Discovering Brazil

Page 35

Discovering Brazil

Departure

Returning a Property

Brazilian legislation requires that to return a property notification to be sent to the landlord no

less than 30 days prior to effective return of the keys. The monthly rent, utilities, and all

property related expenses must be paid until all repairs are finished and the effective return

of the property. If the property is being returned by a company representative, it is advisable

to make an inspection with this person right after moving out. A representative should hold a

power of attorney, made exclusively for returning the property. Without this document, your

presence might be requested by the landlord to terminate the contract.

When you return the property to the landlord, the property must be in its original condition,

minus normal wear and tear. Cleaning, repainting if you changed wall color, and repair of

any damaged items during this period will be your responsibility. Avoid hammering nails or

screws into wall tiles or their junctions, Formica cabinets, wooden doors or walls, or any

surface that can’t be easily repaired, because this is one of the most important details when

returning a property. The documents that would guide you on what needs to be done before

returning the keys are the lease contract and the inventory list made at the beginning of the

lease period.

The

Laudo de Vistoria

, or checklist of the property condition at the lease signing (without

furniture in the apartment), is very important. It is a document amended to the contract and

should be provided to the tenant at signing and again before vacating the property, both with

the landlord present. To leave the rental in the same condition it was found, you should

follow the checklist and make any appropriate changes. Make sure that the list is created on

move-in day to avoid misunderstandings, and to give an accurate account of any damage

present. A great way to keep track of previous damage is to take photos of the damage with

a time stamp as physical evidence. Having an accurate and detailed checklist will make

moving out much easier, and protect you from incurring any fees or damage costs.

Helpful Hint:

It is recommended that, roughly one month prior to the expatriate’s

departure, the property should be checked with the presence of the expatriate and the

company’s representative to have an idea of what will be expected when final check is

made together with the landlord. This way you have time to fix any changes before the

final walkthrough.