Real Estate Rental: how it works in Brazil — first-hand
Short answer
You can enter Brazil without pre-booked accommodation, though Russian bank cards may fail for online bookings. When hiring renovation workers, never pay upfront to avoid project abandonment, and clarify that property agent fees are typically paid by owners. Property owners must account for recurring IPTU municipal taxes and monthly condominium maintenance fees.
From real experience
Entering Brazil without a pre-booked accommodation is generally possible, as border guards typically inquire about the purpose of visit and return date, not accommodation details.
However, booking accommodation with Russian bank cards (e.g., old Sber Visa) may result in an initial booking confirmation without payment, often followed by an email cancellation. It's advisable to arrange on-site payment or use alternative non-sanctioned payment methods.
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When employing local independent renovation workers (pedreiros) in Brazil, never pay the full contract amount before completion to avoid project abandonment.
If a contractor delays work indefinitely, legal leverages used by locals include threatening to file a police report (Boletim de Ocorrência), requesting a bank chargeback/reversal, and reporting the worker to tax authorities for tax evasion.
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In Brazil, real estate agent fees for rental properties are typically paid by the property owner, not the tenant.
However, it's always advisable to clarify this arrangement upfront with the agent. If a tenant needs to provide proof of income for a rental application, they usually need to present official documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements, or employment contracts demonstrating a stable income source.
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In Brazil, property owners are subject to two main recurring charges:
* **IPTU (Imposto sobre a Propriedade Predial e Territorial Urbana)**: This is the municipal property tax.
* **Condo (Condomínio)**: This refers to condominium maintenance fees, covering shared expenses for communal areas and services in apartment buildings or gated communities.
These are typically paid monthly in addition to the property's purchase or rental price.