What's the best way to go about renting a house or apartment in Panama?

The best way to go about renting a house or apartment in Panama is selecting a good real estate agent. First of all, it won't cost you anything (real estate commissions are paid by the owners). Feel free to surf the Internet (some sites are more reliable than others) but don't waste too much time, as those sites are not monitored and rarely updated. It is common practice for an illegal, inexperienced and unethical "agent" to copy someone else's listing (same photos, same...

The best way to go about renting a house or apartment in Panama is selecting a good real estate agent. First of all, it won't cost you anything (real estate commissions are paid by the owners). Feel free to surf the Internet (some sites are more reliable than others) but don't waste too much time, as those sites are not monitored and rarely updated. It is common practice for an illegal, inexperienced and unethical "agent" to copy someone else's listing (same photos, same descriptions, frequently different price) and post it, trolling for unsuspecting prospects. More often than not, those attractive listings simply don't exist and the well-rehearsed script goes like this: "Oh, I'm so sorry, I just rented it yesterday... but don't worry, I'll find you another one. What's your name, email address and phone number?". Works like a charm. If something goes wrong during your tenancy, wouldn't it be nice to call your agent instead of a fly-by-night crook?

 

If you see an ad that interests you, don't waste time asking if they would rent for three or six months. They won't... In Panama, all leases are intended for a duration of 12 months, renewable. You can find agents that specialize in short term rentals, but prices are typically higher.

I have rented a 2 bed room 1 bath home and the same in an apartment in David Panama for $300. Both were Americanized. Electric running A/C's -$60 per month. I am very happy living in David, Panama.

I have rented a 2 bed room 1 bath home and the same in an apartment in David Panama for $300. Both were Americanized. Electric running A/C's -$60 per month. I am very happy living in David, Panama.

I would say the best way to rent a house or apartment in Panama is to first settle in a hotel, until you ask around and find a good and professional real estate agent, or look in the local newspaper for good offers.  But as you do not know the different areas, get good references first, before you start taking your time to go and take a look.   Usually on line you find the highest renting prices... but doing so will give you an idea.  When you...

I would say the best way to rent a house or apartment in Panama is to first settle in a hotel, until you ask around and find a good and professional real estate agent, or look in the local newspaper for good offers.  But as you do not know the different areas, get good references first, before you start taking your time to go and take a look.   Usually on line you find the highest renting prices... but doing so will give you an idea.  When you arrive, you may visit the real estate, after you ask for references, and see if it´s worth the visit, or ask if they have other offers.  A wise thing to do is to use only one real estate agent, one who knows well the area, and speak English, if you don´t speak Spanish;  less confusing.    Sometimes not the best web pages are the best real estate agents.   For example there are very well known real estate agencies in Panamá, established for many years, and some of them, with alliances in US territory.  The recognized ones are the ones who belong to the Panama or American Chamber of Commerce.  You can call them for references.

Find a good realtor first, then have a look a several homes and compare price versus quality. Prepare to ask questions. Is there enough water pressure, is there enough security, what about internet and telephone coverage. How about noisy bars or disco's. Never worry about asking too many questions.  It is worth it to find out the negative points sooner rather than later. But also remember the better the area, the more is included, the higher the price. It is not only the...

Find a good realtor first, then have a look a several homes and compare price versus quality. Prepare to ask questions. Is there enough water pressure, is there enough security, what about internet and telephone coverage. How about noisy bars or disco's. Never worry about asking too many questions.  It is worth it to find out the negative points sooner rather than later. But also remember the better the area, the more is included, the higher the price. It is not only the amount of bed and bathrooms. It is also the luxury of the furniture, the area and much more. If you go direct to an owner you do risk that you get only the positive answers. Don't think that if they speak English or come from New York, you can trust them more than a Panamanian. Be sharp. It can be the other way around

The best way to go about renting an apartment or a house here in Panama is to contact a real estate company such as our own.  We will typically give you a list of different types of homes within your criteria. Similar to the US, a broker will show you various options and walk you through the entire process.
 
However the process is a little bit different than in the US. The US has a listing system called the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, which has links to many local...

The best way to go about renting an apartment or a house here in Panama is to contact a real estate company such as our own.  We will typically give you a list of different types of homes within your criteria. Similar to the US, a broker will show you various options and walk you through the entire process.
 
However the process is a little bit different than in the US. The US has a listing system called the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, which has links to many local websites where people have the ability to find inventory of their own and essentially go out and rent. In Panama, it is a little bit different. We do not have a MLS system that is as active as in the US. Therefore, each brokerage tends to have their own inventory and collaborate with each other. There is not that much information on their websites for you to do proper research, so you are better off going through a professional real estate company. 
 
There are websites that list places that are up for rent. They actually do have a Craigslist here in Panama and they have some other advertising websites that are similar for classifieds. Many of the brokers will advertise their listings on these sites as well. As a buyer or the renter, it would not cost you anything extra if you would deal with a professional real estate broker and you would usually get the best service possible, including the broker negotiating a deal for you with either the owner or the opposing broker. If you are on your own being an expat who probably doesn’t know Spanish, I suggest working with a professional because it is not going to cost you any more than if you try doing it on your own. 
 

(Eddie Montes, property management and rental specialist, Panama City, Panama, pictured.)

Bocas is a little bit different as some of the Real Estate agents do not handle rentals. We have one rental agency called Bocas Vacations which I refer people to and we have a group on Facebook called Bocas property for rent. That being said the best way to get a great rental here is to rent at a hotel first and then search for your permanent rental with feet on the ground. The insider places for rent go quickly and are found by asking around the town or looking...

Bocas is a little bit different as some of the Real Estate agents do not handle rentals. We have one rental agency called Bocas Vacations which I refer people to and we have a group on Facebook called Bocas property for rent. That being said the best way to get a great rental here is to rent at a hotel first and then search for your permanent rental with feet on the ground. The insider places for rent go quickly and are found by asking around the town or looking for for rent signs.

 

(Apartment rental next to beach, Bocas del Toro, Panama, pictured.)