Discovering Brazil

Average Brazilian properties are smaller than ones found in the U.S. In Brazil, a middle-class family of four can live comfortably in a 1,300 square foot property. In general, Brazilian properties do not have big bedrooms and an American king-size bed probably will not fit in a regular Brazilian master bedroom. It is expected to have a markup in rental prices for bigger bedrooms, especially in newer properties. Properties in the Brazilian rental market are in high demand and there is often a great deal of competition. Landlords will sometimes allow the property to be shown even knowing that there is a placed proposal for it. Be aware that until the contract is signed by all parties, the property will not be secured. The landlord expects to be the last one to sign the lease contract and often does not agree in changing this procedure. Temporary Accommodations The majority of furnished properties available for temporary lease contracts are serviced apartments. They can be rented through a hotel chain or through a real estate agency that deals directly with the landlord. Furniture quality varies from place to place if they are privately owned or rented through a hotel chain. A one bedroom apartment has a bedroom, a bathroom, a small living/dining room and a compact kitchen. Major appliances can be limited to a small stove and refrigerator; air conditioner (if any) might be available in just one room. Of course there will be an exception to one or all the above and some items might be included by the landlord depending on negotiation, length of stay, and other factors. Properties normally do not have laundry either in the unit or in the building. Hot water in the kitchen might not be available. Towels and sheets are not always available and sometimes pots and pans, china, silverware, glasses, and other utensils would be limited or non- existent. Most serviced apartments only have one bedroom units with just a few properties offering a small quantity of two bedroom apartments, with very few three bedroom apartments. Due to limited availability of two and three bedroom temporary housing units, the prices are high. Luxuriously furnished apartments are not common, so when available, the prices are much higher than the average apartment even though they are not much larger. Location also plays an important role in unit prices. The best properties are normally in busier, noisier areas with bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. In a temporary accommodation rental, the rent is normally paid in advance and a security deposit is necessary. The amount varies according to the landlord requirements. The security deposit is not considered a payment for any rent and it will be refunded at the end of the contract depending if there are any repairs or damage to the apartment for the lease termination. The legal period for this type of contract is 90 days; however, it can easily be renewed for another three months, and will typically require a second administration fee paid to the real state agency.

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Discovering Brazil