In Colombia, renting is still one of the most widely used methods of obtaining housing, because it allows you to occupy a property by paying a monthly fee agreed upon by both parties.
Information you disclosed Week magazine He explains that this relationship takes place officially through the lease contract, which specifies the value, duration, and obligations that the landlord and tenant must adhere to.
Although many of these contracts are signed in writing, the regulations also recognize oral agreements, as long as there is clarity about the basic terms agreed upon.
One of the points that have historically raised disagreements is the deadline for paying rent, as not all contracts specify the date with the same precision, and some practices have become customary without legal support.
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This has led to some landlords demanding payments based on subjective criteria, and has also led to many tenants being unaware of the true margin allowed by law. To avoid misinterpretations and unnecessary conflicts, the leasing system sets standards that guide compliance with this monthly obligation.
Law No. 820 of 2003, the regulation governing urban housing rental in the country, sets out a legal framework that seeks to balance burdens between the two parties and establish clear rules regarding rights and duties. Although the rule does not specify a single official day for payment, it does stipulate that the contract must specify the exact date by which this obligation must be fulfilled. When the policy specifies a specific date, this becomes the starting point for calculating any additional term, so that an advance payment cannot be requested and the agreed margin is not known.
As highlighted weekIt is common for contracts to include a period of five days after the payment date for the tenant to comply with the obligation without being considered late. This practice has been adopted in various cities across the country and has become a mechanism to provide a reasonable margin to tenants, especially when the payment date coincides with non-work days or when work pay cycles make precise compliance difficult.
Although this practice is common, leasing professionals remember that the final term should always be stated in the contract and that any change must be agreed upon between both parties. If the document stipulates a greater or less margin, that is what must be applied, unless it conflicts with the general rules of the rental system. In this way, both landlords and tenants receive documentary support that avoids later discussions about delays or late payments.
For lessors, setting a payment deadline allows them to streamline property management and ensure timely receipt of resources. For tenants, having a clear deadline avoids unnecessary pressure and situations where penalties are imposed without a contractual basis. week He stressed that if amendments occur, they must be resolved within the framework of the contract and Law 820, which specifies mechanisms for reconciling disputes.
Another relevant aspect addressed by the rule is the prohibition of requiring a deposit as a condition for renting a property. The practice of requesting additional amounts as security is expressly prohibited, and requesting them constitutes a reportable violation. This point has been mentioned repeatedly because it remains one of the most common disputes between landlords and tenants, especially in oral contracts where there is no record of the initial agreement.
Clarity about payment terms helps reduce disputes that often arise from interpretation of informal practices or unwritten agreements. If the contract indicates a specific date and additional period, that parameter must be met without exception. Otherwise, non-compliance is incurred, which may result in interest, claims or even repossessions.
Information provided by week She insists that, to avoid misunderstandings, the most appropriate thing is to review the contract in detail before signing it, asking any questions and asking that the payment terms, renewals, increases and obligations of both parties be explicitly included. A full reading of the document avoids surprises and provides a framework for action should any disagreement arise during the term of the lease.
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