Need a good real estate attorney

[earlyretirement]

I agree with the others that you will spin your wheels with a lawyer and waste money. I don't think most reputable lawyers in Buenos Aires will work on a contingency basis (mostly because they understand that the legal system does NOT work there).

Use the power of the internet. Post the owners name and address. Also, you should send a carta documento (very easy to do it at any post office) to the owner and notify her that you will notify the tourist police as well as AFIP regarding this.

VERY few locals pay all their taxes to AFIP for rentals or if they do, they report lower amounts. So I'd use that threat and also send one to the real estate company as well. Most real estate firms in BA don't pay the correct VAT tax on their income from commissions so I'd send them one as well helping you to get it resolved.

A letter from a lawyer won't scare the unethical local owners. But threats to AFIP will so I'd go with that angle with both the real estate agency and also the owner.

 

[Davidglen77]

Here's an important word in Argetina - "ESCRACHE", it's what you do to people who screw you. I would blow their names, pictures (if you have them) all over the internet and let people everywhere know what they did to you. Here are some places to start - www.ripoffreport.com, www.complaintsboard.com, make a facebook page about them, blogger on blogspot. Here is an example of an "ESCRACHE" I created for when I was messed with by the city government of Buenos Aires: http://bienescrachados.blogspot.com.ar/2011/12/mauricio-macri-y-la-corrupcion-en-la.html

 

[Matt84]

So she stating that she already spent so much money fixing it and that will be deducted from my deposit. WAIT a minute!!! Even if it will cost me more that $us3000 (that's our deposit), i just wanna make her days miserable with letters from attorney and stuff.

1) If she's spent money fixing stuff beyond normal wear and tear you have the right and she has the obligation to give you receipts for every service. Ask kindly for those receipts which they wont be able to produce. Just as you have been giving the owner (or agent) your monthly utilities bill. Haven't you?

2)As much as you dislike the owner, dealing with these situations is the reason Realtors still get their commissions. AKA, it's the REATORs job to solve the situation so that BOTH parties are satisfied. in this case Mosquera y Gallastegui http://www.mgcasas.com.ar/
http://mgcasas.com.ar/ing/Clientes.php?nota=4

On their site an ad for an upcoming nautical barrio privado pops up. El Naudir. This barrio privado is also being peddled by most every agency in Zona Norte, like Tizado, Mieres, etc. This means the agency does care for its reputation - at least a bit.

keep us posted. this happens all the time, but it doesn't get easier.

 

[jurarol]

Briliant idea about AFIP, thanks!