Children's bedrooms and guest rooms may have their own private baths. Stores sell large pieces of furniture that look like built-ins and take the place of chests and dressers. Central air conditioning is rarely available, and usually isn't necessary. Expect to pay one month's rent in advance, plus another month's rent as a security deposit. Find out how much such fees are likely to be.
Leases run from two to three years and normally provide for an annual rent increases.
Leases are signed by a guarantor in addition to the property owner and tenant. One's employer can act as guarantor. Rio De Janiero People say Rio used to be much nicer, but it is still spectacular with its hills that thrust almost straight up from the water, its beaches and high-rises. It's a crowded city, with 7 million Cariocas, and about a third live in the favelas that cover many of the hillsides. Rio epitomizes the Brazilian lust for life.