What to say in Portuguese when asking about a rental apartment

2026.06.13

Introduction

Looking for a rental apartment in Brazil as a beginner in Portuguese can feel intimidating. This article teaches practical phrases, vocabulary, and simple dialogs in Brazilian Portuguese so you can ask about apartments, schedule visits, and understand basic rental details. Examples are beginner-friendly and ready to use in real conversations with landlords, real estate agents, or owners.

Why these phrases matter

When searching for an apartment you need clear questions to confirm price, location, size, and utilities. Using simple, polite Portuguese helps you make a good impression and avoids misunderstandings. This guide focuses on everyday words and short dialogues that work for messages, phone calls, or in-person visits.

Key vocabulary for apartment hunting

Below are essential words you will see or need when asking about a rental apartment. The first appearance of each main term is in bold and later uses italics.

apartamento — apartment

aluguel — rent

mensal — monthly

condomínio — condominium fee / building fee

iptu — property tax (municipal tax in Brazil)

garagem — garage / parking spot

mobiliado — furnished

não mobiliado — unfurnished

seguro-fiança — rental guarantee insurance (one common form of guarantee)

fiador — guarantor

troca de chaves — key handover

visita — visit / viewing

vago — vacant / available

disponível — available

Basic questions to ask about a rental

These simple questions cover most of what you need when inquiring about an apartment. Use them in messages, calls, or face-to-face conversations.

O apartamento ainda está disponível? — Is the apartment still available?

Qual é o valor do aluguel mensal? — What is the monthly rent?

O condomínio está incluído no aluguel? — Is the condominium fee included in the rent?

Qual o valor do condomínio? — How much is the condominium fee?

O IPTU está incluído? — Is the property tax included?

O apartamento é mobiliado? — Is the apartment furnished?

Quantos quartos e banheiros tem? — How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?

Tem vaga de garagem? — Is there a parking spot?

Qual é a forma de garantia exigida? — What type of rental guarantee is required?

Posso agendar uma visita? — Can I schedule a viewing?

Qual a data de disponibilidade? — When is it available from?

Tem internet incluída? — Is internet included?

Quais despesas ficam por conta do inquilino? — Which expenses does the tenant pay?

How to introduce yourself politely

Start a message or phone call with a brief introduction. These short lines are natural and clear for a beginner.

Olá, meu nome é Ana. Vi o anúncio do apartamento e tenho interesse. — Hello, my name is Ana. I saw the apartment listing and I am interested.

Bom dia, eu sou o João. Gostaria de mais informações sobre o apartamento anunciado. — Good morning, I am João. I would like more information about the listed apartment.

Olá, sou estrangeiro e procuro um apartamento para alugar por seis meses. — Hello, I am a foreigner and I am looking to rent an apartment for six months.

Simple replies and confirmations

Helpful responses when the owner or agent gives information. Use these to confirm details and ask follow-ups.

Entendi. Obrigado pela informação. — I understand. Thank you for the information.

Posso visitar amanhã à tarde? — Can I visit tomorrow afternoon?

Sim, esse horário funciona para mim. — Yes, that time works for me.

Preciso de mais fotos, por favor. — I need more photos, please.

Vocês aceitam pets? — Do you accept pets?

Existe transporte público perto? — Is there public transportation nearby?

Short dialogue examples

These short dialogues show how a listing conversation might go. They are realistic and useful for a beginner.

Agent: Olá, o apartamento ainda está disponível?
Buyer: Sim, está disponível. Quando você quer visitar?

Agent: Tem vaga de garagem?
Owner: Sim, tem uma vaga incluída no aluguel.

Tenant: Qual é o valor do aluguel e do condomínio?
Agent: O aluguel é R$ 1.800 mensal e o condomínio R$ 400.

What to check during a visit

When you see the apartment, use these simple Portuguese phrases to ask about condition, utilities, and rules. They keep the conversation focused and practical.

Os eletrodomésticos funcionam bem? — Do the appliances work well?

Tem vazamento ou infiltração? — Is there any leakage or water infiltration?

Como funciona a coleta de lixo aqui? — How does garbage collection work here?

As janelas têm grade ou tela? — Do the windows have bars or screens?

Qual o consumo médio de energia por mês? — What is the average monthly electricity usage?

Há regras do condomínio que eu deva saber? — Are there condo rules I should know?

Discussing lease terms and guarantees

Rent contracts in Brazil often require a guarantee. These phrases help you learn what is expected before signing.

Qual a duração do contrato? — What is the contract length?

Exigem fiador ou seguro-fiança? — Do you require a guarantor or rental insurance?

Qual o valor do depósito caução? — What is the security deposit amount?

Posso pagar o primeiro mês e o depósito ao assinar? — Can I pay the first month and the deposit when signing?

Common mistakes beginners make

Beginners often worry about grammar or use wrong terms. These tips prevent common problems.

Avoid mixing European Portuguese words. Use apartamento and condomínio which are standard in Brazil.

Be careful with numbers and prices. Say the monthly rent clearly: R$ 1.800 por mês.

Ask for the full monthly cost including condominium and estimated utilities to avoid surprises: Qual o custo total por mês?

Use polite phrases like por favor and obrigado/obrigada depending on your gender, to be courteous.

Practical tips for messaging and phone calls

Short messages are common when contacting landlords through apps or WhatsApp. Keep them clear and concise.

Start with a greeting and your name: Olá, sou a Maria. Vi o anúncio do apartamento. Está disponível?

Include the date you need the apartment: Preciso do apartamento a partir de 1º de agosto.

Ask for essential photos and a scheduling proposal: Pode enviar mais fotos e sugerir horários para visita?

Confirm the location if unsure: Qual o endereço exato?

Sample messages for different situations

Use these ready-made messages when contacting an owner or agent. Adjust your name and dates.

Olá, meu nome é Lucas. Vi o anúncio do apartamento e tenho interesse. Está disponível?

Bom dia, sou a Carla. O apartamento é mobiliado e aceita pets?

Olá, gostaria de agendar uma visita para amanhã à tarde. O horário das 15h está bom?

Oi, você pode enviar fotos da cozinha e dos quartos, por favor?

Olá, qual a forma de garantia exigida no contrato?

How to say no politely or ask for time to decide

Sometimes you need to decline or ask for time to think. These phrases keep the interaction polite.

Obrigado, mas no momento vou procurar outras opções. — Thank you, but I will look for other options now.

Posso pensar e responder até amanhã? — Can I think about it and reply by tomorrow?

Agradeço a informação. Vou verificar meu orçamento e retorno em breve. — Thanks for the information. I will check my budget and get back soon.

Final checklist before signing

Before you sign any contract, confirm these items in Portuguese to protect yourself and avoid misunderstandings.

Confirmar valor total por mês: aluguel + condomínio + IPTU.

Verificar se há multas para rescisão antecipada do contrato.

Confirmar a forma de garantia aceita: fiador, depósito ou seguro-fiança.

Conferir data de entrega das chaves e estado do apartamento por escrito.

Conclusion

With these beginner-friendly Brazilian Portuguese phrases, vocabulary, and examples you can confidently ask about rental apartments, schedule visits, and understand basic contract terms. Practice short messages and simple dialogues, and keep this guide handy when contacting agents or owners during your search.