Marked by a sharp increase in rental searches, scheduled visits, and lease signings, the so-called “high rental season” energizes the real estate market during the first quarter. According to data from QuintoAndar – the largest housing platform in Latin America – the search for properties is typically 30% higher in January, February, and March compared to the rest of the year. During the same period, the company reports up to 20% more signed leases and one visit scheduled every eight seconds. In this scenario, Eduardo Alves, Commercial Head at QuintoAndar, shares practical tips for those going through the rental process for the first time.
According to him, the rise in demand is cultural and happens for several reasons. “The beginning of the year is symbolic, and many people take the opportunity to reorganize their lives, move to a new city, or search for a new home. Receiving the year-end bonus and rebalancing finances also drive this trend, providing more security to take on new commitments. Another major factor is the start of the school year, with students and families looking for homes near schools and universities,” says Alves.
Define your priorities and search with focus
What kind of property are you looking for: apartment, penthouse, house? Do you have or plan to get a pet? Do you need a modern kitchen to cook? Is an open view important? Do you need a large living room to exercise? These are examples of questions that will guide your search and help eliminate listings that don’t meet your essential criteria.
“At this stage, explore the neighborhoods you’re interested in and prioritize those with easy access to places that are part of your routine. Besides obvious factors, also consider subtler aspects like street safety and noise levels. When visiting, try to simulate your commute and schedule visits at the times you’d usually leave or return home,” suggests Alves.
“It helps a lot to consider all essential requirements from the start, so you don’t waste time with properties that won’t meet your needs. Today, there are tools that simplify this process, such as QuintoAndar’s AI search, which goes beyond filters and allows you to search for specific features like large windows, spacious kitchens, street views, and wooden floors. The tool analyzes listing photos and delivers results that match exactly what you’re looking for.”
Plan your finances
Just as important as mapping your needs is understanding your financial situation. Financial experts recommend that rent expenses not exceed 30% of your total income. “Besides rent itself, consider fixed costs like property tax (IPTU), condo fees, and internet. You should also budget for variable household expenses like electricity, water, and gas,” he adds.
“Although renting is more economical than buying and renovating, also factor in furniture, decoration, and moving costs. Variable lifestyle expenses – such as entertainment, streaming, gym, and courses – should also be considered. It’s wise to maintain an emergency fund for unexpected home repairs or personal needs. Creating a spreadsheet can help with this planning,” says the expert.
Be prepared to negotiate
Knowing the rental market value for your desired area and property type is crucial for a fair negotiation. Renters can use QPreço, QuintoAndar’s pricing intelligence tool, which combines public data (like ITBI and IPTU), listings, and past transactions to provide a recommended price range. “For properties listed on QuintoAndar, QPreço even shows previous transaction amounts or prices for similar units in the same building, giving you solid ground for negotiations,” Alves explains.
Rental indexes can also help, giving an idea of the average price per square meter in each region. The QuintoAndar Imovelweb Rent Index also shows the average discount given in each city, which you can use as a reference.
“During the visit, assess the property’s condition—doors, windows, floors, and walls. Many owners are open to negotiation, especially if you have solid information about pricing in the area,” says Alves. “Negotiation isn’t just about price—you can also discuss improvements to the property before moving in. Entering the conversation with data can make a big difference in closing a mutually beneficial deal. Remember: the market is hot with high demand and rising prices, but there’s still room to negotiate.”
Review the contract and gather documents
Read the lease agreement carefully, checking deadlines, agreed prices, your responsibilities as a tenant, payment due dates, late fees, penalties, and maintenance obligations. Only sign once you’re comfortable with the terms and conditions.
“To finalize the deal, you’ll usually need to send the property manager a copy of your ID, proof of residence, and updated proof of income. Have those ready so the process moves quickly—especially important during this high-demand season,” Alves notes.
Know your responsibilities as a tenant
“Moving can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting, because a lot happens all at once. The key is to stay organized so the process goes smoothly,” he advises.
In addition to picking up the keys and coordinating move-in dates with the owner and condo manager, Alves reminds renters of important follow-up responsibilities, like transferring utility accounts (energy, gas, water, internet) into your name. You should also clarify the process for paying condo fees to avoid missed payments down the line.
“Make a checklist to ensure everything is covered. Real estate agents should be your main allies during this process, offering help whenever needed. Learn how to contact your agency and make sure you’ll have access to ongoing support. At QuintoAndar, this is available directly through the app,” concludes the expert, who leaves one last tip:
“Understand that some steps may not go as planned—so having a helpful real estate platform is essential to make things smoother. And don’t forget to celebrate the moment and enjoy your new home!”