How To Rent Property In Belize
Belize is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and strong sense of community. Often, the best way to discover upcoming property sales or bargain rentals is through word of mouth. Expats recommend spending time visiting Belize and staying in short-term rentals to get to know the local community before committing to a lease or purchase. You might find the best deals through adverts on social media, in the post office bulletin board or or by talking to your neighbors. Visiting your desired location and getting to know the area and locals before signing a long-term lease can also help you see if you will fit in the area you have selected to live or retire.
The main concern for expats finding suitable places to live in Belize and other countries in the Caribbean is safety. Renting real estate in the better part or upper class areas of a city or town, like anywhere else, will get you you a more secure property. For example in the capital of Belize, Belmopan, renting or buying property in the area where embassies and other foreign missions are located, brings better infrastructure and security. This is due to round-the-clock patrols by embassy security teams and the local police who have these areas as high priority for their own patrols and response.
The easiest way to find a rental property is by enlisting the services of an estate agent or a trusted local. Locals will know the better places to match your requirements. Enlisting the help of a reliable person on the ground in Belize can help you find unadvertised properties. Some landlords do not wish to list their properties with real estate agents. And property management companies prefer to list properties starting at US$1,500. a month and up as these attract higher commission fees.
You can save a lot of money by renting a room in a shared property. There are many large villas in Belize where you can get a room for a great price, making this a cost-effective option if you are relocating alone and willing to sacrifice some privacy. Many properties, especially shared houses, are rented furnished, which can even include crockery. However, unfurnished options are also available if you prefer to use your own furniture and appliances.
Given its popularity as a holiday destination, there is no shortage of short-term rentals in Belize. However, if you want to sign an official lease agreement on a freehold property, it must be for at least one year, as specified by the Landlord and Tenants Act. Tenancies in Belize and the law applicable generally follow English Common Law “…the tenancies defined in section 3 of this Act, comprise the relationships between landlord and tenant in Belize and, subject to this Act, have the same qualities and incidents as they would have under the common law of England.”
Property Rental Payments
Renting a property in Belize generally calls for payment of the first and last month, and a security deposit. Landlords or their property managers will require information to ascertain the identity and background of the prospective tenant, and sometimes a credit rating check. The preferred method of payment for expats is direct deposit transfers into the landlord or property manager’s bank account.
If if paying from abroad, we recommend ACH direct deposit or transfer by Zelle or other money transfer service direct into the landlord or property manager’s US bank if available. Paying rent by transferring funds from abroad to Belizean banks will take up to three or more business days for payments to clear, and will incur additional foreign exchange and incoming bank transfer fees. The local bank will deduct these fees, sometimes arbitrarily, before crediting the landlord’s account. All rentals in Belize are subject to a 3 percent tax payable to Belize Tax Services, the equivalent of the IRS in the US. Belize Tax Services is the supreme government tax agency in Belize and collects Gross Sales Tax (GST), business and income tax, and rental taxes.
Property Management
Property management companies are handy for non-resident landlords, and for those who do not want the bother of finding good tenants and handling rent collection and taxes. The property management fees here vary but may include the first month’s rent (when the company finds a tenant) plus an 8 to 12 percent fee depending on the level of services offered. An alternative for property owners is to find their own tenants, then hand over management to a property management company which then charges only an annual fee. Some companies focus on tourism properties while others cover most every area of the rental market including commercial buildings and government rentals.
Tips On Finding Long Term Rentals In Belize
In Belize, Facebook remains the primary platform for both businesses and government agencies to share information. While more user-friendly websites are slowly appearing, Facebook is still the go-to place for advertising, including the housing market.
Most long-term rentals are listed on Facebook Marketplace or in specific rental groups. To start your search, go to Marketplace, set your location to the town or area you’re interested in, and search for house or apartment rentals. Listings change often, so it’s worth checking regularly to get a sense of availability and prices. Please note that visitors to Belize, to be more specific, individuals here on a Tourist Visa, must rent accommodations officially from landlords registered with the Belize Tourism Board: “Guests/Visitors who arrive in Belize on Tourist Visas and pay for Accommodation/Boarding must stay at an Accommodation Provider that is registered with BTB. Guests/Visitors who arrive in Belize on Tourist Visas and obtain monthly extensions to the initial Visa must also stay at an Accommodation Provider that is registered with BTB, notwithstanding the length of stay. Be it six weeks, six months, two years, etc.”
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups are another valuable resource for finding rentals. There are two types to explore:
- Local groups that focus on specific towns or villages
- National groups with broader membership across Belize
Local groups tend to be the most helpful since they often include daily posts from residents about events, news, and rentals. Join a few, observe for a while, and then post an inquiry if you don’t see what you need.
One such group, Belize Information Group
When posting, include details such as:
- Preferred location
- Type of rental (house, condo, apartment)
- Number of bedrooms
- Whether you need air conditioning
- Desired move-in date and lease term
The more information you provide, the better the responses. Avoid posting a budget upfront—let people share what they have available, along with the price.
These are active communities with useful discussions. That said, be aware that some Facebook pages and groups labeled as rental sites are mostly filled with real estate sales posts rather than true rental listings.
Airbnb
Although Airbnb is typically associated with short-term vacation rentals, it can also be useful for long-term stays in Belize. The platform has a large inventory of licensed properties, and you can message hosts directly to ask if they’re open to longer contracts.
If you go this route:
- Confirm whether the quoted price includes the 9% BTB Accommodation Tax.
- Clarify which utilities (water, electricity, internet) are included.
- Be mindful of timing—landlords may be less willing to commit to a long-term lease during high season (December–April), but more open in the off-season.
Airbnb rentals are often pricier than those found on Facebook, but the platform does provide protections. If issues arise, Airbnb can intervene with the host, and all rentals include a liability insurance policy for guests.
About The Cost Of Property Rentals
Rental prices in Belize vary widely depending on location and the type of housing you’re comfortable with. A lot of property listings appear on Facebook Marketplace, which is one of the easiest ways to explore options around the country. You can adjust your Marketplace location settings to browse different areas and see what’s available.
As expected, rentals in popular tourist destinations tend to be more expensive. For more affordable options in good areas, consider places like Corozal, Belmopan, Santa Elena (just across the river from San Ignacio and often a bit cheaper), Independence (across the lagoon from Placencia and accessible by water taxi), or Punta Gorda.
Final Thoughts
Many seasoned residents recommend renting for at least six months to a year before considering buying property in Belize. This gives you time to explore different areas and understand the local lifestyle.
Until then, your best strategy is to combine resources: check Facebook Marketplace, join and monitor active Facebook Groups, and consider reaching out to Airbnb hosts. Patience and persistence will give you the best chance of finding a suitable long-term home in Belize.