Searching for an apartment online in Porto can feel overwhelming

Is it possible to bargain on rent prices in Portugal?

Absolutely! Negotiating is worth a try. In Lisbon it may be harder, but in Porto it is possible to negotiate the monthly rental down a few euros. Winter is the best time to negotiate in summer the price tends to rise. If you have planned to rent an apartment in Porto, it is best to look for a new home between October and February.

Lack of Contracts In Portugal

Many landlords refuse to offer a rental contract for fear of declaring the rental income and paying a 28% tax. This method is not only illegal, it also allows tenants to be hold in a powerlessness position. But without a contract, renters are not protected from sudden increases in rent, and there is no assurance that they will get their deposit back. International renters might also require a signed lease to get a resident permit. When they do, landlords frequently pass on the 28% tax to the tenants as an add-on to rent. Rent will be somewhat higher thanks to this, but tenants will have legal protection, and their rights will be guaranteed.

Tenant Rights & Long-term rent

It’s important to sign a legal contract so your rights as a tenant are covered under Portuguese law. Portugal presents some of Europe’s strongest tenant protections and most of them lean toward tenant interest rather than landlord interest to ensure a secure housing. There are special provisions to protect older tenants and those with disabilities. Tenants, for instance aged 65 or older or disabled, who have been in residence at a property for more than 15 years cannot be evicted, and landlords must renew their leases.

Laws also protect tenants when extensive renovations are necessary. Landlords are required to offer temporary accommodation in the locality to their tenants in such cases. Moreover, tenants are entitled to live with their relatives in the degree of line or partner, as well as inviting three additional guests at any moment. Commercial Landlord harassment or discrimination is illegal and landlords are held accountable for any harassing or discriminatory behavior.

Rental Contracts in Porto

What do I need for a rental agreement? To enter into a tenancy agreement (Contrato de Arrendamento) - you must have your NIF (fiscal number) and identity papers.
The terms and condition stipulate the responsibilities and privileges of the two parties, and generally cover such aspects as:

• Landlord Details: Name, Gender, Date of birth, Nationality, Marital statusTenant Details: Name, Gender, Date of birth, Nationality, Marital status
• The street address of the property you are renting
• License number and date for the apartment
• The monthly rental figure and date of payment, and any stipulations for rent increases (in the absence of an agreement, the increase will be parallel to the inflation rates).
• Rental agreements are invariably in Portuguese, so I highly suggest you hire an interpreter. Whether you own a translation tool on your phone, or you have ever wondered, is a French birth certificate translated

Renting Deposits and Guarantors in Porto

Porto landlords generally ask for one or two months of deposit to serve as a warranty against possible damage to the property. There’s no legally mandated deadline for the return of this deposit in the U.K. after the end of tenancy, as there is in some other European countries. What’s more, many landlords will demand a guarantor, or fiador. A guarantor is another person who is financially responsible for your rent if you cannot pay for it. They must prove they are a Portuguese resident who is over the breadline and can usually do this by showing tax records or pay slips. If you can’t afford a guarantor, you might have to offer 6 to 12 months of rent upfront instead. For example, a €750-a-month apartment could command a €9,000 up-front cost. An alternative solution is to provide a guarantee through banks in Portugal against a payment through "Garantia Bancária".

What it is Like to Move Out of a Rented Apartment in Portugal

In Portugal, rental contracts can contain clauses that permit tenants to break the lease early (typically after a third of the rental term has expired) depending on the specifics in the contract. However, we at Zipple advocate when vacating a rented property it’s wise to follow the law. If there are more than 12 months remaining on your contract, you must give at least 120 days’ notice. For anyone on an agreement with less than 12 months left, 60 days will do. Tenants can also end their lease if the landlords are breaking the contract in any way. On the other hand, landlords do have the right to request tenants vacate for their own personal reasons, such as by needing to move into the residence themselves, but they also must supply sufficient notice. Schedule a call with us!