Villas for long-term rent in Las Terrenas

What to check before renting a villa

Power consumption. A villa with air conditioning, a pool pump and many appliances can use a lot of electricity. Power is distributed by Luz y Fuerza de Las Terrenas, which bills monthly against a meter. If the account is put in your name, the deposit equals two months of consumption estimated from the home's appliances, so for a large villa it can be high. Ask for recent bills to gauge the monthly cost.

Backup power. Las Terrenas has had outages caused by faults on the interconnection line. According to expat guides (unverified), an inverter with batteries usually runs lights, fans and internet but not air conditioning: ask whether the villa also has a generator and who pays for the fuel. More in our guide to electricity and power cuts.

Pool, garden and security. Agree in writing whether pool maintenance, the gardener and the guard are included in the rent, how often they come and who pays for supplies.

Water. Check the size of the cistern and the condition of the pump. In April 2024, Las Terrenas ran short of water after heavy rain and cistern trucks were sent in.

Hurricane season. It runs from 1 June to 30 November, according to the national weather institute INDOMET. Ask how the villa is protected and who takes care of it if there is an alert.

Inventory, deposit and lease. Ask for a detailed inventory with photos, including outdoor equipment. Law 85-25 caps the deposit for a home at two months' rent and requires a written lease: see our guide to the deposit and lease agreement. Pay nothing before you have visited the villa.