Job Discussion Forums

VN · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 26

It seems as if every place requires a fiador here in DF.
Is it a legal issue?
I've offered to give up my passport, pay a triple deposit. However, no one will accept.
Any advice?
Or am I going up s*** creek with a t**d for a paddle?
Thanks, VN

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

You may have to look around until you find a place that doesn't need a fiador. Or, find a local friend that owns property and ask that person to sign on for you. Or, check to see if any of the landlords you're dealing with will accept a fianza, which is a company that will sign as your fiador for a fee.

It can be a pain in the butt sometimes this fiador stuff.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Yes, especially if you sign for someone, like we once did, and they skip the country! Here it's known as an "aval".

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

Find SOMEONE that will agree to do it. Make sure they own something in Mexico, or have a mortgage, even a car. It's probably better if they're Mexican though I've done this with another foreigner.

Even if it's not quite what they're asking for you can say, 'Well, I don't have this but this person will do it blah blah blah'. More often than not what they're looking for is a name and address. And if you're offering a hassle free solution, most Mexicans can't resist. For the house we rent now they wanted someone with a property/business. We couldn't find anyone so I suggested someone else, without a business, and they accepted.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

DF landlords have always seemed more strict than other places. I once signed as a fiador in Guadalajara for a teacher, and didn't own property or a car...just my signature. In Acapulco, I was never asked for a fiador at all.

MO39 · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:51 pm Post subject:

An American friend of mine who owns property and lives in the D.F. agreed to be the fiador for a Mexican friend. When the friend lost her job, she wasn't able to pay her rent for several months and eventually had to move out of her home. Nothing happened to my friend because of this - he wasn't asked to cough up the cash to pay the rent owed or held responsible in any way. So I'm wondering exactly how the fiador system helps to protect landlords from deadbeat tenants Question

VN · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 26

Yeaaahhh...
I don't have any contacts here.
Nor a job (that was the next mission).
I don't really need a job for a few months, and hoped to have a Depto. before I got a job.
Should I get a job right away and have them sign? I don't like that idea, but is it my only option?

Thanks for the tips.
-VN

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Maybe consider staying in one of the hostels until you find a job, since it may be easier in the big city to find an apartment closer to your job rather than the other way around.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

On that note, you could try Hotel Virreyes, just off Eje Central near metro Salto del Agua. They have decent rooms to rent by month.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

I don�t know about the District, but in most of the rest of the world, sometimes the best way to avoid these things is to pick a few neighborhoods that you think will suit you and start looking for signs in windows that say room for rent "se renta 1 cuarto" or "rento habitaci�n" or something similar.

Of course, you�ll have to use your own character judgment to know if its a good or bad fit for you, but in that way a lease will probably not be required and an upside might be that you get fed "authentic" food as part of the deal.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

Sounds like fianza might be the route for you.

VN · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 26

Thanks for the tips.
I've walked what seems like 50 miles in a week in areas that are suitable.
No luck. The places that post "se renta" 8 out of 10 are companies.

Any advice on obtaining a fianza?
A good bank?
Do I need one before I find a Depto. or after?
Thanks.
-VN