Rental Deposit Calculator: How Many Months? (Argentina)🇦🇷
In Argentina, the security deposit (depósito de garantía) protects the landlord against unpaid rent or property damage. Since DNU 70/2023 (Milei deregulation decree), new rental contracts are capped at a maximum deposit of 1 month's rent. Older contracts signed under Law 27551 could go up to 3 months. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the property, minus any documented deductions. This calculator shows you the exact deposit range, the legal maximum, and when to expect your money back.
In Argentina, under DNU 70/2023, the maximum rental security deposit is 1 month's rent for new contracts. For contracts signed under the previous Law 27551, landlords could charge up to 3 months. The deposit must be returned within 30 days of move-out, minus proven damages.
When to use this calculator
- A tenant signing a new lease in Buenos Aires under DNU 70/2023 wants to verify the landlord can only charge 1 month of rent as a deposit.
- A tenant under an older contract (Law 27551) is calculating whether a 2-month deposit is legal (yes, up to 3 months was allowed).
- A renter vacating an apartment wants to know when to expect their deposit back (30 days from move-out) and what deductions are legitimate.
- A landlord setting deposit terms for a new 12-month lease under DNU 70/2023 needs to confirm the 1-month cap.
Worked Example
- Monthly rent: ARS 300,000
- Contract type: New contract under DNU 70/2023
- Maximum legal deposit: ARS 300,000 (1 month)
- Return deadline: 30 days after move-out minus damages
How it works
2 min readHow the Deposit Is Calculated
Argentina's rental deposit rules changed significantly with DNU 70/2023 (December 2023):
New contracts (DNU 70/2023): Maximum deposit = 1 × Monthly Rent
Old contracts (Law 27551): Maximum deposit = 3 × Monthly Rent
Return Amount = Deposit Paid − Documented Damages (unpaid rent + repairs)
Return Deadline = 30 days after move-outWorked Example — New contract, ARS 400,000/month:
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Reference Table — Deposit by Monthly Rent
| Monthly Rent (ARS) | Max Deposit — DNU 70/2023 (1×) | Max Deposit — Law 27551 (3×) |
|---|---|---|
| ARS 100,000 | ARS 100,000 | ARS 300,000 |
| ARS 200,000 | ARS 200,000 | ARS 600,000 |
| ARS 300,000 | ARS 300,000 | ARS 900,000 |
| ARS 400,000 | ARS 400,000 | ARS 1,200,000 |
| ARS 500,000 | ARS 500,000 | ARS 1,500,000 |
| ARS 700,000 | ARS 700,000 | ARS 2,100,000 |
| ARS 1,000,000 | ARS 1,000,000 | ARS 3,000,000 |
| ARS 1,500,000 | ARS 1,500,000 | ARS 4,500,000 |
Based on Argentine law as of 2026. DNU 70/2023 cap = 1 month; Law 27551 cap = 3 months.
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Key Rules
DNU 70/2023 (new contracts from Dec 2023 onward):
Law 27551 (contracts signed before DNU 70/2023):
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Common Mistakes
1. Landlord demands more than 1 month on a new contract: Under DNU 70/2023, this is illegal. The tenant can refuse or demand the excess back.
2. No itemized breakdown of deductions: Landlords must provide written documentation of every deduction. Without receipts or invoices, tenants can dispute withheld amounts in court.
3. Confusing deposit with last month's rent: Some landlords collect both — they are legally distinct amounts and must be treated separately.
4. Missing the 30-day deadline: If the landlord doesn't return the deposit within 30 days, they may face interest charges (1% per month) plus monetary correction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rental deposit in Argentina under DNU 70/2023?
Under DNU 70/2023 (in force since December 2023), the maximum security deposit for new rental contracts in Argentina is 1 month's rent. A landlord cannot legally demand more than this amount upfront as a deposit.
How many months deposit can a landlord charge under the old Law 27551?
Contracts signed under Law 27551 (before DNU 70/2023) allowed landlords to charge up to 3 months of rent as a security deposit. If your contract was signed before December 2023, check which law governs it — that determines your deposit cap.
How long does a landlord have to return the deposit in Argentina?
Landlords in Argentina must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out and handing in the keys. If they miss this deadline, they owe interest (typically 1% per month) plus monetary correction on the total amount withheld.
What can a landlord deduct from the deposit in Argentina?
Legitimate deductions include: unpaid rent, documented repair costs for damage beyond normal wear and tear (e.g., broken fixtures, holes in walls, damaged appliances). Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear such as minor scuffs, faded paint, or ordinary carpet wear from regular use.
What happens if the landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 30 days of move-out, they owe interest at 1% per month plus monetary correction (adjusted by CPI). The tenant can file a claim in a Juzgado de Paz or civil court. In cases of clear bad faith, the tenant may also seek additional damages.
Does DNU 70/2023 apply to all rental contracts in Argentina?
DNU 70/2023 applies to new contracts signed after its enactment in December 2023. Contracts already in force under Law 27551 continue under their original terms until they expire or are renegotiated. If you renewed your contract after December 2023, the new law applies.
Is the deposit different for commercial vs. residential rentals in Argentina?
The DNU 70/2023 deposit cap (1 month) applies broadly. Commercial leases may have different negotiated terms since DNU 70/2023 significantly deregulated the rental market, but the general principle of documenting and returning the deposit within 30 days still applies.
What counts as 'normal wear and tear' in Argentina?
Normal wear and tear includes: faded or slightly marked paint after a normal tenancy, minor floor scratches, normal aging of fixtures, and light carpet compression. It does NOT include: broken glass, large holes in walls, damaged appliances, pet damage, or heavy staining. Only damage beyond ordinary use can be deducted from the deposit.