If you’re planning to rent an apartment in Chile, you’ll likely come across a concept that may be unfamiliar: gastos comunes. These are monthly building expenses and they can come as a surprise to foreigners, since the way they’re named, calculated, and paid varies a lot from country to country. In this guide, we explain what gastos comunes are, why they exist, how much they cost, and what to look out for before signing a rental contract in Chile.
What are gastos comunes?
Gastos comunes are monthly fees charged by apartment buildings or condo complexes to fund the maintenance, management, and operation of shared spaces. This fee is in addition to your rent, and it usually applies to apartments and, to a lesser extent, houses inside gated communities.
These fees typically include:
- Hot water consumption
- Staff salaries (concierge, cleaning, gardening)
- Elevator maintenance
- Electricity and water for hallways and common areas
- Security (cameras, front gate service)
- Cleaning of stairs, hallways, and shared zones
- General repairs or upgrades
- Shared amenities: pool, gym, event rooms, etc.
Why are they charged?
The goal is to ensure that all common areas of the building are kept clean, functional, and secure for all residents. You’re not paying for services inside your apartment, but for everything that’s shared with your neighbors.
Who pays gastos comunes?
In most cases in Chile, it’s the tenant who pays these expenses—unless the rental agreement says otherwise. That’s why it’s important to clarify whether the gastos comunes are included in the monthly rent or must be paid separately.
Who do you pay and how?
Usually:
- Payment is monthly.
- It is paid directly to the management of the building or condominium, or in some types of leases (dated contract) to the owner or manager of the apartment.
- The building manager or concierge provides a detailed monthly bill.
- Payment options vary and may include bank transfer, online systems, or cash, depending on the building.
How much do gastos comunes cost?
It depends on several factors:
- The size of your apartment (larger units pay more)
- The services and amenities the building offers (pool, gym, 24/7 security, etc.)
- The location or comuna of the building
As a reference, in Santiago:
- A small apartment may have gastos comunes between CLP $40,000 and $70,000 per month
- In buildings with more services, they can exceed CLP $100,000
How does this compare to other countries?
- In the U.S. and Canada, similar fees are called HOA fees (Homeowners Association Fees), but they’re more common for property owners than renters.
- In Spain, they’re known as “cuotas de comunidad” and are often paid by the landlord.
- In Brazil, the equivalent is “condomínio”, which is typically paid by the tenant.
- In some European countries, these expenses are often included in the rent, which can lead to confusion for newcomers to Chile who discover they are separate.
Tips for renting in Santiago
- Always ask for an estimate of the gastos comunes before signing a lease.
- Confirm if they’re included in the rent or paid separately.
- Ask about extra or special fees, such as contributions for elevator repairs or building renovations, and whether tenants are expected to cover them.
- Request a previous bill to see how the fees are broken down.
Moving to Santiago?
Explore this and other guides on our blog to help you settle in smoothly, make informed decisions, and avoid unexpected surprises.
