When moving to Brazil with IntlMOVE Brazil, you will need to find a place to live. IntlMOVE Brazil has put together some tips to help you find the perfect place to live in Rio de Janeiro.

Finding an Apartment

The easiest way to find an apartment is with a rental agent. Find an agent by speaking with your human resources department if you are moving to Rio de Janeiro for a job or talk to other expats. Rental websites are also available. Driving around and looking for rental signs in windows or looking through classifieds are other ways to find apartments that are available.

Find an Apartment Close to Work

Rio de Janeiro is notorious for its traffic. Finding an apartment close to your place of employment will save you hours during your morning and afternoon commute.

Rental Contracts

When you are first looking for an apartment, you may find that landlords only want to sign leases for three months. Owners are required to give three months notice to renters if a lease will not be renewed. If landlords don’t know you, they many only rent to your for three months, with an option to sign a long-term lease at the end of the short-term lease.

This is especially true if you arrive after September. Apartment owners like to rent out their apartments for short-tem leases from New Years to Carnival because they get extra money. When you find a long-term rental, the lease may run 12 or 30 months. However, you can get out of leases for a fee or you can extend the lease if you want to stay longer.

A renter may give 30 days notice in writing to move out at any time. However, the renter must pay an additional one month’s rent and other charges outlined in lease.

Before signing a lease, have a lawyer who speaks Portuguese and English read over the document for you. You do not want to sign something you do not understand. You can also send the lease to an independent translation company.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished

The majority of furnished rentals are short-term. You will have a tough time finding a long-term furnished apartment, but they can be found. When renting an unfurnished apartment, they typically do not come with light fixtures, window blinds or other necessities. IntlMOVE Brazil can ship all of your household goods from the U.S. to Brazil to furnish your unfurnished apartment.

Documents Needed to Rent

Documents needed to rent an apartment may include: proof that your income is three times the amount of the rent; RNE, RG or CPF numbers; and your personal income tax declaration for current year.

Extra Costs

Renters are sometimes asked to pay the property tax (IPTU) payments. This is a fairly common practice. Ask about this beforehand to find out who is paying these taxes, because the unexpected cost may raise your rent. If you are living in a condominium, you may also be required to pay the condo fees.

Deposits for rentals are typically between one and three month’s rent. When moving in, take pictures and make a list of anything that is wrong with the apartment so you are not charged when moving out.

Insurance

When renting an apartment, you are required to carry insurance. The cost f the insurance is determined by the value of the property. This insurance may cover the following: fire, burglary and broken windows. Each policy is different, so research different companies before signing any contracts. The owner is required to have fire insurance, but they may pass this fee along to you.

Each lease is different and laws can change, so research each lease and research updated laws before signing any documents. When you are ready to furnish your unfurnished apartment in Brazil, contact IntlMOVE Brazil to ship your household goods and personal effects from the U.S. to Brazil.