Episode 142: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Puerto Rico
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features US Territory of Puerto Rico. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Puerto Rico Landlord-Tenant Relationships Governed Under Commonwealth's Civil Code. Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the Puerto Rico Landlord-Tenant Relationships Governed Under Commonwealth's Civil Code
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in US Territory of Puerto Rico
4) Where to get help in your local area in US Territory of Puerto Rico.
This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for US Territory of Puerto Rico including:
Rental Laws and Tenant Rights in Puerto Rico – State Regs Today
What You Need to Know about Renting in Puerto Rico - Relocate to Puerto Rico with Act 60, 20, 22
Internal Revenue Service: Introduction to Puerto Rico Acts 20 and 22
Puerto Rico | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
What Makes Puerto Rico So Different?
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, we’re diving into one of the most unique tenancy locations I’ve researched so far: Puerto Rico. Unlike U.S. states and Canadian provinces that are governed by formal landlord-tenant acts, Puerto Rico operates largely under contract law and legal precedent. There’s no clear, centralized residential tenancy act to refer to—which made this episode a wild one to prepare. If you’re looking to own or manage rentals in Puerto Rico, be ready to do some digging.
Contract Law Over Code
Because so much of Puerto Rican tenancy is governed by contract law, your lease becomes the primary legal document. Everything—habitability, repairs, rights of entry—should be spelled out clearly in writing. While you’ll find some general tenant protections such as anti-discrimination and the right to early termination for health or safety issues, most enforcement and guidance rely on court decisions. Rent control does exist in some municipalities, but there is no universal standard. Security deposits are usually limited to one month’s rent, and landlords are expected to return them within 30 days, provided they include an itemized deduction list.
The Gray Area of Abandoned Items
This topic was particularly challenging to research. I wasn’t able to find a formal law that dictates what landlords must do with abandoned tenant property. However, I did find one guideline suggesting that items not easily stored should be publicly auctioned after eight days’ notice. If no one claims the items within three months, ownership may transfer to the finder. This isn’t even landlord-specific—it’s just a general property rule. So if you’re dealing with tenant belongings after a move-out, proceed with caution and get legal advice.
Where to Get Help—If You Can Find It
Finding resources for landlords in Puerto Rico proved difficult. I’ve included links to the Puerto Rican judicial system, some HUD resources, and even the IRS guide to Puerto Rican tax advantages. There’s also a complaint process through HUD and the Department of Consumer Affairs, but most of the guidance out there is geared toward tenants. Still, I recommend going to your local city hall and asking for help in person. Online resources are inconsistent and scattered, so your best bet might be face-to-face inquiries.
Final Thoughts from San Antonio
I recorded this episode from San Antonio, Texas. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you? Puerto Rico’s legal landscape is definitely one of the most challenging I’ve encountered, but also one of the most fascinating. If you're planning to invest there, arm yourself with knowledge and be ready to lean heavily on your lease agreement.
Join me next time for Episode 143, where we explore the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. See you there!