Argentine rental law and eviction debates

Debate continues in Argentina regarding new legal frameworks and proposed legislation concerning “express evictions.”

In Neuquén, the Federación de Inquilinos Agrupados has expressed concern that revised judicial regulations, such as a modified Civil and Commercial Procedural Code, may worsen the housing crisis by leaving families vulnerable during periods of market deregulation. Advocates warn that accelerated timelines could leave families, including those with children or disabilities, in a state of defenselessness.

In contrast, real estate professionals argue that these changes, including a proposed “inviolability of private property” law, could help tenants manage debt. Lucas Péndola, president of the Colegio de Corredores Inmobiliarios de Córdoba, suggested the model could allow tenants unable to afford rent to return keys to owners immediately, thereby preventing the accumulation of debt that often occurs during traditional, lengthy eviction processes.

The market is undergoing further shifts following the repeal of the Rental Law via DNU 70/2023, which introduced contractual freedom by removing mandatory minimum terms and price indexation limits. This deregulation has coincided with a sustained increase in eviction cases due to rental payment delinquency. In the Senate, a legislative project currently aims to accelerate property recovery through faster eviction procedures.

Recent market data indicates divergent trends. In the City of Buenos Aires, property sales remained relatively stable through July, marking a strong performance compared to the previous decade, despite a 9% year-on-year decrease. However, mortgage-backed transactions fell by 31.2% in July, contributing to a 36% year-on-year drop in total mortgage operations for the first seven months of the year. In Mendoza, the rental sector shows an increase in supply and stabilizing prices as properties shift from short-term vacation rentals to permanent leases.