Looking for an English‑speaking Mexico lawyer to review a Quintana Roo rental contract? This guide helps expats renting in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum fix red flags before signing. We confirm scope, price, and timeline before any work begins.
9 clauses to double‑check
- Deposit rules: condition for deductions, proof requirement, and deadline to return.
- Early termination: pro‑rata rent vs fixed penalty; define notice and re‑rental duty.
- Jurisdiction/venue: choose the municipality where you live (see below).
- Utilities & HOA: who pays water, power, internet, gas, HOA, garbage.
- Move‑in condition: attach a signed inventory with labeled photos.
- Auto‑renewal: renewal length, rent increase rules, notice windows.
- Maintenance: response times, emergency contacts, appliance warranty handling.
- Late fees & interest: cap amounts; avoid compounding or daily spikes.
- Language control: align English and Spanish; state which governs.
Move‑in inventory (make deductions objective)
Create a room‑by‑room list with photos and serial numbers for appliances. Both parties sign it and each keeps a copy.
Inventory (Address • Date)
• Living room: sofa (2‑seater), table (minor scratch), A/C (cooling OK)
• Kitchen: fridge (SN 12345), oven (clean), microwave (dent on left)
• Bedroom: bed frame (tight), mattress (cover provided)
• Bathroom: shower (no leaks), mirror (chip lower right)
Signatures: Tenant ______ Landlord ______
Deposits & returns (set timelines now)
- Return deadline in business days after move‑out/keys back.
- Deductions only with receipts/quotes; normal wear excluded.
- Meter photos on move‑in and move‑out included in the file.
Sample clause
Deposit Return: Landlord will return the deposit within 15 business days of move‑out
minus documented damages with receipts. Normal wear is excluded. Meter balances and
final cleaning (if any) shall be invoiced and provided to Tenant.
Early exit options (avoid surprises)
- Buy‑out: fixed fee (e.g., one month) + notice period.
- Replacement tenant: you source a qualified tenant; landlord consents in writing.
- Force majeure/unsafe conditions: define what qualifies and how to document.
Need tailored wording? Try a fast contract review (24–48h).
Utilities & bills (CFE, water, internet)
- Electricity (CFE): record meter number and starting reading; see CFE.
- Water: confirm provider (e.g., Aguakan in parts of Q. Roo) and billing cycle; keep account number. Aguakan.
- Internet: installation responsibility and modem return terms.
- HOA: whether fees include garbage, security, amenities, and rules on visitors/parking.
Jurisdiction & venue (keep it local)
Choose the municipality where the property sits to avoid travel costs: Benito Juárez (Cancun), Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), or Tulum. Avoid distant venues that make disputes expensive.
Jurisdiction: Any dispute arising from this Lease shall be heard in the courts of
[Benito Juárez / Solidaridad / Tulum], Quintana Roo, with express waiver of any other venue.
Language control (Spanish vs English)
Mexico leases are typically governed by the Spanish version. Keep the English translation aligned and reference both versions in a short clause. Get a quick contract review to spot hidden obligations.
Language: The parties sign Spanish and English versions for convenience. In case of
conflict, the Spanish text governs; both versions shall be aligned in meaning.
Templates: deposit return (EN/ES)
English
Subject: Deposit Return — [Address]
Dear [Landlord],
I vacated on [date]. Please return my deposit by [date] per our agreement.
Attached: move‑out photos, inventory, receipts.
Sincerely, [Name]
Español breve
Asunto: Devolución de Depósito — [Domicilio]
Estimado(a) [Arrendador],
Desocupé el inmueble el [fecha]. Solicito la devolución de mi depósito a más tardar el [fecha]
conforme a nuestro contrato. Anexo fotos de salida, inventario y comprobantes.
Atentamente, [Nombre]
Know your rights: helpful resources
- PROFECO — consumer complaints for goods/services (appliances, utilities, etc.).
- Gov.mx trámites — official portals for common procedures.
Pure landlord‑tenant disputes typically follow civil procedures. We can coach your approach or prepare a concise lawyer letter.
Related services & cities
Popular with renters in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Start with Contract review & drafting, Rental Lease Review use‑case, or Landlord‑Tenant Issues.
Talk to an English‑speaking Mexico lawyer
We confirm scope, price, and timeline before any work begins. Most matters are handled online or by phone.