How to Rent in Brazil Without a Guarantor: 2026 Guide

How to Rent in Brazil Without a Guarantor: Complete 2026 Guide

Renting a home in Brazil without a guarantor is possible, but “no guarantor required” does not necessarily mean “no security,” “no documents,” or “automatic approval.”

A landlord, real estate agency, or rental platform may accept a security deposit, rental guarantee insurance, or another form of protection instead of a traditional guarantor. Monthly furnished-rental platforms may also use their own document and financial review process.

For foreigners, students, and people moving to a new city, understanding these differences can help prevent rejected applications, unexpected expenses, and unsuitable contracts.

TL;DR

The main ways to rent in Brazil without a guarantor are:

• Security deposit
• Rental guarantee insurance
• A lease without security, when accepted by the landlord
• A furnished-rental platform with its own approval process
• Certain financial guarantees provided for in the contract

For residential leases governed by Brazil’s Tenancy Law, the landlord cannot require more than one form of rental security in the same contract. A cash security deposit cannot exceed three months’ rent.

Shortstay offers furnished apartments with digital contracts lasting from 1 to 12 months and does not require a Brazilian guarantor. Reservations remain subject to availability and document and financial review. Shortstay+ does not require a security deposit, while the Standard plan does.

Verdict: Recommended for applicants who do not have someone available to act as a guarantor in Brazil. Signing without understanding what replaces the guarantor is Not recommended.

What is a guarantor in Brazil?

A rental guarantor is known in Portuguese as a fiador. This person agrees to assume responsibility for the tenant’s contractual obligations if the tenant fails to pay the rent or other amounts due.

A real estate agency may require the guarantor to:

• Live in Brazil
• Have sufficient income
• Own property
• Submit personal documents
• Provide marital-status information
• Submit documents from their spouse
• Authorize financial checks
• Sign the rental contract

Requirements vary across the market. Some landlords accept a guarantor who does not own property, while others establish stricter criteria.

Finding a guarantor can be particularly difficult for a foreigner who has just arrived in Brazil and does not yet have local relatives, professional contacts, or an established financial history.

Is a guarantor legally required?

No.

Brazilian law does not require every rental contract to have a guarantor. The landlord may request rental security, but a personal guarantor is only one of the available options.

Article 37 of Brazil’s Tenancy Law — Law No. 8,245/1991 lists the following forms of rental security:

• Security deposit, known as caução
• Personal guarantee, known as fiança
• Rental guarantee insurance, known as seguro de fiança locatícia
• Fiduciary assignment of investment-fund shares

The same article prohibits requiring more than one of these security arrangements in the same rental contract.

For example, a residential lease subject to these provisions should not require both a guarantor and a security deposit.

“No guarantor” does not mean “no review”

A company that does not require a guarantor may still request:

• Identification
• CPF
• Passport
• CRNM
• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Credit history
• Proof of enrollment
• Documents from additional occupants
• Security deposit
• First payment in advance

These requirements help verify the applicant’s identity, ability to pay, and suitability for the contract.

Not recommended: interpreting “no guarantor required” as guaranteed approval.

Alternatives to a Brazilian guarantor

1. Security deposit

A security deposit, called caução in Brazil, is an amount held to cover possible unpaid bills, damage, or contractual breaches.

For a residential lease governed by Brazil’s Tenancy Law, a cash security deposit:

• Cannot exceed three months’ rent.
• Must be deposited in a savings account.
• Must generate the applicable returns for the tenant.
• May be used to cover properly documented contractual amounts.
• Must have its remaining balance returned at the end of the lease.

The deposit is not automatically a permanent expense. However, it reduces the amount of cash available during the tenancy.

Recommended for applicants who can afford the initial amount and want to avoid purchasing insurance.

Not recommended: paying a deposit without a contract, receipt, or clear refund conditions.

2. Rental guarantee insurance

Rental guarantee insurance, or seguro-fiança, is purchased from an insurer to protect the landlord against certain tenant obligations.

Depending on the policy, it may cover:

• Unpaid rent
• Condominium fees
• IPTU
• Contractual penalties
• Property damage
• Painting
• Additional expenses

The applicant must pass the insurer’s review and pay an insurance premium. This payment is generally not refunded at the end of the lease.

Its cost and coverage depend on:

• Monthly rent
• Applicant’s financial profile
• Length of the lease
• Selected coverage
• Insurance provider
• Applicant’s financial history

Worth considering when the tenant does not have enough cash for a substantial deposit.

Not recommended: choosing a policy solely because it is the cheapest without reviewing its exclusions and renewal conditions.

3. Renting without any security

A landlord may accept a contract without a guarantor, deposit, insurance, or another form of security.

When a lease has none of the security arrangements listed in the Tenancy Law, the landlord may require rent and applicable charges to be paid by the sixth business day of the upcoming rental month.

Acceptance depends on the owner and the applicant’s profile. It may be more likely when the applicant has:

• Verifiable income
• A positive rental or payment history
• Legally permitted advance payment
• An established relationship with the landlord
• A corporate contract
• A clearly defined stay

Worth considering when all conditions are documented in a formal contract.

Not recommended: relying only on a verbal agreement.

4. Monthly furnished-rental platforms

Some rental platforms use their own document and financial review process, removing the need to provide a person as a guarantor.

This model may combine:

• Furnished apartment
• Digital contract
• Document review
• Deposit or protection plan
• Payment management
• Move-in and move-out inspections
• Support during the stay

It may be especially practical for foreign nationals, students, professionals on assignment, and anyone who needs housing for a few months.

Shortstay offers contracts lasting from 1 to 12 months without requiring a guarantor, but the applicant must still meet the documentation and financial requirements.

5. Fiduciary assignment of investment-fund shares

The Tenancy Law also permits the fiduciary assignment of investment-fund shares as rental security.

This is legally available but much less common for an ordinary residential tenant. It requires compatible financial assets, a participating institution, and a specific contractual structure.

Worth considering only with appropriate financial and contractual advice.

Comparing guarantor alternatives

The best alternative depends on the cash available at the beginning of the lease, the contract length, and whether part of the amount can be recovered at the end.

Step 1: Define the length of your stay

Before choosing a form of rental security, determine how long you expect to remain in the property.

Consider:

• Move-in date
• Expected move-out date
• Possibility of extending
• Reason for the stay
• Number of residents
• Monthly budget
• Amount available for initial costs

Someone staying for two months may need a different arrangement from someone planning to live in Brazil for several years.

Monthly furnished apartments are often suitable for stays lasting from 1 to 12 months. For a permanent relocation, a traditional lease may cost less over time, even after accounting for furniture and moving expenses.

Step 2: Calculate how much you can pay upfront

Initial costs may include:

• First month’s rent
• Condominium fee
• IPTU
• Security deposit
• Insurance premium
• Entry fee
• Cleaning
• Parking
• Moving expenses
• Items not included in the property

Use a comparison table:

Also compare non-refundable costs. A large security deposit may be returned, while an insurance premium or administrative fee is usually non-refundable.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Required documents vary by rental model.

Brazilian applicants

They may be asked to provide:

• RG, CIN, or CNH
• CPF
• Proof of income
• Income tax return
• Bank statements
• Proof of address

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.

International students

In addition to a passport and financial documentation, students may be asked for:

• Student ID
• Proof of enrollment
• A letter from the university
• Proof of income from a parent or guardian

Submitting the documents does not guarantee approval.

Step 4: Ask exactly what replaces the guarantor

Do not limit your question to: “Can I rent without a guarantor?”

Also ask:

• Is there a security deposit?
• How much is it?
• When will it be returned?
• What may be deducted?
• Is insurance required?
• Must the insurance be renewed?
• Is there a monthly protection fee?
• Is there an entry fee?
• Will there be a credit or financial review?
• Can foreign income be accepted?
• Are international bank statements accepted?
• What happens if the application is rejected?

Request the answers in writing.

Step 5: Review the complete monthly cost

A property that does not require a guarantor is not necessarily cheaper.

Add up:

• Rent
• Condominium fee
• IPTU
• Water
• Electricity
• Gas
• Internet
• Parking
• Insurance
• Monthly plan fee
• Cleaning
• Transportation
• Optional services

Choose the property based on the total cost, not merely the ease of approval.

Step 6: Read the move-out rules

Before signing, review:

• Early-termination penalty
• Notice period
• Cancellation conditions
• Extension rules
• Inspection procedure
• Check-out cleaning
• Utility settlement
• Deposit refund timeline
• Responsibility for damage
• Treatment of pending invoices

The deposit is normally returned only after the inspection and settlement of applicable charges. Do not assume that it will be released immediately on the day you move out.

How to rent without a guarantor through Shortstay

Shortstay offers furnished apartments with digital contracts lasting from 1 to 12 months without requiring a Brazilian guarantor.

The general process includes:

1. 1.Choose the property, dates, and length of stay.
2. 2.Select the available plan.
3. 3.Submit the requested documents.
4. 4.Add any other occupants.
5. 5.Wait for the review.
6. 6.Check the complete price breakdown.
7. 7.Sign the digital contract.
8. 8.Confirm the applicable payments.
9. 9.Receive the check-in instructions.

Approval is not automatic and depends on factors that include documentation, financial verification, and property availability.

Browse furnished apartments available through Shortstay using your actual dates.

Shortstay+ or Standard plan

Shortstay offers two models with different conditions.

Shortstay+

According to the company:

• No security deposit is required.
• A fixed monthly fee applies.
• Check-out cleaning is included.
• Certain basic repairs are included.
• Priority support is provided.
• The monthly fee is non-refundable.

Recommended for applicants who prioritize predictable costs and want to avoid tying up money in a deposit.

Standard plan

According to the company:

• A security deposit is required.
• The amount varies by property and length of stay.
• Cleaning and other applicable costs may be deducted.
• The remaining balance may be returned after check-out.
• Refund timing may depend on the settlement of pending bills.

Compare the official conditions on the Shortstay+ versus Standard plan page.

Entry fee

Shortstay also charges an entry fee:

• It is paid only once.
• It forms part of the first payment.
• It appears before the reservation is confirmed.
• It is included in the contract.
• It is non-refundable.

Read the official explanation of the Shortstay entry fee.

Do not confuse this fee with a security deposit. The two amounts have different purposes and refund rules.

Does a foreigner need a CPF?

The CPF is widely used for contracts and everyday transactions in Brazil.

Shortstay states that foreigners staying in Brazil for more than 90 days need a CPF. Applicants without Brazilian residency may begin the reservation process using a passport and the required financial documentation, subject to the applicable conditions.

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

See Shortstay’s guidance for foreigners who do not have a CPF yet.

How to avoid scams when searching for a rental without a guarantor

Treat promises such as “immediate approval, no guarantor, and no documents” with caution.

Before paying:

• Confirm the identity of the owner or company.
• Verify the advertiser’s relationship with the property.
• Request the complete contract.
• Confirm the address and exact unit.
• Verify the payment recipient.
• Request a receipt.
• Use official communication channels.
• Be cautious when pressured to transfer money immediately.
• Do not send sensitive documents to an unverified contact.
• Check the refund conditions.

Not recommended: paying to “reserve” an apartment without knowing what happens if the application is rejected.

Common mistakes

Assuming that a deposit is always a lost expense

The deposit may be refundable after applicable contractual deductions.

Confusing a deposit with a fee

A fee normally pays for a service and may be non-refundable. A deposit functions as security.

Accepting two rental guarantees in the same contract

For contracts governed by the Tenancy Law, requiring more than one security arrangement in the same lease is prohibited.

Ignoring additional costs

A property without a guarantor requirement may have a higher total cost because of insurance, fees, or services.

Sending documents before verifying the advertiser

Your passport, CPF, and bank statements contain sensitive personal information.

Assuming that “no guarantor” means “no contract”

A formal contract protects both the landlord and the tenant.

Quick comparison

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to rent without a guarantor in Brazil? Yes. A guarantor is not mandatory. The landlord may accept another form of security or, under certain conditions, enter into a lease without security.

What is the maximum cash security deposit? For a lease governed by Brazil’s Tenancy Law, a cash security deposit cannot exceed three months’ rent.

Can a landlord require both a guarantor and a security deposit? Not in the same lease governed by the Tenancy Law. The law prohibits requiring more than one form of rental security.

Is rental guarantee insurance refunded at the end? Usually not. It is an insurance premium paid for coverage, although the exact conditions depend on the policy.

Can a foreigner use bank statements from another country? It depends on the company. Shortstay accepts detailed bank statements covering the previous six months from foreign applicants without Brazilian residency.

Does Shortstay require a guarantor? No. The company does not require a guarantor, but it conducts document and financial reviews.

Does Shortstay require a security deposit? It depends on the plan. Shortstay+ does not require a security deposit, while the Standard plan does.

Is the security deposit returned in full? Applicable cleaning, damage, excess consumption, unpaid invoices, or other contractual amounts may be deducted.

Can I rent without a CPF? It may be possible for certain foreign applicants. Shortstay requires a CPF from foreigners staying in Brazil for more than 90 days.

Is renting without a guarantor more expensive? Not necessarily. The result depends on the alternative used. Insurance premiums and fees may be non-refundable, while a deposit may tie up more money initially but return its remaining balance at the end.

Can I rent using only a passport? Some platforms accept a passport together with financial documentation. This does not guarantee approval.

Can the landlord request rent in advance? The answer depends on whether the lease has a security arrangement, the type of contract, and the applicable provisions of the Tenancy Law. Review the contract before paying.

Final verdict

Renting in Brazil without a guarantor is entirely possible, but you need to compare the available alternatives and understand how much money will be required upfront.

A security deposit is Recommended for applicants who can set aside the amount and want the possibility of recovering the remaining balance. Rental guarantee insurance is Worth considering for those who prefer a lower initial cash commitment, although the premium is generally non-refundable.

For stays lasting from 1 to 12 months, Shortstay is Recommended for applicants seeking a furnished apartment, digital contract, and rental without a Brazilian guarantor, provided they understand the financial review, entry fee, and differences between Shortstay+ and Standard.

Accepting two rental guarantees in the same contract, transferring money without documentation, or trusting a promise of automatic approval is Not recommended.

Related guides

• Furnished apartments in Brazil by the month
• How to rent an apartment in Brazil as a foreigner
• How to obtain a CPF as a foreigner
• Brazilian rental vocabulary
• Airbnb vs. aparthotel vs. Shortstay: what to choose for your first month