Renting in Panama: Leases, PH Condos & Avoiding Scams

Renting in Panama. Know what to look for.

Renting first is one of the smartest moves you can make in Panama — but the PH condo system, the deposit rules, and the informal way leases get handled here all have quirks Americans and Canadians rarely expect. Here’s what “PH” actually means, what the law really says about your 30-day exit right and your security deposit, and the specific scam patterns to watch for before you send a dollar.

Remodeling for Energy Efficiency in Panama: What the Rules Require

Remodeling a home for energy efficiency

Panama’s building code doesn’t require you to gut a 20-year-old house to meet today’s standards just because you’re renovating the kitchen — but a municipal permit called the Visto Bueno covers more of your project than you’d expect, and it isn’t optional. Here’s what the law actually requires, what a 2025 environmental guide adds for smaller renovations, and where the real energy savings hide.