Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
38 comments 
Few Tenants Know The Tenant Law That Ensures Compensation For Necessary Work And Structural Repairs Done During The Lease, Even When The Landlord Does Not Authorize The Interventions In Advance
Many tenants are unaware that the Tenant Law (Law No. 8,245/91) guarantees the right to reimbursement for urgent and structural repairs made in rented properties. This means that, in the face of leaks, cracks, or serious electrical failures, the tenant can act immediately and demand reimbursement later.
The legislation defines that the responsibility for the maintenance and habitability of the property lies with the landlord. Thus, in emergency situations, the tenant does not need to wait for authorization to prevent further damage, as long as they can prove the urgency of the work.
What The Tenant Law Determines
Article 22 of the Tenant Law requires the landlord to deliver and maintain the property in proper conditions for use.
-
The new Civil Code could revolutionize marriages in Brazil with “express divorce” and changes that could exclude spouses from inheritance.
-
Banco do Brasil sues famous influencer for million-dollar debt and intensifies debate on delinquency, risks of seizure, and direct impact on Gkay’s credibility.
-
The Senate approves a bill that criminalizes misogyny, hatred, or aversion towards women, and includes the crime in the Racism Law with a penalty of up to 5 years.
-
Chamber Approves Bill That Allows Pepper Spray for Women Over 16 and Imposes Strict Rules for Purchase, Possession, and Use as Self-Defense
Article 35 is even more specific: necessary improvements made by the tenant, even without authorization, are compensable and allow the exercise of the right of retention of the property until payment.
Necessary improvements are those essential to preserve the property or prevent its deterioration.
Common examples include repairing leaking roofs, addressing leaks, electrical issues that pose risks, or structural cracks.
Types Of Improvements And Who Should Pay
Not all work done on a property generates the right to reimbursement. The law divides improvements into three categories:
Necessary improvements are urgent and essential for the preservation of the property, always compensable by the landlord, even without authorization.
Useful improvements are enhancements that facilitate the use of the property, such as installing bars or gates. In this case, reimbursement rights only exist if there is express authorization from the owner.
Voluptuary improvements have an aesthetic or luxury character, such as special decoration or swimming pool construction, and do not generate reimbursement. The tenant may remove them at the end of the contract, as long as no damage is caused.
The Renunciation Clause That Can Nullify The Right
Despite legal protections, the rental contract may contain a renunciation clause regarding reimbursement.
The Tenant Law itself allows this provision, which is validated by Summary 335 of the Superior Court of Justice.
This means that if the contract contains a renunciation clause, the tenant cannot demand compensation, even for necessary improvements.
Therefore, it is essential to read each clause of the contract carefully before signing.
How To Ensure The Reimbursement Provided For In The Tenant Law
To have the right recognized, the tenant must follow a few formal steps:
Communicate the problem to the landlord in writing, whether by email, registered message, or letter with acknowledgment of receipt.
Document the situation with photos, videos, and, if possible, quotes that prove the urgency.
Keep all receipts and invoices related to the repair.
Negotiate with the landlord the method of reimbursement, which may occur through a deduction in the rent amount or direct payment.
If the landlord refuses to compensate, the tenant may seek legal action, terminate the contract without penalty, and even retain the property until payment is made.
Rights And Duties Of Each Party
The Tenant Law defines specific responsibilities to avoid conflicts.
The landlord must deliver the property in good condition, carry out structural repairs, pay taxes, and cover extraordinary condominium expenses.
The tenant, in turn, must pay rent and charges on time, care for the property, communicate problems that are the landlord’s responsibility, and cover only minor repairs resulting from everyday use.
This division of obligations ensures balance in the relationship and prevents the tenant from bearing expenses that do not belong to them.
The Tenant Law guarantees tenant protection in emergency situations, but the existence of contractual clauses can completely change the scenario.
Knowing rights, distinguishing types of improvements, and keeping records is key to avoiding losses.
Have you ever had to pay for repairs in a rented property? Do you think it is fair for the landlord to exempt themselves from this obligation with a contractual clause? Share your experience in the comments and help enrich the debate with real examples.
Era só que faltava se a pessoa tá alugando um imóvel verifica antes de alugar se alugou é porque gostou então não tem o que reclamar se não tá gostando sai fora vai procurar outro não fica incomodando o dono.
Tudo quê é oculto tem de ser do proprietário não tem como o inquilino saber como está um cano embutido,ou um fio mesmo que conste no contrato não é justo tem que ser proíbido se não para nada serve a lei do inquilinato a pessoa precisa alugar o imóvel se vê constrangido a aceitar
Eu tive problemas onde minha irmã mora. O endereço fica na rua rua Dirce ,14,no bairro de Bento Ribeiro, no Rio de Janeiro. Tive que trocar o armário do banheiro, onde o que estava completamente deteriorado,sem condições de uso. Foi comunicado ao advogado, que deveria ser trocado,porém, ele nada fez. Tomei a iniciativa de comprar um novo armár,no valor de R$199,00 e paguei a quantia de R$100,00 uma pessoa para fazer a colocação. Depois fui tive que mexer no vaso,onde o anel de vedação estava completamente esfacelada,e mais uma vez tive que arcar com a obra,onde entre o material e a mão de obra ficou R$249,00. Filmei todo o trabalho e apresentei ao administrador,que não me fez o ressarcimento dos meus gastos.
Bom dia…
O Certo é antes de vc entrar no imovel fazer um Termo de Vistoria de td imovel partes Elétrica, Hidráulica. Pintura. Piso etc e fotografar. Salvar e sendo acompanhada pelas partes. Após assinar Termo.