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 few cases, a security deposit may still be required upfront to secure the reservation (according to the hosts and their specific requirements); 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 2026–2027
Last updated: January 2026
- 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.
- 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.
Campus Weapons Policy: Students are strictly prohibited from carrying weapons of any kind under any circumstances on the UPEACE Campus, including sharp objects, bladed or piercing weapons, firearms, or any other items that may pose a safety risk. Failure to comply with this policy will result in immediate denial of access to the campus and may lead to disciplinary and legal actions, including expulsion from the institution.
For questions or support, contact:
housing@upeace.org
Student Housing - General Information 2026-2027
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 2026–2027. 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.
- The UPEACE Housing Assistant reserves the right to conduct periodic and random visits to properties listed on the housing platform in order to monitor housing conditions and ensure that the services offered align with the information provided at the time of listing. These visits form part of UPEACE’s commitment to maintaining quality standards, safeguarding student well-being, and fostering a transparent and trustworthy relationship with the network of affiliated property owners.
Cancellation Policy – UPEACE Housing Platform
1. General Policy
All reservations made through the UPEACE Housing Platform are considered official and binding commitments. Students are expected to carefully review all property details and policies before submitting a reservation request.
2. Cancellation Before Arrival
- If a reservation requires booking pre-payment, this amount is non-refundable under any circumstances, even if the reservation is later canceled by the student.
- If no pre-payment is required and the student cancels before arrival, the reservation may be canceled without financial penalty, provided that:
- The student informs the Housing Office and the property owner as soon as possible, and
- No payments have been made directly to the property owner.
3. Automatic Cancellation Due to Non-Payment
- If a booking pre-payment is required and not completed within 72 hours after the reservation is approved by the property owner, the system will automatically cancel the reservation.
- Automatically canceled reservations cannot be reinstated.
4. Cancellation During the Trial Month (First Month)
- The first month of stay is considered a trial month.
- During this period, students may decide to move to another accommodation (starting second month) without penalty, provided that:
- The first month’s rent has been paid in full, and
- The student informs the property owner within the trial month (second or third week).
- Student completed the first full month of rent and residency at the reserved property before requesting or proceeding with any change of accommodation. If a student decides to leave the property before completing the first month, the full first month’s rent must still be paid in its entirety prior to departure, without exception, in accordance with the agreed rental terms and conditions.
- The trial month applies only once and only to the first accommodation booked through the platform.
5. Cancellation After the Trial Month
- After the trial month, all cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of the signed lease agreement and Costa Rican tenancy law.
- Students must provide at least one (1) month written notice, aligned with their rent payment cycle (Click Here).
- Failure to provide proper notice may result in:
- Loss or partial loss of the security deposit, and/or
- Responsibility for an additional month of rent.
6. Early Termination of Stay
- Early termination after the trial month does not exempt the student from their contractual obligations.
- Any financial consequences (rent, deposit deductions, penalties) will be determined according to:
- The signed lease agreement, and
- Applicable Costa Rican rental regulations (these conditions apply with or without a signed rental agreement).
7. Exceptional Circumstances
- Requests related to medical emergencies or force majeure situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Approval of exceptions is not guaranteed and remains at the discretion of the property owner and applicable legal framework.
8. Important Disclaimer
UPEACE acts solely as a facilitator between students and property owners. The University does not handle rental payments, refunds, or enforce lease terminations. All financial matters are managed directly between the student and the property owner.
For more information, please refer to the following link: