the deposit is returned in full at the end of the lease if there is no back-rent due, with accrued interests. 

a collateral bond or 'título de capitalização' - is a financial instrument bought at a local bank for a value established between the landlord and the tenant.   the tenants receives interests on the bond during the length of the rental agreement, and the full amount is returned at the end of the lease, while the landlord receives the entire amount of the bond in case of eviction and unpaid rent.

if potential renters are not able to complete a conventional contrato de locação de imóvel, or would like less of a commitment, short term rentals can be found throughout the city, with their terms of lease ranging between three to six months.