Is it possible to avoid using realtors (inmobiliarias)

[Mother Russia Argentina]

Quick question. I have been living here the past year and for the most part been able to avoid using inmobiliarias (realtors). I did the Airbnb and thing for a while but it is not ideal for long term rentals. I found a few on my own but most of the desirable properties are with a realtor.

From what I understand in CABA a 6 month rental is not considered a tourist rental and real estate agents are not legally allowed to charge a commission to the tenant.

Is this correct? Isn't charging a commission to the tenant against the law? Why isn't this enforced and who would enforce it? Are agents allowed to charge me as the tenant a fee? I found one through an agent and she wants to charge me a fee. Is this right?

 

[Betsy Ross]

I'm not sure what you mean by "tourist rental". There was formally long-term standard contracts for 2 years but Milei got rid of standard length and he leaves it up to private parties to decide terms. Here what is "legal" is all relative. Disputes take forever to solve so I would recommend having everything written in writing in the contract. I have seen many cases where they charge the owner but back before I bought my place I also got charged a commission but I knew that going into looking. I think I paid 1 month of commission on a year lease.

On a short-term lease I think it's whatever they want to do. But they should tell you on the front end and you can agree or not agree.

 

[Finance Prof]

Lawsuits here can take forever. The system is all corrupt. People have their own rules. Before you look with a realtor just ask what fees they might charge and if you agree go see it and if not then don't.

 

[ElQueso]

There is no such a thing as tourist rental. Do you mean temporary rental? People here do what they want. I agree with @Finance Prof if you aren't comfortable with paying someone to go see a property then just skip it. The owner is the one that typically pays the commission for finding a tenant. But I have seen many people get charged. Legally I think you are right @Mother Russia Argentina that it is against the law to charge the tenant a commission.

CABA Law 5.859 / 2017 — Rental Commissions In Buenos Aires City (CABA):

Tenants of residential rental contracts are not legally required to pay real estate commissions or brokerage fees.
The law states that the owner must pay the commission (up to a maximum of 4.15 % of the total value of the contract) and tenants cannot be charged any commission or report costs.

This applies to rental agreements with housing as their purpose — including contracts for apartments where the tenant actually lives for the term agreed, even if it’s only six months.