LukeJobbins
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Location: Lemoore, Ca
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renting in northern baja
I have been thinking more and more about renting a house or apartment or trailer or whatever somewhere in northern baja and am looking for opinions or
advice. I am going to school and also working pretty sparsely so i tend to have pretty good gaps to run south and after a million camping trips with
my car completely loaded up and unloading and rearranging things just to pull out a stove and cook lunch, I am now considering renting a place to call
base camp and relax for a few days or weeks at a time.
Since rules are only really enforced here and there, ideally I would like to find a place where I could pay cash to a landlord and avoid all the visa
foreign resident stuff. I was looking for any input from people who unofficially rent or own homes down there or know much about americans living in
baja. I live pretty basic and low-key so Im not looking for a super nice house and honestly would be satisfied with a shack on a little piece of land
away from craziness.
I am leaning more towards san quintin or maybe a tad bit north right now. I like the area and there are some good waves and fishing there. I like to
fish and surf so to be able to have a tiny trailer or apartment or whatever to keep stuff in and live out of would be awesome.
Thanks for any help or input.
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willardguy
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sounds like a good plan! thousands live full time here with nothing but an FMM, truth be told, many with nothing.
don't know about san quintin but many cheap rentals in the TJ/Ensenada corridor
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fishbuck
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Maybe 1 of the trailers at Cielito Lindo is for rent.
San Quintin has cheap places to rent and expats to help with the process. Check at the bar. Someone will now something.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." J. A. Shedd.
A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it. – Albert Einstein
"Life's a Beach... and then you Fly!" Fishbuck
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woody with a view
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Hey Luke you can find exactly what you need all along the corridor. Only limitation is security while you're gone. check out Richard a 4 casas. i know
he always has cheap trailers to rent by the year.
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Bajahowodd
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What exactly do you mean about avoiding "all the visa foreign resident stuff"? Do you not know that you need the FMM Visa to travel there? Just
about $20 bucks and well worth the piece of mind. Good for 180 days and renewable.
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LukeJobbins
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I have an fmm for 180 days but I talked to a government official last trip down there and he told me in order to legally rent a place a person must
have proper documentation from the government allowing a foreigner to reside in Mexico. The exception is if the person renting out their property is
renting it as vacation property(which most is not because it is a pain and just one more fee for owners to deal with). The official did hint strongly
that no one is really going to check or care about me renting a place, which is what i was already assuming but just wanted others opinions on having
property without anything official documentation wise. thanks everyone
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woody with a view
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Just be semi legal. It's a two way street. Millions of Mexicans would agree!
Don't over think it.
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MMc
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The less you do to be legit, the more likely, you are to be ripped off. The paperwork is a hassle, but cheaper then walking away from your stuff.
Never invest then you are willing to walk away from!
"Never teach a pig to sing it frustrates you and annoys the pig" - W.C.Fields
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willardguy
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how "legit"do you have to be to RENT a place to stash your chit and kick back in occasionally...an FMM is ALL thats required, along with a handshake
agreement with an honest landlord 
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Bajahowodd
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Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  | | how "legit"do you have to be to RENT a place to stash your chit and kick back in occasionally...an FMM is ALL thats required, along with a handshake
agreement with an honest landlord |
This!
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bajaguy
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And while you are avoiding all of the "legit" stuff, why don't you also avoid your Mexican auto insurance, heck, I mean what could go wrong??
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sancho
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| Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy | | And while you are avoiding all of the "legit" stuff, why don't you also avoid your Mexican auto insurance, heck, I mean what could go wrong??
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I think we're reaching a bit here, most of us try to abide by the
rules of the host Country of Mex, but comparing a person renting
with an fmm, to driving without Mex Auto Ins is unreasonable
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David K
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| Quote: Originally posted by LukeJobbins | | I have an fmm for 180 days but I talked to a government official last trip down there and he told me in order to legally rent a place a person must
have proper documentation from the government allowing a foreigner to reside in Mexico. The exception is if the person renting out their property is
renting it as vacation property(which most is not because it is a pain and just one more fee for owners to deal with). The official did hint strongly
that no one is really going to check or care about me renting a place, which is what i was already assuming but just wanted others opinions on having
property without anything official documentation wise. thanks everyone |
Good for you to talk to a government official rather than trust the Internet 100%.
Here's my understanding... and many will say it is wrong, lol!>>>
The FMM is the 'Tourist Card' (similar to a visa in other countries) to give legal status to those vacationing in Mexico. I think it has zero
recognition as legal status for real estate and personal property rights if you change from being a tourist on vacation to being a property renter or
owner of a place over an extended period... and allowing you to leave any personal property in Mexico when you return north.
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willardguy
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| Quote: Originally posted by sancho | | Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy | | And while you are avoiding all of the "legit" stuff, why don't you also avoid your Mexican auto insurance, heck, I mean what could go wrong??
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I think we're reaching a bit here, most of us try to abide by the
rules of the host Country of Mex, but comparing a person renting
with an fmm, to driving without Mex Auto Ins is unreasonable |
of course! 
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Hook
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The governmental official seems to be describing the path to a Residente Temporal permit. No need for that, IMO, especially in that corridor you are
looking. Just get an FMM, Mex liability auto insurance (assuming you can afford your own repairs, in case of an accident) and you should be good to
go.
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BajaBlanca
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FMM and car insurance.
rent in a couple places until you find your neck of the woods.
it is a good idea to be near where someone can keep an eye on your trailer or pad. chances are it WILL get broken into otherwise.
have fun and keep in touch so we know how it all pans out!
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