles due to their proximity to business districts, strong service infrastructure, connectivity, and international housing standards.

Medellín

El Poblado and Laureles concentrate most corporate demand, offering solid infrastructure, access to services, furnished housing options, and an attractive environment for executives and families.

Cali

Granada, Ciudad Jardín, and the western areas of the city are preferred for their residential quality, service availability, and stability for corporate assignments.

Estimated costs

City	Monthly rent range (USD)	Deposits	Guarantees	Notes
Bogotá	900 – 2,000	1–2 months	Guarantor or insurance	Larger supply, variable requirements
Medellín	800 – 1,800	1–2 months	Insurance common	High demand in premium areas
Cali	700 – 1,500	1 month	Guarantor or insurance	More limited supply

Typical requirements and guarantees

Local guarantor with financial backing
Rental insurance policy issued locally
Security deposit equivalent to 1–2 months’ rent
Employment and assignment documentation validated by the employer
Credit history validation in certain cases

Common challenges for companies

Companies often face limited availability in premium areas, particularly in markets with strong corporate demand. This is compounded by strict local guarantor requirements, inflexible lease contracts, and differing practices between individual landlords and real estate agencies.

Another frequent challenge is the mismatch between the defined corporate housing budget and the relocated employee’s expectations, especially when local market benchmarks are not clearly communicated from the outset.

Tips for HR and Mobility Managers

Start the housing process at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
Define target areas and budget clearly from the beginning.
Carefully review early termination and exit clauses.
Coordinate pre-arrival property tours with Holistic support.
Validate all employee documentation before initiating the search.

Frequently asked questions

What documentation must the company provide to rent corporate housing in Colombia?Typically, company incorporation documents, employment or assignment letters, income support, and employee migration documentation are required.

What guarantees are commonly used in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali?Local guarantors and rental insurance policies are the most common, with variations depending on city and landlord.

How long does it take to close a lease agreement?On average, the process takes between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on availability and validation timelines.

How can delays in the pre-selection process be avoided?By defining clear area and budget criteria and ensuring complete documentation from the start.

How can differences between employee expectations and corporate budget be managed?Through early expectation alignment and continuous guidance based on real market conditions.