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© 2015 Dwellworks
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Discovering Mexico
Understanding the Rental Contract
Most Mexican property owners expect the company to sign as guarantor and the
relocating employee to sign as a tenant; it does not vary for assignment type. Some
owners are willing to sign a lease agreement with the guarantor as long as they have
bond.
Contracts are usually for 12 months and can only be broken if there is a diplomatic clause
stating a penalty if the tenant is transferred to another city. Notice must be given 30 to 60
days prior to departure.
A deposit of one month’s rent is required. Rent is paid at the beginning of each month;
rental figures advertised do not include taxes.
Maintaining a Rental Property
The landlord is solely responsible for structural damages. The tenant is responsible for
normal wear and tear, and everyday repairs. Tenants are responsible for faucets, light
bulbs, and toilets.
Departure
Returning a Property
A typical departure begins with lease termination and notice to the landlord of your
intention to vacate, followed by a pre move-out walkthrough of the rental property to
assess possible damages/items to need to be fixed or cleaned. When you return the
property to the landlord, the property must be in its original condition, minus normal wear
and tear. Cleaning, repainting if you changed wall color, and repair of any damaged items
during this period will be your responsibility.
Avoid hammering nails or screws into wall tiles or their junctions, Formica cabinets,
wooden doors or walls, or any surface that can’t be easily repaired because this is one of
the most important details when returning a property. The documents that would guide you
on what needs to be done before returning the keys are the lease contract and the
inventory list made at the beginning of the lease period.
Helpful Hint:
Relocating employees should maintain records throughout their
stay in Mexico showing proof of payment of all services, particularly water and
electricity.