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FAQs During Your Stay

1. What are my rights as a tenant?

  • Live with family

The tenant has the right to live with his family (those who live in the same household and/or are the spouse or relatives in a straight line or up to the 3rd degree of collateral) in rent for housing. A tenant can also receive three guests.

  • Small deterioration

For reasons of comfort and indulgence, the tenant can make minor deterioration in the property, such as holes for hanging pictures, television cables or shelves.

  • Urgent repairs on property

If the owner does not undertake urgent nature repairs, the tenant can take the initiative and then be entitled to reimbursement of costs (discounted value in the rent amount by submitting evidence).

  •  Contract Termination

The tenant may terminate the contract before its end, but always respecting the legal term advance indicated in the contact. 

2. What are my responsibilities as a tenant?

  • Paying your rent

Every month the tenant is obliged to timely pay the contracted income, which is updated annually.

  • Pay for the running costs (if not included in the rent amount established with landlord)

Bills concerning the use of public network water, electricity or gas are the responsibility of the tenant.

  • Preserving the property

The tenant must keep the property without ever damaging it. If causing damage (or their relatives and visitors) he has to pay out of his pocket. The tenant should also not carry out works that alter the features of the property. To change the internal or external structure of the property, it is required the written consent of the landlord.

  • Inform the landlord

The tenant has to make the owner know verifiable defects in housing (such as pipes problems, broken glass, electrical problems, etc.).

  • Use effectively the property

The tenant must effectively use the property leased, not leaving it without usage for more than a year, except in cases of proven illness, force majeure, performance of military duties or professional commitments of the tenant, his spouse or partner.

  • Using the property for the purpose it is intended

The property must be used according to its purpose (residential or non-residential). The lessee cannot for example rent an office to dwell on it.

  • Authorize inspection

If the landlord asks to check the rented property, the tenant must allow inspection by the lessor or by a person authorized by him, provided that the day and time are previously set.

  • Good neighborhood

In neighborly relations with other owners or tenants of nearby buildings or the same building, the tenant must keep the rules of the condominium and respect the law of the noise. No loud noise is allowed after 10 p.m. 

  • Return the property as you found it

At the end of contract the tenant has to return the property in the same conditions in which it began the contract (including small deteriorations).

3. Where can I request an accommodation proof to deliver at SEF?

You can present a copy of your rental contract or running costs bill (water, electricity, gas) if it is registered under your name, you can also request an address declaration from your local parish (“Junta de Freguesia”), which needs to be signed by three witnesses registered in the parish attesting your residence.

4. If I require useful advice concerning my tenancy agreement where can I go?

The National Immigrant Support Centre (CNAI) in Lisbon provides free advice and support to all foreign citizens living in Portugal, through their Office of Housing Support (GAH). Please find the details below:

CNAI Lisbon
Rua Álvaro Coutinho, 14
1150 - 025 Lisbon
Tel: (+351) 21 810 61 91 (calls from mobile phone and from abroad)
Email address: informacoes@cnai.acidi.gov.pt

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Remark: Due to the high number of Center users, there may be a limit of tokens for certain services.

Transports:
Metro: Green line - "Anjos" or "Intendente" stations
Carris Buses: 12, 30, 60, 708

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