The Challenges and Triumphs of Renting in Mazatlán, Mexico: My Expat Story

Share this article

Moving to Mazatlán was a big change for me. I didn’t know what to expect as an expat renting a home in Mexico. There were a lot of new things I had to learn!

Table of Contents

[Open][Close]

Understanding Local Rental Laws in Mazatlán

I didn’t know much about Mexico’s rental laws when I first moved to Mazatlán. Here are some important things I learned as a tenant:

Basics of Mexico’s rental laws in Mazatlán

In Mexico, there are federal laws that protect renters. Some key things the law says are:

Landlords need to make repairs and keep property working
Tenants have a right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of the rental
Rent cannot be raised unless allowed in the contract
Tenants are entitled to get deposits back if they leave the home undamaged

Your rights as a tenant in Mazatlán

As a renter in Mexico, I have certain rights by law. Some key rights are:

I must be given 24 hours notice before landlord enters home
I cannot be evicted without a court process
My possessions in the home are protected from removal
Landlord cannot cut utilities like water or power

Knowing the laws made me feel more secure as a renter in Mexico.

Finding the Right Location in Mazatlán

Deciding where to live in Mazatlán was important as an expat. Here’s what I learned:

Popular neighborhoods for expats in Mazatlán

Some areas that expats like are:

Centro Histórico – This area has lovely old buildings and plazas near the sea. Lots of expats live around the main square.
Marina Mazatlán – This newer area has upscale homes and condos. It’s known as secure with lots of amenities.
Cerritos and Juárez – These quiet, residential neighborhoods are more affordable but still close to the beach.

Through talking with others, I found the Centro area best suited me.

Pros and cons of living in the city vs. countryside in Mazatlán

Mazatlán has different options from lively city to quiet countryside. I made a chart of pros and cons to decide:

City Living

Pros:

More cultural events and things to do
Easier to meet other expats
Public transit readily available

Cons:

Can be noisy with lots of traffic
Limited personal outdoor space

Countryside Living

Pros:

Quieter, closer to nature
Lower rents further away from downtown
Great views of landscape

Cons:

Far from stores, healthcare etc.
Need own car for getting around
Fewer expats nearby

I chose to stay in the city center despite some noise. I liked being able to easily walk places!

Budgeting for Rent in Mazatlán

The cost of housing was a big factor for me. I researched average rental prices so I could budget.

Average rental prices in different regions in Mazatlán

I found monthly rental averages to be:

Centro Histórico – $400 to $800 USD
Marina Mazatlán – $1,000 to $2,000+ USD
Cerritos – $300 to $700 USD

Of course prices vary widely based on size, amenities etc. But this gave me a helpful basic range.

Hidden costs of renting in Mazatlán

Beyond just rent, there were other monthly costs like:

Electricity/gas – $30 to $100 USD
Water – $20 USD
Wifi – $25 to $50 USD

Some rentals also had HOA fees. Knowing all the potential costs helped me budget responsibly.

Navigating Rental Agreements in Mazatlán

Reading Mexican rental contracts was tricky before I knew the language.

Key terms in rental contracts in Mazatlán

Some phrases I needed to understand were:

Comodato – Means letting use of property free of charge
Contrato – The binding legal document for renting
Depósito de garantía – Refers to the security deposit amount

Importance of having a bilingual agreement in Mazatlán

At first I signed a Spanish contract. This was risky because I could have agreed to terms I didn’t fully grasp.

For peace of mind, I had my next contract translated into English so responsibilities were clear. Every foreign renter should ensure full understanding.

Security Measures in Mazatlán

After a break-in at a friend’s home, I wanted to ensure my rental was secure.

Common security practices in Mexican homes in Mazatlán

Many homes have:

High perimeter walls or fences
Metal window/door barriers for added security while out
Security alarm systems

I used these measures to deter burglars.

Tips for staying safe in Mazatlán

Other tips police gave me were:

Keep doors/windows locked whenever out
Install visible security cameras
Don’t have valuables visible through windows
Get to know neighbors to keep watch

Using multiple precautions gave me peace of mind.

Dealing with Utilities in Mazatlán

Figuring out water, electricity and internet was a necessity.

How to set up electricity, water, and internet in Mazatlán

For utilities, I had to contact:

Electricity – Contact CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad)

Water – Sign up via my landlord

Internet – Hired a private company like TotalPlay

Setting up each service took submitting various forms and paperwork. Having my landlord’s help to navigate was useful until I learned the process.

Average monthly costs in Mazatlán

Here’s what I budgeted for utilities:

Electricity – $30 to $100 USD depending on use
Water – $20 USD
Internet – $25 to $50 USD per month

High speed internet cost more than basic. Checking my usage helped me reduce costs when able.

Furnishing Your Home in Mazatlán

I moved to Mazatlán with only luggage. Furnishing an unfurnished rental was essential.

Where to buy furniture in Mazatlán

I discovered many furniture stores downtown:

Big box stores like Liverpool, Sears
Small shops full of handicrafts
Large markets selling new and used furnishings

It was fun exploring my options before choosing pieces!

Renting furnished vs. unfurnished in Mazatlán

Many rentals offer:

Furnished – Comes with beds, couch, TV, kitchen items etc. already. Easier to move in!

Unfurnished – Allows you to pick your own furniture. More work upfront.

I liked selecting my own furnishings. Over time, I added colorful Mexican art and rugs to really personalize my space!

Community Engagement in Mazatlán

Making friends with locals and expats made Mazatlán feel like home faster.

Joining local expat communities in Mazatlán

I met many welcoming people at:

Internations expat events
Entre Amigos community group
Cultural happenings suggested on MazPal forum

The connections helped ease my transition to Mexico.

Participating in neighborhood activities in Mazatlán

I also engaged right in my neighborhood at:

Farmer’s markets selling fresh produce/flowers
Dance classes held near the plaza
Volleyball games on local beaches

Putting myself out there enriched my expat living experience.

Language Barrier in Mazatlán

Not knowing Spanish made day-to-day tasks tough when I first moved.

Basic Spanish phrases for renters

I memorized key words/phrases like:

Good morning/afternoon – “Buenos dias/Buenas tardes”

Thank you – “Gracias”

Where is… – “Donde esta…”

How much is this? – “Cuanto cuesta esto?”

The basics went a long way in early interactions!

Using translation apps effectively

Apps were so helpful for conversations. I used:

Google Translate – Translates text/speech accurately.
iTranslate – Can translate documents easily with camera.

I always let locals finish speaking before using the app to respond. Showing understanding is important!

Over time, I picked up more vocabulary by practicing daily.

Transportation Options in Mazatlán

With my rental home picked, I had to decide how to get around town.

Public transport vs. owning a car in Mazatlán

Early on I weighed using:

Buses

Pros – Inexpensive, good coverage of area

Cons – Infrequent, confusing routes

Taxi

Pros – Affordable, on demand transport

Cons – Risk of getting overcharged

Owning a Car

Pros – Freedom and flexibility

Cons – Parking difficulty, costs (insurance, gas, repairs etc.)

Weighing options, I opted to use local buses/taxis before committing to a car. This kept things simpler in my transition.

Navigating local traffic laws in Mazatlán

Mexican road signs, rules, and driving style felt chaotic at first! Key things I learned were:

Yield signs are uncommon – vehicles may not stop entering intersections
Use hand turn signals since not all cars have electrical ones
Pass carefully – vehicles often treat traffic lanes loosely

Knowing what to expect helped me stay safe in taxis before attempting driving myself.

Local Cuisine and Markets in Mazatlán

As a food lover, I was excited to discover Mazatlán’s incredible seafood and produce!

Finding local markets for groceries in Mazatlán

The two main markets I frequented were:

Mercado Municipal: This public market has rows of vegetable stands, butcher shops and food stalls. Great prices!

Walmart, Soriana: For packaged goods, I often shopped at these Mexican supermarket chains instead of small markets. More recognizable products.

Must-try dishes in Mazatlán

Local specialties I grew to love are:

Ceviche – Raw fish “cooked” in lime and spice. So fresh tasting!
Pacifico beer – Locally brewed light beer that’s very refreshing by the ocean.
Chilaquiles – Tortilla chips smothered in green or red salsa. Addictive comfort food!

Enjoying the incredible local cuisine is easily one of my favorite parts of expat living!

Cultural Etiquette in Mazatlán

I wanted to respect local cultural norms as much as possible. Key etiquette I learned was:

Mexican customs and traditions in Mazatlán

Greet people individually rather than to a group when entering a room.
Bring a small gift when invited to someone’s home.
Dress modestly when visiting churches.

Respecting traditions helped me avoid offending locals.

Tips for integrating into the community in Mazatlán

Make an effort to use Spanish phrases.
Attend community events to meet neighbors.
Support local businesses to boost the local economy.

Making connections enabled me to experience true Mexican culture.

Healthcare Access in Mazatlán

Having healthcare concerns addressed was a major worry moving abroad.

Types of healthcare services available in Mazatlán

Options I found for care were:

Public healthcare through IMSS – Must be employed to qualify
Private doctors and clinics
Pharmacies for minor issues without prescription

There are also excellent major hospitals in Mazatlán if major treatment is ever needed.

Getting health insurance in Mazatlán

Just in case, I got:

International private health insurance
Mexico-specific coverage with large deductible

Having emergency room coverage brought me comfort in the unexpected.

Paying out of pocket for routine doctor visits kept costs low for minor issues. Knowing my insurance and healthcare options let me stop worrying!

Educational Opportunities in Mazatlán

I moved to Mazatlán at age 30 without kids. But for families, knowing education options is key.

Schools and universities for expats in Mazatlán

Popular options include:

The Pacific Bilingual School – Well-regarded private school for expat kids
International School of Mazatlán – Bilingual curriculum based on U.S/Canada
Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa – Major local university with some English-taught programs

There are growing education offerings catering to English-speaking expats.

Learning Spanish locally in Mazatlán

For my own continued learning, I attended:

Free new resident lessons at the local library
Paid private and group lessons
Online programs through apps

Investing in developing language skills helped daily life get much smoother over time.

Banking and Finances in Mazatlán

I had to adjust to using the Mexican Peso and new banking systems.

Opening a local bank account in Mazatlán

Early on, I opened accounts with:

Banorte – One of Mexico’s biggest banks, popular with expats Santander – Major Spanish bank with branches across Mexico

I needed just passport and local address to set up my accounts.

Managing currency exchange in Mazatlán

Getting used to the exchange rate took time. Good resources were:

Online currency converters – Help track accurate rates
Apps from my bank – Gave real-time views of my balances

I kept an emergency fund in both USD and Pesos. Avoiding big currency exchanges cut fees.

Using local banking took adaptation but helped streamline my finances.

Internet and Connectivity in Mazatlán

Staying digitally connected in Mexico was crucial for me as a freelancer.

Best service providers in Mazatlán

For home internet, I compared packages from:

TotalPlay
Axtel
Megacable

All advertised fast speeds. TotalPlay gave best rates for what I needed.

Dealing with connectivity issues in Mazatlán

Frustrations I faced included:

Dropped calls and choppy video chats
Using VPNs to access all online content

Patience and researching workarounds helped me adjust. I asked neighbors for referrals to get the most reliable service.

Leisure and Entertainment in Mazatlán

One perk of Mazatlán is having an abundance of natural beauty and fun attractions!

Popular destinations for weekends

I loved making trips to:

Nearby Beaches

Playa Norte with pretty, swimmable waters
Surf town El Quelite to try hand at surfing

Day trips

Historic mining town Cosala
Tequila tours near Puerto Vallarta

There were so many picturesque places to explore!

Cultural events and festivals in Mazatlán

Some lively events worth experiencing are:

Carnavál parade and celebrations
Day of the Dead fairs and decorations
Vibrant Domingo de Ramos celebration before Easter

Attending festivals let me witness incredible traditions!

Maintaining Your Home in Mazatlán

Even in the tropics, homes need routine maintenance I had to arrange.

Finding reliable maintenance services in Mazatlán

My landlord connected me with:

Gardeners for bushes, pool care etc.
Housekeepers for deep cleaning
Handymen for minor plumbing/electrical repairs

Having contacts for help gave me confidence.

Dealing with common household issues in Mazatlán

In coastal, humid Mazatlán, problems I faced were:

Mold/mildew
Clogged drains from thick foliage
Ants/pests trying to get in

With reliable contacts, issues were addressed before major damage resulted.

Traveling Around Mexico

Weekend adventures made me fall deeper for Mexico’s beauty and cultures.

Tips for local and long-distance travels

Useful things I learned were:

Always carry passport/tourist permit
Learn some Spanish phrases before visiting rural towns
Road quality varies, allow extra transit time

Trip planning made journeys smooth.

Must-visit places

Favorite destinations became:

Nearby

Mexcaltitán island village
Spectacular Copper Canyon

Further

Artsy San Miguel de Allende
Pyramids of Teotihuacán

I loved immersing myself in ancient cultures!

Emergency Preparedness in Mazatlán

While I hoped never to need emergency services, I educated myself just in case.

Emergency contacts and procedures in Mazatlán

I kept handy:

Emergency phone numbers for ambulance, police etc.
Addresses for my local hospital, Red Cross office
Expat clinic with English-speaking doctor

I made backup scans of passport/ID cards and kept in cloud storage to access anywhere.

Natural disaster preparedness in Mazatlán

Being in a hurricane zone, it was wise to:

Prepare bag with food, radio, batteries etc.
Know best evacuation routes inland
Have phone alerts activated for emergency notifications

I luckily never endured major storms or crises. But better to be overprepared!

While renting in Mexico had a sharp learning curve, the beauty and community made eventual challenges so worthwhile. Settling in took some time, but now I truly feel at home. My top pieces of advice are to prepare as best as possible, but don’t be afraid to take risks and dive into Mexican life fully! The rewards for me were lifelong.

Author Bio: Kelly Sanchez is an expat writer and content creator living in Mazatlán, Mexico. Since moving from Austin, Texas on a whim in 2018, Kelly has built a life abroad and wants to encourage others to take the leap. She writes about her adventures of adapting to Mexican culture, building community, and finding beauty in the unfamiliar. Kelly hopes her stories can give readers the push to step outside their comfort zones.

Additional Articles on Expats in Mexico

Additional articles:

Here are some links about expat renting in Mazatlán, Mexico:

Mazatlan Real Estate – Renting in Mazatlan Guide
- Provides a comprehensive guide on how to rent a house or condo in Mazatlán, Mexico
Occan Properties – Long-Term Property Rentals in Mazatlan
- Offers long-term property rentals in Mazatlán, showcasing various available properties with details on beds, baths, and amenities
Pacific Prime Latin America – An Expat’s Guide to Renting a House in Mexico
- Presents an expat’s guide to renting a house in Mexico, covering the rental process, required documents for foreigners renting in Mexico

These resources offer valuable insights into renting properties as an expat in Mazatlán, Mexico, including details on rental prices, types of properties available, the rental process, required documents, and tips for finding the right rental property.