a rental-insurance or 'seguro-fiança', is insurance that covers up to three months of past due rent in case the tenant falls behind, and eviction proceedings are initiated.  this contract is the most common option among foreigners who cannot get a local co-signer.   the policy costs about one to two months of rent per year, and it is paid monthly by the tenant to the insurance company.

one of the most popular companies that offer rental insurance is porto seguro, posting an application form on its web page, and requiring a cpf.

a security-deposit or 'caução - is a deposit made into an escrow account for an amount equivalent to three months of rent, payable to the owner in case of late payments or evictions - this is an option usually only available to local residents, and for small units.