Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

Finding suitable accommodation in Rio de Janeiro is a daunting task for new arrivals. Although there is a wide variety of housing to choose from, space is limited in this bustling metropolis and finding a home in a sought-after area of Rio can be challenging.

Areas and suburbs in Rio de Janeiro

Divided into four districts, Rio de Janeiro’s areas and suburbs are home to diverse neighbourhoods, and expats from all walks of life can find something ideally suited to their preferences and budget.

Young professionals and single expats will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding accommodation in Rio de Janeiro. As the city boasts world-renowned nightlife, there are plenty of neighbourhoods with access to entertainment spots. Suburbs such as the world-famous Copacabana, Ipanema, Jardim Botanica and Lapa are fantastic options for young expats.

Families have good options in the suburbs of Lagoa, Santa Teresa, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca. Leblon is one of Rio’s safest neighbourhoods, and Barra da Tijuca has a calm, family-friendly beach environment. Some of these areas may be on the luxury end, but they have excellent amenities and proximity to some of Rio’s top schools.

Public Transport in Rio de Janeiro
International Schools in Rio de Janeiro

See the page on Areas and Suburbs in Rio de Janeiro for more detail on the best areas to live in the city.

Types of accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

A growing furnished rental market caters specifically to expats and those seeking shorter-term arrangements. Most accommodation in Rio is rented unfurnished: this may even include the absence of light fittings and basic kitchen appliances. Generally, the standard of accommodation in Rio is exceptional, particularly at newer establishments. Apartments in newer blocks and condominiums are usually quite large.

Property in Rio ranges from apartments to condominiums and houses with gardens. The majority of expats live in apartment blocks or closed condominiums with on-site facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and 24-hour security.

The cost of accommodation in Rio can vary depending on the area and amenities available. Accommodation in the more popular expat-friendly neighbourhoods is typically costly. The proximity of accommodation to Rio’s city centre and beaches will influence the cost of rent. The closer one is to the city centre or beaches, the more one will often pay.

Finding accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

Several online portals specialise in rental properties in Rio de Janeiro. Portuguese-language websites typically offer better prices than English sites targeting foreigners. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups for digital nomads and expats, are increasingly popular for finding both formal rentals and flatshare opportunities. Word-of-mouth and networking remain effective ways to find accommodation in Rio de Janeiro.

Some people moving to Rio will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess their preferences and shortlist properties for them to view.

It may also be helpful to work with a rental agent who can provide listings of appropriate properties. They can also negotiate with the landlord and will understand all the legalities involved. Estate agent fees are typically paid by the landlord rather than the tenant.

Useful links

• VivaReal
• ZAP Imóveis
• OLX
• HomesInRio

Renting accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

Most property owners and landlords are unlikely to speak English, and it’s a good idea to take a friend or trusted colleague who can speak Portuguese along to assist with the negotiations.

Making an application

Expats looking to rent accommodation in Rio de Janeiro must provide numerous certified documents, such as their work permit or RNE (Registro Nacional de Estrangeiro), proof of income and Brazilian CPF number. Those without a formal or sufficient income, such as retirees or students, will need to find someone to act as a guarantor or fiador. Alternatively, some landlords accept rental insurance or larger security deposits in lieu of a guarantor.

Leases and deposits

Leases in Rio are usually signed for a 30-month period. Shorter-term options are available, though, and landlords are sometimes willing to negotiate. A deposit equivalent to three months’ rent is normally expected, and landlords are legally obligated to put it in an interest-bearing account for tenants to get back at the end of their lease.

Terminating the lease

Early termination during the first 12 months typically requires paying a penalty equivalent to the remaining months of rent for the first year. After the initial 12-month period, tenants can terminate with 30 days’ notice and may face a penalty equivalent to one month’s rent, although this varies depending on contract terms. Some landlords allow early termination without penalty if tenants find a suitable replacement.

Work Permits in Brazil

See Renting Accommodation in Brazil for more details on the leases and rental process.

Utilities in Rio de Janeiro

Electricity and other utilities are often excluded from the rental price and need to be paid on top of the monthly rental. The tenant is usually responsible for organising utility accounts with their local municipality.

Expats who have hired a real estate agent can get assistance from them with getting utilities connected. In some cases, the administration department of a particular apartment building or housing complex will help new tenants with this.

Electricity and gas

Light is the main electricity provider in Rio de Janeiro, and expats moving into detached homes will typically need to contract a private agency to assist them with the electricity connection process. The electrician can help generate a residence evaluation report. This covers the type of meter installed and the number of outlets.

The residence evaluation report can then be submitted along with original and certified copies of the expats’ CPF numbers and proof of identity, such as their passports or Registro Nacional de Estrangeiro (RNE). This can be done in person or online. Expats moving into an apartment or condominium will have their electricity connected by the building management. Electricity bills are typically distributed and paid monthly via direct debit or at the bank.

Most homes in Rio de Janeiro use gas for cooking, and it is usually sold in tanks in the city. Liquigás and Ultragaz are among the biggest bottled gas providers in the city.

Water

Water can only be connected and disconnected by property owners in Brazil. CEDAE and its concessionaires supply the water in Rio, and while the water is officially considered safe to drink, most expats filter it.

New arrivals renting an apartment will have their water connected by building management, and the cost will be included in the condominium charge. If you’re moving into a standalone house, contact the local water service provider to get connected. Expats will need to provide the agent with their CPF and RNE numbers, and the agent will ensure their services are connected.

Bins and recycling

Waste management in Rio de Janeiro is managed by the city’s waste collection utility, Comlurb. As is the case in the rest of Brazil, waste collection in Rio de Janeiro is based on a kerbside system.

Residents must separate their waste into transparent bags. Recyclable materials, general waste, and food scraps each need their own bag. Comlurb will then collect the waste on designated days. Expats can visit Comlurb’s website and enter their street address to find their specific rubbish collection day and route.

Rio also has private recycling centres dotted throughout the city that form part of the city’s informal waste management network. Informal waste collectors, catadores, also play an increasingly important role in driving recycling in Rio de Janeiro.

Useful links

• Light Electricity
• Liquigás and Ultragaz
• CEDAE Water
• Comlurb Waste Collection