Cockroach infestation, furniture and broken windows: owner receives destroyed apartment in RS Cockroach infestation, unused furniture, broken windows, scattered grease and signs of irregular use. This was the scenario encountered by journalist Paula Estivalet when she received back the apartment she had rented in Porto Alegre. Even with real estate intermediation and contracting of surety insurance, part of the losses should not be compensated, and the case could end up in court. The situation raises a warning: lack of attention to details in rental contracts can create headaches for both owners and tenants. ? Access the g1 RS channel on WhatsApp The property, delivered in good condition, returned with damage that goes beyond natural wear and tear, including structural problems and even notification from the condominium due to a risk to public health. Case exposes risks to owners “We put it up for rent imagining that there will be some kind of security, and I didn’t have any,” he says. According to Paula, the property was used differently than expected in the contract. The space, rented for residential purposes, would have been used for the production and sale of food. Upon receiving the keys, the owner found damaged furniture, accumulation of dirt and equipment in no condition for use. Some of the items had to be discarded. After the tenants left, the real estate agency activated the surety bond, but the coverage was considered insufficient. “The insurance company said it will do four things on a list of 31 repairs,” he reports. Problems also affect tenants Losses in rental contracts don't just affect owners. There are cases where the tenant himself bears unexpected damages and costs. Building technician Luís Eduardo Luciow reports that he rented an apartment with problems that were never resolved. "The first problem was infiltration. We lost the table, the wardrobe, the bed", he says. He states that he tried to contact the real estate agency about the property through different channels, without success. Upon leaving, he faced new demands. "There were absurd fees. They even asked for painting of external areas that were not in the contract", he reports. From problem to service: how to avoid losses Cases like those of Paula and Luís Eduardo show that paying attention to the contract is essential to avoid conflicts. Experts point out that signing the document is the most important moment of the lease. "Ideally, everything is stipulated in a contract. What is only agreed verbally will hardly be proven later", says real estate lawyer Elias Rodrigues. Another central point is the inspection of the property, carried out at entry and exit. This document records the condition of the unit and serves as a basis for comparing possible damage. Among the main recommended precautions are: Read all clauses carefully before signing; Ensure that any agreement is formalized in writing; Check guarantee coverage, such as surety bonds; Require a detailed inspection of the property. According to experts, the inspection also helps to differentiate damage caused by use from natural wear and tear over time, which avoids undue charges. Cockroach infestation, furniture and broken windows: owner receives destroyed apartment in RS Reproduction/RBS TV VIDEOS: Everything about RS