What Is the Recommended Process to Rent a Property?

How We Work at Mundo Urbano and Why This Process Protects All Parties

At Mundo Urbano, after many years of experience in residential leasing in Mexico City, we work with a methodical, structured, and proven process designed to reduce risk, prevent misunderstandings, and protect both landlords and tenants.

This process is not improvised. It is the result of hundreds of real transactions that have allowed us to establish a clear and effective way to manage a lease from start to finish.

We always start from one key principle: a properly structured lease should include a legal lease policy or prior legal screening, which is the correct and professional way to operate.

Below, we explain the recommended process, the payments involved, and the key points to consider before getting started.

1. Typical Rental Process with a Legal Lease Policy

The standard process we recommend is as follows:

1. Submission of the rental offer with all details by the tenant
2. Review, negotiation, and response by the property owner
3. Payment of the security hold to block the property and advance payment to start the legal investigation
4. Submission of all required documentation for the legal policy
5. Legal investigation and issuance of the policy decision (approved, conditionally approved, or not approved)
6. Drafting of the lease agreement
7. Review and approval by the owner
8. Review and approval by the tenant
9. Signing of the lease agreement and payment of the corresponding amounts
10. Property handover and inventory inspection

The entire process typically takes a minimum of 3 to 5 business days, depending mainly on how quickly complete and accurate documentation is provided.

2. Signing and Move-In: Two Different Moments

It is important to understand that signing the lease agreement and taking possession of the property do not necessarily happen on the same day.

Our recommendation is:

• Sign the lease as soon as possible to legally secure both parties
• Schedule the property handover on the agreed date, even if it is later

Signing early provides certainty and prevents the deal from falling apart due to last-minute changes.

3. The Security Hold: Why It Is Essential

The security hold is what formalizes the tenant’s real intention to rent the property.

As long as there is no security hold:

• The property remains on the market
• Other offers may be received and accepted
• The property is not blocked under any circumstances

Not placing a security hold carries a real risk of losing the property, even if the offer has been verbally accepted.

In practice, refusing to place a security hold is often interpreted as a lack of genuine interest.

If you truly want the property, you reserve it.

The security hold:

• Stops property marketing
• Allows the formal process to begin
• Gives the owner confidence that the deal is serious

4. Payments Required to Sign and Take Possession

To sign the lease and take possession of the property, the following amounts must be fully paid and cleared on the signing date:

• First month’s rent
• Agreed security deposit(s)
• Remaining balance of the legal lease policy

Any advance payments made previously (security hold or investigation advance) are credited toward the final amounts due.

Without full and cleared payments, the property cannot be delivered.

5. Cancellations and Security Hold Policy

It is essential to understand these rules before starting the process:

• The security hold is non-refundable if the tenant withdraws
• The only exception is if the legal policy investigation is not approved
• The advance payment for the legal investigation is non-refundable, as it covers a service already performed
• If the cancellation occurs after the policy has been approved, the security hold is forfeited in full

These conditions exist because once a property is reserved:

• Marketing is stopped
• The owner assumes an opportunity cost
• Legal and administrative processes are activated

6. Before Starting the Process, Make Sure You Are Ready

Before submitting an offer and beginning the process, we recommend confirming that:

• You have complete and up-to-date documentation
• You are ready to place a security hold if your offer is accepted
• You accept the legal lease policy and its requirements
• You are clear on signing and move-in dates
• You have the funds available to cover rent, deposits, and the legal policy at signing

Being prepared makes the process faster, smoother, and far more likely to succeed.

Conclusion

The leasing process is not just about signing a contract; it is about following a clear and professional methodology that protects everyone involved.

At Mundo Urbano, we work this way because it:

• Reduces risk
• Prevents disputes
• Provides legal certainty
• Professionalizes the landlord–tenant relationship

Understanding this process from the start allows you to make better decisions, move forward with confidence, and avoid unnecessary delays or lost opportunities.