What counts as a long-term rental in Aruba?
In Aruba, long-term typically means a lease that’s meant for living, not tourism. In most cases, you’ll see long-term rentals structured as 6+ months or 12 months, but terms can vary by landlord and property type.
A true long-term rental usually includes:
- A written lease agreement with a clear start/end date
- Deposit and payment terms
- Utility responsibility details (who pays what)
- Rules on guests, pets, and maintenance responsibilities
If a listing is priced per night, requests tourist taxes, or has resort-style short stay rules, it’s usually not a true long-term rental, no matter how it’s advertised.
Furnished long-term rentals in Aruba: what’s usually included (and what’s not)
Furnished long-term rentals in Aruba are a top choice for remote workers, relocating professionals, and seasonal residents because you can move in quickly without buying furniture. The key is that furnished isn’t a fixed standard, so before you commit, confirm exactly what’s included in the rent versus what you’ll pay separately.
What’s often included
Most furnished long-term rentals include the basics, such as:
- Core furniture: bed, sofa, dining table/chairs
- Major appliances: refrigerator and stove (sometimes microwave)
- Air conditioning: often in bedrooms/living areas (not always every room)
- Basic kitchen items: limited cookware/utensils in some rentals
What’s commonly not included (or billed separately)
Even in furnished rentals, these are frequently separate:
- Utilities: water and electricity (electricity can vary a lot with AC usage)
- Internet: service plan, router, or installation costs
- Maintenance beyond basics: larger repairs or servicing terms may vary by lease
- Consumables/replacements: linens, kitchenware, small item replacements
Furnished rental checklist
Before you sign, ask for these details in writing:
- Inventory list: what stays in the unit at move-in and move-out
- AC coverage: how many units, which rooms, and who services them
- Internet terms: provider, speed, and who pays the monthly plan
- Utility responsibility: what’s included vs separate (and any caps if applicable)
- Maintenance rules: who handles repairs, call-outs, and appliance issues
If you’re comparing multiple properties, this checklist helps you avoid surprise costs and makes it much easier to choose the right rental quickly.
Long-term apartment rentals in Aruba vs condos vs houses: which one fits you?
People often search separate terms like long-term apartment rentals in Aruba, long-term condo rentals in Aruba, and long-term house rentals in Aruba because the experience (and cost structure) can be very different. Use the comparisons below to pick the right category before you start viewing.
Long-term apartment rentals in Aruba
Apartments can be a practical entry point, especially if you want simplicity and a lower-maintenance lifestyle.
Best for:
- Solo renters or couples
- Budget-conscious renters
- Short commutes and easy living
What to confirm:
- Noise and parking rules
- Laundry setup (in-unit vs shared)
- Utility responsibility (especially electricity)
Long-term condo rentals in Aruba
Condos are popular for renters who want convenience and amenities (sometimes a pool, security, or a managed environment). They can also be easier for overseas renters because rules are more standardized.
Best for:
- Professionals and remote workers
- Renters who want amenities
- “Lock-and-leave” simplicity
What to confirm:
- HOA rules (guests, pets, parking)
- Pool and common-area rules
- Included services (security, maintenance)
Long-term house rentals in Aruba
Houses are ideal if you want privacy, more space, or family-friendly living. Just remember: houses often come with a higher real cost monthly (utilities + upkeep).
Best for:
- Families
- Pet owners (case-by-case)
- Renters who want a yard or more space
What to confirm:
- Yard/pool maintenance responsibility
- Water and electricity estimates
- AC coverage (whole house vs specific rooms)
Cheap long-term rentals in Aruba: what cheap really means
Searches like cheap long-term rentals in Aruba (and especially by owner) are common, but cheap usually means a tradeoff. If you understand the tradeoffs early, you can still find good value without wasting time.
Cheaper long-term rentals often involve:
- Location tradeoff: farther from the beach corridor
- Older build: more wear and fewer upgrades
- Fewer amenities: no pool, no security, basic finishes
- Utilities not included: electricity/water can change the real monthly cost
- Less flexibility: stricter lease terms or fewer included services
Best approach:
Define your top 3 priorities first:
- Budget cap (rent + utilities estimate)
- Furnished vs unfurnished
- Must-have features (AC, parking, pet-friendly, etc.)
Then filter listings using your priorities rather than browsing everything.
Long-term rentals in Aruba by owner: how to avoid scams
By owner rentals can be legitimate, but they’re also where most rental scams happen, especially when a deal looks unusually cheap, or the landlord pushes urgency. If you’re searching long term rentals in Aruba by owner, use this safety checklist.
Verification steps that protect you
- Confirm identity: ask for an ID match to the lease name
- Verify the property: request a live video walkthrough or in-person viewing
- Ask for proof of authority: owner's proof or authorization to rent
- Lease first, payment second: never pay before you have a signed agreement
- Use secure payment methods: avoid irreversible transfers to strangers
Red flags to walk away from:
- Pay a deposit today to hold it without paperwork
- Refusal to show the unit (even by video call)
- Price far below comparable rentals with no explanation
- Pressure tactics (many people waiting, send money now)
- The owner can’t answer basic questions about utilities, rules, or location
Documents & upfront costs: what landlords typically ask for?
Long-term rentals can get booked quickly, so the best way to secure a great option is to be application-ready before you start viewings. Requirements vary by landlord, but most long-term rentals in Aruba follow a similar checklist for documents, payments, and lease terms.
Common documents (prepare these in advance)
Most landlords will ask for:
- Passport or ID (for all adult occupants)
- Proof of income (recent payslips) or an employment letter
- References (sometimes, especially for longer leases)
- Occupancy details (who will live there and for how long)
- Preferred lease length (for example, 6 months or 12 months)
Typical upfront payments (varies by property)
Be ready for:
- Security deposit
- First month’s rent
- Occasionally: last month’s rent or a utility-related deposit (case-by-case)
Lease terms renters should read carefully (don’t skip these)
Before you sign, confirm:
- Utilities: who pays water/electric/internet, and whether anything is included
- Maintenance: what the landlord covers vs what the tenant handles
- Guest rules & occupancy limits: especially if you expect visitors
- Pet policy: allowed, restrictions, and any extra deposit
- Early termination & notice period: what happens if you leave early
Pro tip: Ask for the key terms in writing before you fall in love with a rental. This avoids surprises and saves time during negotiation.
How to secure a long-term rental faster
Long-term rentals in Aruba can move quickly, especially well-priced furnished homes and condos. The fastest way to win the right rental is to reduce back-and-forth: start with the correct listings, shortlist intelligently, and be ready to apply the moment a good option appears.
1. Start with the right inventory page
Begin with the category that matches your needs, so you don’t waste time:
2. Shortlist 5–8 strong options (not 30)
More viewings don’t mean a better decision, it usually create confusion and delays. A focused shortlist helps you compare quickly and move confidently when you find the right fit.
3. Request the right details immediately (save days)
Ask these questions upfront so you only view serious candidates:
- Furnished inventory list (what’s included)
- Utilities: what’s included vs separate (water, electric, internet)
- Lease length options (6 months, 12 months, etc.)
- Move-in date availability and minimum stay
4. Schedule viewings (or a video walkthrough if you’re abroad)
If you’re overseas or short on time, request a quick video walkthrough first. It can confirm layout, condition, and deal-breakers, before you commit to a viewing or travel.
5. Apply fast with documents ready
Great rentals usually go to renters who respond quickly and submit complete documents. Have your ID, proof of income, and occupancy details ready to send the same day.
6. Inspect and confirm before moving in
Before move-in, do a simple checklist:
- Photos of the current condition
- AC units are working and in the correct rooms
- Appliances tested (stove, fridge, water pressure)
- Confirm what’s included matches the inventory list
Follow this process, and you’ll spend less time browsing and more time securing the right long-term rental.
Final takeaway
Finding the right long-term rentals in Aruba comes down to three things: the right lease length, your true monthly budget (rent + utilities/HOA where applicable), and verification, especially when the listing is by owner. Get those three right, and you’ll avoid most rental headaches before they start.
Now take action: pick your rental type, shortlist 5–8 strong options, and move fast with your documents ready. That’s how renters secure the best places without weeks of back-and-forth.
