The Recommended Step-by-Step Process for Renting a Property in Mexico City

How we work at Mundo Urbano and why this process protects all parties.

After many years of experience in leasing in Mexico City, at Mundo Urbano we work with a methodical, orderly process, designed to reduce risk, avoid misunderstandings, and protect both the owner and the tenant. It is not improvised: it is the result of hundreds of real transactions.

We start from one principle: a well-structured lease must have a legal lease policy (póliza jurídica) or a prior background check. Below we explain the process, the payments and the key points before you begin.

1. Typical process for a rental with a legal lease policy

1. The tenant submits their proposal with all the details.
2. The owner reviews it, negotiates and responds.
3. The reservation deposit (apartado) is paid to hold the property, along with the advance payment to start the policy background check.
4. The complete documentation required by the policy is submitted.
5. The policy carries out the background check and issues its decision: approved, approved with conditions, or not approved.
6. The lease agreement is drafted.
7. The owner reviews it and gives their approval.
8. The tenant reviews it and gives their approval.
9. The contract is signed and the corresponding payments are made.
10. The property is handed over and the inventory is taken.

The process takes a minimum of 3 to 5 business days, depending on how quickly complete and correct documentation is submitted.

2. Signing and handover: two separate moments

Signing and handover do not necessarily happen on the same day. We recommend signing as soon as possible to give both parties legal security, and scheduling the handover for the agreed date, even if it is later. Signing early prevents the deal from falling through because of last-minute changes.

3. The reservation deposit: why it is essential

As long as there is no reservation deposit, the property remains on the market and may receive and accept other proposals. Not paying it means a real risk of losing the property, even if the proposal has already been verbally accepted. The reservation deposit stops the marketing, allows the formal process to begin, and gives the owner certainty. More details in What is the reservation deposit (apartado)?

4. Payments required to sign and receive the property

On the day of signing, the following must be paid and reflected:

• The first month's rent
• The agreed security deposits
• The full balance of the legal lease policy
• Contracts and promissory notes signed in full

Advance payments made earlier (reservation deposit or background check advance) are credited toward the final amount. Without full payment and without a contract signed by all parties, the property cannot be handed over.

5. Cancellations and reservation deposits

• The reservation deposit is non-refundable if the tenant withdraws.
• The only exception is if the policy background check comes back as not approved.
• The background check advance is non-refundable, because it corresponds to a service already rendered.
• If the cancellation occurs after the policy has been approved, the reservation deposit is forfeited in full.

These conditions exist because, when a property is reserved, its marketing stops, the owner bears an opportunity cost, and legal and administrative processes are set in motion.

6. Before you begin, make sure of the following

• You have complete, up-to-date documentation
• You are ready to pay the reservation deposit if your proposal is accepted
• You accept the legal lease policy and its requirements
• You are clear about the signing and move-in dates
• You have the funds for rent, deposits and the policy at the time of signing

Conclusion

Renting is not just about signing a contract, but about following a methodology that protects all parties: it reduces risk, prevents conflicts, provides legal certainty, and professionalizes the relationship between owner and tenant. Knowing the procedure from the start allows you to move forward with confidence and without wasting time.