Explanatory guides and reference notes covering the key areas of Portuguese rental self-management — available here as an introduction to the topics we cover in depth during the workshop.
The materials on this page are educational introductions to areas of Portuguese rental law. They are not legal advice and do not constitute legal advice for specific situations. For complex or disputed matters, consult a qualified advogado. These resources complement — but do not replace — the full workshop programme.
The New Urban Rental Regime (NRAU — Novo Regime do Arrendamento Urbano) is the primary legislative framework governing residential tenancies in Portugal. This guide explains the key provisions that affect self-managing landlords: contract types, duration options, renewal rights, and rent update mechanisms.
Portuguese law places specific constraints on what landlords may ask of prospective tenants and what information they may use in selection decisions. This guide outlines the permitted scope of tenant evaluation — documents, income questions, and the anti-discrimination provisions that apply — and suggests a structured approach to the process.
This guide explains the two main obligations Portuguese landlords have through the Portal das Finanças: registering the lease with the Autoridade Tributária and issuing monthly electronic rent receipts (recibos de renda). It describes what each obligation involves, the relevant timelines, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Security deposit rules in Portugal are specific — covering the maximum amount, how the deposit must be documented, and the conditions under which deductions are legally permissible. This guide explains the legal framework and the importance of property condition records as evidence in any deposit dispute.
The Código Civil establishes the framework for maintenance responsibilities in Portuguese tenancies. This guide explains the distinction between structural maintenance (landlord) and ordinary upkeep (tenant), identifies the grey areas, and suggests how to communicate responsibilities clearly at the start of a tenancy to reduce the likelihood of disputes.
When a tenant stops paying rent, the correct procedure matters. This guide outlines the sequence: formal notice requirements, the Balcão Nacional do Arrendamento (BNA) administrative route, and the procedimento especial de despejo. It clarifies what landlords can handle without legal representation and where professional advice becomes necessary.
A reference glossary of the key terms and institutions that appear in Portuguese rental law — for landlords who encounter these terms and want to understand what they mean in practice.
Novo Regime do Arrendamento Urbano — the New Urban Rental Regime. The primary legislative framework governing residential and commercial tenancies in Portugal, established by Lei n.º 6/2006 and subsequently amended.
The Urban Rental Law — the body of legislation that regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants in Portugal, covering contract formation, duration, rent, maintenance, and termination.
The online portal of the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) — Portugal's tax authority. Landlords use it to register leases and issue electronic rent receipts (recibos de renda).
An electronic rent receipt issued through the Portal das Finanças. Portuguese landlords are required to issue these monthly. They serve as proof of rent payment for both parties and are used in the landlord's annual tax declaration.
The National Rental Counter — a specialised administrative body that handles certain rental disputes, including the procedimento especial de despejo (special eviction procedure) for non-payment of rent.
The special eviction procedure available to landlords in Portugal for cases of non-payment or other lease violations. It is faster than ordinary civil proceedings and is administered through the BNA before any judicial involvement.
Portugal's Civil Code — the foundational body of civil law that governs contracts, property, and obligations. The maintenance responsibilities of landlords and tenants are defined within its provisions on lease contracts.
The Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority — the body responsible for administering tax law in Portugal. Landlords interact with the AT primarily through the Portal das Finanças for lease registration and rent receipt obligations.
These resources introduce the topics. The workshop covers them in full — with practical exercises, templates, and the opportunity to ask questions specific to your situation.