UPEACE Booking Portal
The terms and conditions for student housing are based on Costa Rica’s General Law of Urban and Suburban Leases (Law No. 7527), with two key exceptions designed specifically to support UPEACE students:
- Trial Month Option:
Students are granted the opportunity to evaluate their living arrangement during the first month of their stay. Rent for this initial month is either paid upon arrival or prepaid if required by the landlord. This flexible arrangement applies exclusively to the first month at the beginning of the academic year. - Deferred Contract Signing and Security Deposit:
Students may postpone signing the rental agreement and paying the security deposit until the second month, in accordance with each property’s specific rental terms. In some cases, a security deposit may still be required upfront to secure the reservation; however, the trial month benefit remains in effect. This exception is also limited to the first month of rent at the start of the academic year.
UPEACE Student Housing Terms and Conditions
Academic Year 2025–2026
Last updated: January 2025
- Overview
The University for Peace (UPEACE) offers off-campus housing support through a dedicated portal featuring a variety of vetted accommodations. While the University does not provide on-campus dormitories, students can choose from homestays, studios, apartments, and shared houses located in Ciudad Colón and nearby areas.
- Eligibility and Booking
- Only enrolled students are eligible to reserve housing.
- Housing reservations must be submitted through the UPEACE housing portal on the official opening dates specific to your program.
- Only one reservation per student is allowed. Failure to comply with this rule will result in all your reservations being canceled, and this action cannot be reversed.
- Reservations are accepted on a monthly basis only; daily or weekly bookings are not permitted.
- Students must have a confirmed arrival date (flight itinerary) before making a reservation—tentative dates are not accepted.
- Trial Month Policy
- The first month of your stay is considered a trial month (flexible period).
- During this time, you may assess whether the accommodation meets your needs.
- If you choose to move somewhere else, you must inform your host and the UPEACE Housing Office before the month ends.
- The trial month can only be used once and is not repeatable (first month upon arrival).
- Once you reserve a property and your booking is approved by the host, you will not be able to cancel it. This means you are expected to honor your reservation for at least the first month (trial month). If you choose to cancel regardless, you will be required to pay the first month’s rent as compensation to the host.
- Rent and Payment Terms
- Rent is calculated on a monthly basis and must be paid in advance, either in USD or Costa Rican Colones CRC. With that said, if no prepayment is required, you may pay on the day of your arrival. However, if a prepayment is required, it must be completed within 72 hours after your reservation has been approved by your host.
- Rent is due starting on your arrival date, and every month thereafter on the same day.
- The first month’s rent is paid upon arrival.
- At the start of the second month, students must pay:
- The second month’s rent, and
- A security deposit (refundable under certain conditions).
- And sign a rental agreement for a longer-term stay.
- In some cases, landlords may require a prepayment (typically 1/3 of first month’s rent) within 72 hours of reservation confirmation. This prepayment is non-refundable.
- Moving Out and Deposit Refund
- To receive a refund of your security deposit:
- Fully comply with the terms and conditions of your contract.
- Notify your landlord at least one month in advance (in writing), based on your rent cycle.
- Leave the property in good condition with no damages.
- Landlords are required to return your deposit within one month of your move-out, as per Costa Rican law.
- Damages caused by you or your guests will be deducted from your deposit.
- Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to:
- Pay rent and deposits on time.
- Maintain the property in good condition.
- Communicate any needed repairs to the landlord (in advance).
- Use the accommodation only for residential purposes.
- Avoid making alterations to the property.
- Respect house rules and neighborhood norms.
- Never give house keys to others.
- Notify the UPEACE Housing Office of any changes in housing arrangements.
- Sign and honor the lease agreement (if applicable).
- Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords are expected to:
- Comply with public health and safety regulations.
- Maintain the property and repair issues promptly.
- Provide a clean and functional living space.
- Respect the tenant’s privacy.
- Issue rent payment receipts.
- Provide a lease contract starting the second month.
- Refund deposits in line with the rental agreement and/or Costa Rica’s General Law of Urban and Suburban Leases (No. 7527).
- Communication and Support
- Students can contact landlords directly after the reservation is approved. WhatsApp is the most commonly used communication tool in Costa Rica.
- The UPEACE Housing Assistant offers guidance and mediation but does not act as legal counsel.
- UPEACE is not liable for arrangements made outside the official housing portal.
- Visitors and Guests
- Overnight guests are allowed only with prior notice to the landlord. Extra fees (typically $20–$40 USD per night) may apply. Any extra charges will vary based on the property and host.
- Extra residents, beyond those stated in the lease, will result in additional charges.
- Utilities and Maintenance
- Most accommodation includes utilities (water, electricity, internet) within the rent, up to average usage levels.
- Any excessive usage must be paid by the student. You can check those average usage limits directly with your landlord.
- Students are responsible for routine cleaning and general upkeep.
- Landlords may conduct monthly inspections with prior notice and student presence.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed unless explicitly permitted by the landlord.
- Pet-friendly accommodations may require a deposit (paid in advance).
- Pets must be well-behaved, vaccinated, and never left unattended.
- Having an emotional support certificate for your pet is advisable, as it may improve the chances of host approval.
- UPEACE Campus Pet Policy
- Emotional support animals are allowed on the UPEACE Campus with prior approval and certification. If this applies to you, please reach out to housing@upeace.org for more information, as there are specific procedures you will need to follow.
- Dangerous or aggressive pets are not permitted on campus.
- All pets must be leashed and supervised at all times.
- Pets are not allowed in food service areas or to roam freely.
- Owners must clean up after their pets and respect campus regulations.
- Transportation
- UPEACE provides free shuttle service from Ciudad Colón and nearby areas to campus on weekdays.
- Bus schedules and routes are shared before each semester begins.
- Final Notes
- It is highly recommended that you maintain open and respectful communication with your landlords. If something makes you uncomfortable or causes concern, be sure to address it with your hosts as soon as possible — they are usually willing to listen and help. Avoid delaying the conversation, as unresolved issues may escalate over time. If the situation remains unresolved after speaking with your landlord, you may then contact the UPEACE Housing Assistant for further guidance and support.
- Please take a few moments to leave a review for your landlord. Your feedback is not only incredibly valuable to them, but it also helps future students make informed decisions when choosing their accommodations.
- The reservation platform remains open throughout the academic year.
- Students are encouraged to join the official UPEACE Facebook group to connect with peers.
- Non-compliance with these terms may result in delays in your academic processes, including graduation.
For questions or support, contact:
housing@upeace.org
Student Housing - General Information 2025-2026
To gain a clear understanding of the key guidelines related to student housing, we strongly encourage you to review the document titled Student Housing – General Information 2025–2026. You can access it by clicking the PDF icon below.
Please note: This document contains essential information, including the terms and conditions for student accommodations, and should be read carefully in its entirety.
UPEACE housing policies and responsibilities
Homeowner’s responsibilities:
- Abide by all public health and safety laws and regulations.
- Make all necessary repairs as soon as possible.
- Maintain the property in good condition.
- Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances and connections.
- Keep all common use areas safe, clean and in good repair.
- Landlords retain the privilege to conduct occasional inspections of the premises to verify the correct use of the property. This can occur once a month, with advance notice and in the presence of the student/tenant.
- Not to disturb the use and enjoyment of the leased property. Always respect the student’s privacy.
- Return the security deposit according to the refund policy.
- Provide payment receipts after each rent payment made by the student.
- Provide the student with a lease contract from the second month of rent (after the trial month).
Student´s responsibilities:
- Pay rent on time and currency agreed.
- Pay a security deposit.
- Notify the house owner of any major repairs that are needed as soon as possible.
- Take reasonable care of the property.
- Inform your landlord and ensure that any damage caused by you or your guests is properly repaired.
- Always inform your property owners in advance if you plan to relocate or when your UPEACE program ends. This notification should be provided at least one month ahead (aligned with your payment cycle) and preferably in writing.
- Not make any alterations/changes to the property/facility.
- Use the rental property for the purposes stated in the lease.
- Ensure all bills and utilities are settled before you leave.
- Do not give your facility keys to anyone else. Doing so will be considered a violation of the rules.
- Respect the rules of your homeowners and neighborhood where you live.
- Read and sign the lease provided by your house owner and follow the guidelines described in the lease.
Housing assistant´s role:
- The UPEACE Housing Assistant assists students with information related to housing options, availability, prices, and reservations.
- Recommendations are offered for students to make well-informed decisions.
- Students receive support with concerns regarding the interpretation of their housing agreements, particularly when they are in Spanish or when guidance is needed due to unclear or perplexing content within the contract.
- Students are also assisted and guided in solving housing issues between students and homeowners when necessary.
- The housing assistant will not serve as legal representation for either students or landlords. Instead, the housing assistant will function as a mediator or advisor as necessary in specific cases.
- Neither UPEACE nor the housing assistant are responsible for situations that may occur with students who decide to stay with property owners outside of the UPEACE recommended options and database.