Rent a flat or a house in Rio de Janeiro

Finding a place to live in Rio has turned quite a challenge these latest months. The rental rates are incredibly rising but the average quality of the flats or houses remains poor. The owner of my apartment wants to double my rate to renew my contract and the same thing is happening to a lot of people I know here.

It's also quite hard to find a good place because many real estate agencies have no English speaking employees and no professional attitude : they will say anything to make you visit a flat, even if it's obvious that it's not what you are looking for… You'll have to be very patient to find the place you're dreaming of !

Another difficulty for the long term rental is the financial guarantee asked by the owners and which can be a real nightmare for strangers.

For all these reasons, it's really worth contracting a relocation company to help you. You will save your time and avoid a lot of headache! But be careful, because, like the realtors, some are professional and others not so much...

Cheer up ! When you'll be done with all this, you'll see Rio is a great place to live!

Thanks for your contribution Marina!

Harmonie.

Thanks, Marina.  Do you recommend any relocation companies?   With regard to the financial guarantee, it is non-refundable?   Recently a friend of ours rented an apt in Barra for 3K/month and the seguro was 11,000!  Is this typical?    Is it calculated proportionate to the length of contract or just a standard rate?  I am assuming all apartments charge these.

Thanks!
Natalie

Hi Natalie, I am not specialist of short term rental, but the exempla you gave doesn't seem crazy.

Actually I work myself as a flat hunter for expats for long term contracts (30 months). In that case, you have various options: a “fiador”, a guarantor, who has to be owner of a property in the state (for expats, the firm), a “carta fiança” furnished by your Brazilian bank (if you have one…) or a “depósito” which could be 3 months... or much more and partly refundable.

To be short, if you are new in Rio, if you don't know anyone here and are not an expat you'll have to give a lot of money to rent a flat. Feel free to send me a private message to get more information.

HI I am looking to live in Rio for 3  months starting in march with my husband. We have been looking for a nice place but anything we like is over 5 thous dollars a month.
Any advice ?
bellakoerfer@gmail.com
thanks