Introduction
Residential leasing in Brazil is governed primarily by Lei nº 8.245/1991 (Lei do Inquilinato) and by the Civil Code (Lei nº 10.406/2002), with complementary rules on data protection (Lei nº 13.709/2018 — LGPD) and consumer protection (Código de Defesa do Consumidor, Lei nº 8.078/1990). Complying with these legal requirements avoids litigation, administrative fines and the nullity of contractual clauses. This template was prepared to reflect the essential rules in 2026: common limit for cash security deposit (up to three months’ rent), guarantee alternatives (guarantor, surety bond insurance, bank guarantee), and transparency requirements regarding municipal taxes (IPTU) and condominium rules.
What is a residential lease agreement in Brazil?
A residential lease agreement is a written agreement between landlord and tenant that defines the exclusive use of an urban property for residence, the obligations of each party, tenancy guarantees (security deposit, guarantor, surety bond insurance), form of payment and the conditions for adjustment, termination and return of the property. It is subject to Lei nº 8.245/1991 (Lei do Inquilinato) and to the rules of the Civil Code and the LGPD when it involves personal data.

Why old templates are dangerous (specific risks in Brazil)
- Security deposit and guarantees: old templates may provide for a security deposit in amounts greater than three months in cash or omit legal guarantee options (guarantor, surety bond insurance, bank guarantee). The Lei do Inquilinato (Art. 38) provides the forms of guarantee; contrary clauses may be void or challenged.
- Rent adjustment: indices and frequency of adjustment must be clear; use of prohibited indices or lack of periodicity may generate litigation. Although there is no federal rent control, the contract must stipulate the formula and periodicity of correction.
- Eviction and procedural deadlines: procedures and deadlines have changed with the Civil Procedure Code. Old templates may suggest outdated practices about notices and tolerance periods for default.
- LGPD: old contracts frequently process personal data without legal basis or without proper notice. This exposes landlords to administrative sanctions and civil actions.
- Municipal and condominium provisions: many templates do not cover obligations to communicate condominium rules, rules for alterations, or allocation of IPTU/municipal charges.
- Abusive clauses and consumer protection: clauses that impose excessive penalties on the tenant or limit rights provided by the Código de Defesa do Consumidor may be recognized as abusive by the Judiciary.
What this template includes
- Essential clauses: identification of the parties, description of the property, term (fixed or indefinite), rent amount, due date and method of payment.
- Tenancy guarantees: text for security deposit (security deposit in cash up to 3 months, with statement of itemization on return), guarantor, surety bond insurance and bank guarantee.
- Adjustment: field for adjustment periodicity and index (IPCA, IGP-M, or another freely agreed index — we suggest IPCA for greater predictability; explain risks and variations).
- Charges and taxes: clause on IPTU, condominium fees, utility bills (water, electricity, gas) and responsibility for renovations and minor repairs.
- Entry and inspection: key handover forms, initial and final inspection report and procedure for checking items and charges.
- Return and deposit: suggested contractual period for accounting (30 days) and requirement of a detailed list of deductions from the security deposit.
- Termination and eviction: prior notice, cure period for defaults (contractual suggestion 10–30 days), and reference to the eviction procedure of Lei nº 8.245/1991 and the Civil Procedure Code.
- Data protection (LGPD): clause that describes purposes of processing, legal basis, data sharing, retention period and data subject rights; instructions on secure storage.
- Recommended clauses: fire insurance, guest policy, possibility of works and alterations, sublease and change of use.
- Annexes: inspection form, guarantee agreement, security deposit receipt, proof of IPTU payment (if applicable) and LGPD checklist.
Download options
- Ready-to-print PDF: /downloads/brazil-lease-agreement-2026.pdf (fillable template in English with legal notes in Portuguese).
- Editable version (Word): available on the same download page for local customization.
- Separate LGPD compliance checklist (recommended): accompany the contract with a privacy policy for tenant data processing.
How to finalize your lease agreement
- Complete all mandatory fields (name, CPF/CNPJ, full property address, amount and dates).
- Choose and document the tenancy guarantee (security deposit, guarantor, surety bond insurance, bank guarantee). For a cash security deposit, respect the practical limit of 3 months’ rent in accordance with Art. 38 da Lei nº 8.245/1991.
- Attach essential documents: copies of identification documents of the parties, proof of ownership of the landlord (or power of attorney), and proof of address.
- Conduct and attach the initial inspection signed by both parties.
- Include an LGPD clause and obtain formal consents where necessary; keep records of data processing.
- Sign the contract in at least two counterparts with witnesses; if required, register at a notary if the parties want publicity or clauses of fiduciary alienation.
Related Lease Agreement Templates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum cash security deposit permitted in Brazil?
The Lei do Inquilinato (Lei nº 8.245/1991) allows a security deposit as one of the guarantee modalities, and the consolidated practice is up to three months’ rent when the security deposit is provided in cash. The parties may choose other guarantees (guarantor, surety bond insurance, bank guarantee). See: Lei nº 8.245/1991, Art. 38.
2. Is there rent control in Brazil?
There is no general federal regime of rent control. Rent and adjustment are matters of contract freedom, respecting public order norms, the Código de Defesa do Consumidor and any municipal rules. It is recommended to define the index and frequency of adjustment in the contract.
3. What disclosures must the landlord make to the tenant?
At minimum the following information should be included or provided: notice about the processing of personal data (LGPD), the form of guarantee, existence of condominium rules and any outstanding IPTU debts, as well as information about known defects or faults that may affect habitability.
4. What is the eviction procedure for non-payment?
The eviction action is filed based on Lei nº 8.245/1991 (eviction action) and follows the Civil Procedure Code (Lei nº 13.105/2015). Although the contract may provide for a cure period (for example, 10 to 30 days), eviction normally requires a judicial procedure (objections and deadlines provided by law). In cases of lease under the summary procedure or precautionary measures, the procedural route will be indicated by counsel.
5. Can I prohibit guests in the contract?
You can set reasonable rules regarding guests and subletting — for example, require prior notice and authorization for extended stays. However, clauses that violate fundamental rights or impose excessive penalties may be considered abusive by the Judiciary.
6. What do I need to do to ensure LGPD compliance?
Include a clause that explains which personal data will be collected, the purpose of the processing, the legal basis (contract execution, compliance with a legal obligation, legitimate interest, etc.), the retention period and the rights of the data subject. Keep records of processing operations and internal information security policies. Lei nº 13.709/2018 (LGPD).
Final remarks and practical recommendations
- Consult a local lawyer before using the contract for atypical situations (property with special purpose, seasonal rental, commercial lease, complex guarantees).
- Use an AI contract review tool for an automated double-check of the text, especially for LGPD and guarantee clauses.
- Keep receipts and signed inspections; in litigation, documentation is crucial.
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