Portuguese Phrase
Cobre danos ou aluguel não pago.
Meaning
Literally ‘Charge damages or unpaid rent.’ The sentence is a concise clause often found in rental contracts or formal notices, indicating that the landlord may demand payment for any property damage or for rent that has not been paid.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are drafting a lease agreement, sending a formal demand letter, or explaining the financial obligations of a tenant in a legal or business context.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cobredanosoualuguelnãopago
Cobre (verb)
Third‑person singular present of cobrar ‘to charge/collect’; used here as an imperative‑like statement in formal written Portuguese.
danos (noun)
Plural noun meaning ‘damages’; no article is needed because it follows the verb directly.
ou (conjunction)
Coordinating conjunction meaning ‘or’, linking two possible charges.
aluguel (noun)
Masculine singular noun ‘rent’; the subject of the adjective phrase ‘não pago’.
não pago (adjective)
Negative past participle used as an adjective; agrees in gender and number with aluguel (masc. sing.).
🗨In Conversation
Cobre danos ou aluguel não pago.
Charge damages or unpaid rent.
Entendo, vou providenciar o pagamento imediatamente.
I understand, I’ll arrange the payment right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Cobro danos ou aluguel não pago.
The verb should be conjugated in third‑person singular (cobre) for a formal statement, not first‑person singular (cobro).
Cobre danos ou aluguel não paga.
The adjective must agree with aluguel (masculine), so the correct form is ‘não pago’.
Cobre danos e aluguel não pago.
Using ‘e’ (and) changes the meaning; the phrase is meant to present two alternative charges, so ‘ou’ (or) is required.
↔Alternatives
Cobre pelos danos ou pelo aluguel em atraso.
Charge for damages or for overdue rent.
Exija o pagamento de danos ou de aluguel não quitado.
Demand payment of damages or of rent not settled.
Cobrança de danos ou de aluguel pendente.
Charge for damages or pending rent.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, rental contracts almost always contain a clause that allows the landlord to charge for any damage to the property and for rent that is late or unpaid. The notice must be sent in writing, and the tenant has 30 days to regularize the situation before the landlord can take legal action. Using a formal tone, as in this phrase, signals that the matter is serious and may proceed to court if not resolved.