If you are considering renting a home, it is crucial to be well informed about the documents and procedures required.
Required documentation
Before signing a lease, ask the landlord for the following documents:
- Land registry certificate (certidão predial): to check for any charges or encumbrances, such as attachments.
- Property tax record (caderneta predial): detailed tax information on the property.
- Use licence (licença de utilização): confirmation of the lawful use of the property.
- Energy certificate: assessment of the property’s energy efficiency.
- Fire insurance: compulsory insurance protecting against fire risks.
- Landlord’s identification: documents confirming the landlord’s identity.
If you choose to rent through an estate agency, these administrative matters will be handled by the agent.
Property viewings
To book and carry out a viewing, you do not need to provide documents such as your tax return. Requiring such documentation at this stage is inappropriate and intrusive, as viewing the property does not imply any contractual commitment.
Assessment of financial capacity
Once you decide to go ahead with the rental, the landlord may ask for your tax return or payslips to assess your financial ability to pay the rent.
Lease contract
The contract must be in writing and include:
- Identification of the landlord and tenant (names, civil ID and tax numbers).
- The landlord’s address or registered office.
- Identification and location of the property.
- Purpose of the contract (residential).
- Number and date of the use licence.
- Rent amount, payment date and method.
- Details of rent paid in advance and the deposit, if applicable.
- Duration of the contract and termination conditions.
- Rent update criteria.
If the home is rented furnished, a detailed inventory of the items and their condition should be attached to the contract.
Deposits, advance rent and guarantors
- Deposit: serves as a guarantee to cover potential damage and may not exceed two months’ rent. It must be returned at the end of the contract, unless it is agreed that it will be used to pay the last months.
- Advance rent: up to two months’ rent may be agreed in advance.
- Guarantors: responsible for paying the rent in the event of default. They must be notified by the landlord if there are payment delays.
Rent receipts are generally issued electronically and can be viewed on the Tax Portal (Portal das Finanças).
Contact us to find out more.
