Furnished Apartments in Brazil by the Month: 2026 Guide

Furnished Apartments in Brazil by the Month: Complete 2026 Guide

Renting a furnished apartment in Brazil by the month can be a practical option for international students, expats, professionals on temporary assignments, digital nomads, and anyone who needs temporary housing without buying furniture or signing a conventional long-term lease.

However, the advertised rent does not always represent the final cost. Condominium fees, IPTU property tax, utilities, internet, parking, security deposits, and administrative charges can significantly affect your budget.

TL;DR

To rent a furnished apartment by the month in Brazil, define your exact dates, compare the total cost, and confirm in writing what the monthly payment includes.

The best option depends largely on the length of your stay:

• Hotel or serviced apartment: convenient for a few days, but potentially expensive for a full month.
• Vacation-rental platform: flexible, although service and cleaning fees can increase the total.
• Traditional rental: may have a lower base rent, but often requires a longer lease, a rental guarantee, and furniture.
• Monthly furnished rental: usually provides a better balance for stays lasting from one to twelve months.

Shortstay offers furnished apartments, digital contracts lasting from 1 to 12 months, and rentals without a Brazilian guarantor. Reservations remain subject to availability and document and financial review.

Verdict: Recommended for stays of at least one month when you compare all costs before booking. Choosing solely based on the lowest advertised price is Not recommended.

What is a monthly furnished apartment?

A monthly furnished apartment is a home equipped for temporary or medium-term occupancy, with pricing primarily calculated by the month rather than by the night.

Depending on the property, it may include:

• Bed and mattress
• Wardrobes
• Sofa and dining table
• Equipped kitchen
• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Household utensils
• Television
• Internet
• Bed linen
• Air conditioning or heating
• Access to shared building facilities

The meaning of “furnished” varies between listings. One property may provide only the main pieces of furniture, while another may be completely ready for immediate occupancy.

Always request an inventory before signing the contract.

Who should consider a monthly furnished rental?

Students and exchange students

A monthly rental allows students to secure housing for the length of a semester, internship, or exchange program without purchasing furniture.

Recommended when the contract matches the academic calendar and the location provides a convenient commute to the university.

Foreign nationals arriving in Brazil

A move-in-ready apartment can simplify the first few months while a new resident obtains a CPF, opens a bank account, learns about the city, or decides where to live in the long term.

Recommended for people who do not yet have Brazilian credit history, furniture, or a local guarantor.

Professionals on temporary assignments

Monthly furnished housing can work well for temporary projects, consulting assignments, professional training, and corporate relocation.

Recommended when the company needs a predictable monthly cost and formal documentation.

Digital nomads and remote workers

Having a kitchen, internet connection, and dedicated living space may be more convenient than spending several months in a hotel room.

Worth considering after checking the internet speed and suitability of the workspace.

Families between homes

Monthly apartments can also suit families renovating a home, searching for a permanent property, or waiting for an international move.

Worth considering if the unit has enough space, laundry facilities, parking, and rules compatible with children or pets.

Main monthly housing options in Brazil

No option is always the cheapest. Compare equivalent dates, cities, neighborhoods, and occupancy.

How much does a furnished apartment cost per month in Brazil?

There is no single nationwide price.

The cost depends on:

• City
• Neighborhood
• Time of year
• Contract length
• Apartment size
• Number of bedrooms
• Parking
• Quality of the furniture
• Building facilities
• Included expenses
• Availability for your dates

A compact studio outside the central area may cost significantly less than a one-bedroom apartment in a high-demand neighborhood. Likewise, a property with a higher base rent may be less expensive overall when condominium fees, IPTU, and internet are already included.

The correct approach is to calculate the complete cost of the stay.

How to calculate the real monthly cost

Use a table like this when comparing properties:

Do not automatically treat a refundable security deposit as a permanent expense. However, include it when calculating how much money you will need before moving in.

Which expenses may be included?

The monthly package varies between companies, buildings, and even apartments in the same building.

Check whether the price includes:

• Rent
• Condominium fee
• IPTU
• Electricity
• Water
• Gas
• Internet
• Bed linen
• Cleaning during the stay
• Check-out cleaning
• Parking
• Laundry
• Access to a gym, swimming pool, or coworking space

Do not interpret “all included” as an unlimited promise. Some contracts establish utility allowances or charge certain services separately.

Shortstay’s conditions also depend on the plan and property. Its Shortstay+ plan uses a fixed monthly fee, while the Standard plan uses a security deposit from which applicable check-out costs may be deducted. Compare the current conditions on the official Shortstay+ versus Standard plan page.

Always review the price breakdown and the contract for the specific unit.

Step 1: Define your dates before searching

Prepare the following information:

• Move-in date
• Expected move-out date
• Number of residents
• Destination city
• Places you will visit frequently
• Parking requirements
• Pet requirements
• Total monthly budget
• Possibility of extending the stay

Availability changes constantly. Searching without dates may show apartments that will not be available when you arrive.

Recommended: compare properties using your actual dates.

Not recommended: relying on a price displayed for a different period or contract length.

Step 2: Choose the neighborhood based on your routine

Do not choose a neighborhood solely because of its reputation or rental price.

Consider:

• Travel time to work or university
• Public transportation
• Supermarkets and pharmacies
• Hospitals and essential services
• Evening activity
• Noise
• Building security
• Transportation costs
• Ability to live without a car

A cheaper but distant apartment may create higher transportation costs and add hours of commuting every month.

Safety conditions can also vary within the same neighborhood. Evaluate the street, building entrance, and route you will use, particularly at night.

Step 3: Confirm what “furnished” means

Before booking, request a complete inventory.

Check for:

• Bed type and size
• Mattress
• Wardrobes
• Table and chairs
• Refrigerator
• Stove or cooktop
• Microwave
• Pots, plates, glasses, and cutlery
• Washing machine or shared laundry room
• Hot shower
• Television
• Router and internet service
• Bed linen and towels
• Air conditioner, fan, or heater

If you work remotely, also ask about:

• Contracted internet speed
• Router location
• Desk
• Chair
• Mobile signal coverage
• Rules for using the building’s coworking facilities

Not every furnished property includes kitchenware, bed linen, or a suitable workspace.

Step 4: Read the complete contract

The contract should explain:

• Identity of the parties
• Exact address and unit
• Move-in date
• Move-out date
• Monthly amount
• Included expenses
• Utility allowances
• Security deposit
• Administrative fees
• Extension conditions
• Cancellation policy
• Early-termination charges
• Visitor rules
• Pet rules
• Responsibility for damage
• Inspection procedure
• Refund conditions

Not every monthly furnished rental uses the same type of agreement. The legal structure may vary according to the duration, purpose, and operating model.

Not recommended: assuming every furnished apartment follows identical contractual rules.

Step 5: Understand the rental guarantee

Brazilian rentals may use different forms of guarantee, including:

• A guarantor, known locally as a fiador
• Security deposit
• Rental guarantee insurance
• Bank guarantee
• Capitalization bond
• A protection plan offered by the rental platform

Shortstay does not require a guarantor, but this does not mean that every reservation is free from financial review or a security deposit.

According to Shortstay:

• Shortstay+ does not require a security deposit.
• The Standard plan uses a security deposit.
• Applicable cleaning, repair, and inspection costs may be deducted from the deposit.
• The remaining balance may be returned after check-out and the settlement of pending charges.

See the official Shortstay+ and Standard plan comparison.

Step 6: Check the initial fees

In addition to the first month and any applicable deposit, there may be an administrative or entry fee.

Shortstay charges a one-time, non-refundable entry fee when the reservation is confirmed. The amount appears in the price breakdown before confirmation and in the contract.

Read the official explanation of the Shortstay entry fee.

Before paying, confirm:

• Total first payment
• Payment deadline
• Which amounts are refundable
• Which amounts are non-refundable
• Consequences of cancelling
• Accepted payment method
• Identity of the payment recipient

Step 7: Prepare your documents

The required documents depend on the rental company and the applicant’s profile.

You may be asked for:

• Identification document
• CPF
• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Proof of enrollment
• Immigration documents
• Information about additional occupants

Foreigners without residence in Brazil

Shortstay currently requests:

• A clear and legible passport scan
• Detailed bank statements covering the previous six months

Additional documents may be requested in some cases. See the official document requirements for foreign applicants.

Foreigners with a CRNM

Foreign nationals with Brazilian residency may submit:

• CRNM
• Accepted proof of income

Shortstay states that proven income must be at least twice the monthly value of the property. See the document requirements for foreigners with a CRNM.

Submitting documents does not guarantee approval.

Is a CPF required?

The CPF is widely used in Brazil for contracts, payments, and identity verification.

Shortstay states that foreigners staying in Brazil for more than 90 days need a CPF. For shorter stays, check the conditions applicable to your reservation.

Begin the application early if you plan to study, work, or live in Brazil for several months.

Read the official Shortstay guidance for applicants who do not have a CPF yet.

Step 8: Document the move-in inspection

When you receive the apartment:

1. 1.Photograph every room.
2. 2.Record the condition of walls, floors, doors, and windows.
3. 3.Photograph the furniture and appliances.
4. 4.Test the locks.
5. 5.Check the shower, faucets, and lights.
6. 6.Test the internet connection.
7. 7.Compare the property with the inventory.
8. 8.Report discrepancies through the official channel.
9. 9.Keep proof that the report was submitted.

This process reduces the risk of being charged for damage or missing items that existed before your arrival.

How to avoid rental scams

Do not transfer money simply because someone sent you photographs or messages through WhatsApp.

Before paying:

• Confirm the identity of the owner or company.
• Verify the advertiser’s relationship with the property.
• Check the address.
• Read the complete contract.
• Confirm the identity of the payment recipient.
• Be cautious with discounts tied to an immediate transfer.
• Request a payment receipt.
• Use the platform’s official channels.
• Avoid links sent by unknown accounts.
• Do not send sensitive documents before verifying the recipient.

Negotiating through WhatsApp is not automatically unsafe. The risk arises when there is no identity verification, contract, or payment documentation.

How Shortstay works

Shortstay offers furnished apartments for flexible monthly stays through a digital process.

The general booking process is:

1. 1.Choose the city, property, and dates.
2. 2.Select a stay lasting from 1 to 12 months.
3. 3.Submit the requested documents.
4. 4.Wait for the document and financial review.
5. 5.Review the conditions and price breakdown.
6. 6.Sign the digital contract.
7. 7.Pay the applicable amounts.
8. 8.Receive the check-in instructions.

A Brazilian guarantor is not required, but approval is not automatic. Availability, documentation, payment, and acceptance of the contract remain part of the process.

Browse furnished apartments available through Shortstay using your actual dates.

Does Shortstay operate throughout Brazil?

Availability depends on the city and the current inventory.

You may find informational pages about several destinations, but this does not necessarily mean an apartment will be available in every city for your selected dates.

Use the platform’s search tool to check:

• Cities with active listings
• Available properties
• Possible move-in dates
• Minimum stay
• Current price
• Conditions for each unit

Not recommended: assuming nationwide availability without checking the current catalog.

Advantages and limitations of monthly furnished rentals

Advantages

• You do not need to purchase furniture.
• You may be able to move in more quickly.
• The term can match a temporary stay.
• Monthly costs may be easier to predict.
• Rentals without a guarantor are available.
• Internet and property expenses may be included.
• The model can simplify housing for foreigners and students.

Limitations

• The base rent may be higher than for an unfurnished property.
• You cannot freely choose the furniture or decoration.
• An entry fee or security deposit may apply.
• Availability changes quickly.
• Early termination may generate costs.
• Utility allowances may apply.
• Parking and cleaning may cost extra.

Quick comparison

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum stay for a monthly furnished apartment? It depends on the property and rental company. Shortstay offers stays lasting from 1 to 12 months, although individual properties may have specific conditions.

Does the monthly price include all bills? Not necessarily. Some packages include condominium fees, IPTU, and internet, while others use utility allowances or charge certain services separately.

Can I rent without a Brazilian guarantor? Yes. Some platforms do not require a guarantor. Shortstay does not require one, but it conducts document and financial reviews, and the Standard plan uses a security deposit.

Can a foreigner rent without a CPF? It may be possible in certain circumstances. Shortstay accepts a passport and financial documentation from foreign applicants without Brazilian residency but requires a CPF for stays longer than 90 days.

Do I need a Brazilian bank account? Not in every case. Accepted payment methods depend on the company, contract, and reservation. Confirm the options before submitting your documents.

Does the apartment include bed linen? Not always. Check the inventory for the specific unit.

Is cleaning included? Regular cleaning is usually a separate service unless the listing or plan expressly says otherwise. Check-out cleaning conditions also vary by plan.

Can I receive visitors? This depends on the contract, property rules, and condominium regulations. Declare additional occupants and check the visitor policy.

Are pets accepted? Only in properties identified as pet-friendly and subject to the building’s rules.

Can I extend the contract? An extension depends on availability, settlement of outstanding payments, and new formalization. Requesting an extension does not guarantee that the unit will remain available.

Will I receive the full security deposit after moving out? The remaining balance may be returned after applicable charges—such as damage, cleaning, excess consumption, or unpaid bills—have been settled.

Is a furnished monthly rental always cheaper than Airbnb? No. The result depends on the dates, city, property, and fees. Compare the complete cost for the same period.

Final verdict

Furnished apartments in Brazil by the month are Recommended for students, foreign nationals, professionals, and families who need move-in-ready housing for one to twelve months.

The best option is not necessarily the property with the lowest advertised rent. Compare the complete monthly package, location, utilities, initial fees, security deposit, and cancellation rules.

Shortstay can be a suitable alternative for people seeking furnished apartments, a digital rental process, and contracts without a Brazilian guarantor, provided that the applicant checks availability and reviews the conditions of the selected property and plan.

Booking without a written contract, paying an unverified person, or assuming that every expense is included is Not recommended.

Related guides

• How to rent an apartment in Brazil as a foreigner
• Airbnb vs. aparthotel vs. Shortstay: what to choose for your first month
• How to obtain a CPF as a foreigner
• Brazilian rental vocabulary
• How to calculate the total cost of a furnished rental