If you’re moving to Portugal, you’ll be glad to know that you have lots of options when it comes to purchasing or renting a home. Buying a property is more complicated than renting and usually comes with a lot more paperwork, which is one reason why we would recommend renting, especially if you aren’t sure whether your move will be permanent. There are plenty of apartments, houses and properties to rent if you want to make Portugal your home! Here’s our complete guide covering everything you need to know about renting in Portugal.
Where To Live In Portugal
Portugal’s sunny Meditarranean climate makes it the ideal location for an expat to move to, however it can be difficult to decide where to live, especially if you don’t know much about the country. To help you with your decision, we’ve shortlisted some of the top locations to rent in:
- Lisbon – if you want to live in a lively city to explore, the capital Lisbon is ideal. It is full of culture and is not far from the coastal town of Cascais for those wanting to unwind on the beach.
- Porto – Northern Portugal’s largest city may not be the capital, but it has plenty to offer, with Port houses littered around the city and picturesque buildings around every corner. It also has more affordable properties than the capital.
- The Algarve – partiicularly suitable for British expats with little or no Portuguese knowledge, the Algarve on the south coast is home to many beach resorts and beautiful weather. Rent varies, but the more expensive properties are typically on the coast.
What Is The Average Price Of An Apartment?
Prices for apartments in Portugal vary depending on the location and the size of the apartment. The average price of an apartment per month in Lisbon is between €700 and €1000, while prices in Porto can be slightly lower. The most affordable places to rent are often in the towns and regions less impacted by tourism. Take a look at this article for a more in-depth look at the cheapest places to rent in Portugal.
Of course, if you are eager to live in one of the more expensive areas, such as Lisbon, you can join in with a flat-sharing arrangement, where you are likely to have your own room and access to shared common areas – the cost will depend on the location but is significantly cheaper than renting an entire apartment.
Bear in mind that utility bills are usually not covered in rental prices and it is common for you to pay a rental deposit (usually at least three months rent) at the beginning of your tenancy that is returned to you when the contract ends, provided that the property is left in good condition and you have followed the rules of your contract.
How Do I Get an Apartment In Portugal?
Many renters in Portugal find their home online, on websites such as Spotahome, Idealista and Imovirtuel. It is a good idea to start your search on one of these websites, especially if you are just considering moving to Portugal. They can help you see what you can get with your budget in different parts of Portugal.
However, if you are serious about moving, or are struggling to find a suitable property on one of these online property portals, try meeting with a real estate agent, such as UNU Real Estate Agents, one of our associates at RHJ Law. They can then help you look at several properties at your budget in your desired location. If you know exactly where you want to live, you could negotiate directly with a landlord, however this may be more complicated if you do not speak Portuguese.
Top Tips for Renting in Portugal
- You should always be confident with the contract you sign – check what bills are included, what extra fees you need to pay and what the rules are.
- Take an inventory of the apartment when you begin your tenancy to use in case of a dispute.
- Ask the landlord for more information on the local area, for example if they have any park or restaurant recommendations.
- Similarly you should always ask the landlord for as much information as possible – this may include the location of the fire exit, the fuse box, or the situation with fire alarms.
If you do enter into a dispute with your landlord, you can get advice and support from Associação dos Inquilinos e Condóminos do Norte de Portugal – alternatively, contact us at RHJ Law for legal advice personalised to your situation.
Tenancy Contracts and Rights
You may be worried about what will happen if you do have a dispute with your landlord, but rest assured there is support out there if you need it.
There are also measures in place to protect both tenants and landlords; for example, a landlord must give an appropriate reason and two months notice before terminating a contract. Similarly tenants must give two months notice before leaving a property.
The typical tenancy contract length is at least one year, and it will renew automatically unless ended by either tenant or landlord. You may only sublet if specified in the contract and you can only charge sub-tenants 20% extra on the original rent.
Should you not pay your rent for three months, the landlord may decide to proceed with an eviction after notifying you – if you do find yourself in this situation, it may be a good idea to contact the team at RHJ Law to establish your rights.
