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© 2016 Dwellworks
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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.