10 essential tips for renting in Portugal
10 Essential Tips for Renting a Property in Portugal
1. Know Your Rental Budget (Hidden Costs Exist)
Rent isn’t always the full cost—expect additional expenses such as water, electricity, gas, internet, and condomínio fees (if you're renting an apartment in a shared building). Also factor in higher heating bills during winter, as many homes are poorly insulated.
2. Location, Location, Location!
Consider transport links, local services, internet coverage, and how lively or quiet the area is during different seasons. Coastal towns can be bustling in summer but empty in winter. Rural properties may offer tranquillity, but they often require a car and may lack infrastructure. Where is the nearest supermarket? Walk the whole block to see what’s around!
3. Understand Portuguese Rental Contracts
Long-term rentals should always come with a legal document called a Contrato de Arrendamento. This contract must be registered with Finanças (the Portuguese tax office) to be valid.
Some landlords avoid registration to sidestep taxes. This leaves you exposed legally—and critically, if you’re applying for a visa or residency, such as the D7, Digital Nomad, or Family Reunification routes, you’ll need a registered lease.
No registration = no visa approval.
Ask for:
A signed Contrato de Arrendamento
Confirmation that it will be registered
A receipt or declaration of rent (recibo de renda) from the landlord
A Contrato de Arrendamento should have:
· The Identification information for the landlord and the Tenant (place and date of birth and marital status)
· Location and ID of the leased property
· The purpose of the lease - for example a home for the Tenant
· Details of the occupancy licence (number, date, issuing authority or reference)
· The amount of Rental Income
· The date of the lease
4. Get Your Paperwork Ready Before House Hunting
Landlords and agents may ask for:
Your Portuguese NIF (tax number)
Proof of income (bank statements, pension proof, payslips)
Sometimes a Portuguese guarantor (fiador)
If you don’t have a local job, offering 6 months of rent upfront can help secure a property, especially in competitive areas.
5. Never Rent Without Viewing (or Use a Trusted Contact)
Photos can be deceptive. Always view a property in person if you can—or hire someone independent (like us at Your Casa Care!) to do it for you.
When viewing:
Check for mould, damp, leaks, and thin walls
Listen for neighbourhood noise at different times of day
Test water pressure
Inspect the kitchen—Is there an oven? A proper hob? A fridge/freezer?
Think about how you'll do your laundry—Is there a washing machine? If not, is there a laundrette nearby?
Look at how many plug sockets are in each room (especially kitchens and bedrooms)
Do the windows open?
Does it have Air con and/or heating?
Where will all your stuff go? What storage does it have? It might look nice empty, but visualise what you are bringing with you and where it will go!
6. Rental Prices Are (sometimes) Negotiable
Yes, really! Especially if:
The property has been vacant a while
You’re taking a long-term let
You’re offering to pay multiple months upfront
You can also negotiate on things like furnishings or including bills.
7. Check Transport & Parking
Don’t assume Portugal has brilliant public transport—it doesn’t!
In Lisbon and Porto, parking can be extremely limited
In rural areas, a car is often essential for daily life
Always ask: Is parking included? Is there a bus stop or train nearby?
8. Be Aware: Homes Can Be Cold in Winter
Portuguese homes often lack central heating or insulation.
Ask:
Are there air-con units that heat as well as cool?
Is the property south-facing (gets more winter sun)?
Can you install a pellet burner or wood stove?
9. Understand Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Mobilado = Furnished
Não Mobilado = Can mean completely empty
Don’t assume anything. “Unfurnished” might mean:
No cooker, no fridge
No washing machine
Sometimes even no light fixtures or curtain rails
Always ask exactly what’s included.
10. Be Aware of Rental Scams
Rental scams exist in Portugal, particularly on online platforms like OLX or Facebook Marketplace.
Warning signs:
You're asked to pay before seeing the property
The price seems far too low for the location
There’s no proper Contrato de Arrendamento
The “landlord” claims to be abroad and will “send keys by courier”
Communication is vague, rushed, or pushy
To protect yourself:
Never pay anything before a viewing
Ask for ID and proof of ownership
Use a lawyer or a trusted local service (like us) to check contracts
If in doubt—walk away. No rental is worth getting caught out for
