Updated April 2026 · 5 min read

How to use QuintoAndar to rent an apartment in Brazil as a foreigner

Rent an apartment on QuintoAndar without a Brazilian guarantor. How foreigners can navigate Brazil's biggest rental platform.

QuintoAndar changed the game for foreigners

Renting in Brazil used to be a nightmare for foreigners. You needed a Brazilian guarantor (fiador) or had to pay a full year upfront. QuintoAndar eliminated both of those requirements.

QuintoAndar is Brazil's largest digital rental platform. No guarantor needed, no massive upfront deposit. They do their own credit analysis using your CPF and approve you directly. For foreigners with a valid CPF, this is by far the easiest path to renting.

How to sign up and search

Go to quintoandar.com.br or download the app. Create an account with your CPF and email.

Search by city, neighbourhood, price range, and number of bedrooms. The listings include professional photos, floor plans, and virtual tours. You can schedule visits directly through the app.

Pro tip: Filter by 'aceita pet' if you have pets, and check 'mobiliado' for furnished apartments. Furnished places are common in Brazil and save you the hassle of buying furniture.

The approval process for foreigners

When you find a place and apply, QuintoAndar runs a credit analysis on your CPF. As a foreigner with a new CPF, you might not have a credit history.

If you get declined: Some foreigners report being declined on their first try. Options: - Try again with a different listing (different landlords have different risk tolerance) - Use Loft or ImovelWeb as alternatives - Look for listings that accept 'caucao' (security deposit of 1-3 months rent) instead of credit approval - Some landlords on ZAP Imoveis work directly with foreigners

What to know about Brazilian rental contracts

Standard contracts are 30 months (yes, 30). You can leave after 12 months with a penalty (usually one month's rent). Rent is in reais, paid monthly via boleto or Pix.

Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are almost always separate from rent. Budget an extra R$300-600/month for a standard apartment. Condominium fees (condominio) are also separate and can be R$200-1,000+ depending on the building's amenities.

QuintoAndar handles the entire contract digitally. You sign online, pay through the platform, and their support team handles any issues with the landlord.