Rent: how to calculate increases by inflation in March 2026
The article discusses how the repeal of the rental law in Argentina affects how rental contracts can be adjusted for inflation.
The repeal of Argentina's rental law, enacted through a Necessity and Urgency Decree by President Javier Milei in December 2023, has created a new landscape for rental agreements. This change allows property owners and tenants to negotiate terms for rental contracts without regulatory constraints, leading many to adjust rents based on national inflation data. As a result, it has become common for contracts to be drawn up for two-year terms, with rent increases calculated every three to four months, often pegged to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
This shift in rental agreements reflects broader economic challenges in Argentina, particularly the need for landlords and tenants to find mutually agreeable terms in an inflationary environment. Some rental agreements are also incorporating alternative inflation measures such as the Wholesale Price Index (ICL), while others are being fixed in US dollars to avoid currency fluctuations. This flexibility in contracts aims to provide a safety net for both parties amid economic instability, but also reveals the complexities and risks in managing housing costs under continued inflationary pressures.
Overall, the deregulation of the rental market marks a significant departure from previous guidelines and could lead to varied impacts across the housing spectrum in Argentina. While some landlords may benefit from adjustable rates in line with inflation, tenants could face more pressure as costs rise in an unregulated market, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the nation's housing policy framework.