Your Rental Agent in Portugal: We Find and Secure Your Long-Term Home

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does a rental agent do for me in Portugal?

A rental agent works on your side of the transaction. Most agents you meet in Portugal are paid by the landlord and represent the landlord’s interests, which means their job is to rent out the property, not to find the best home for you. As your rental agent, we search the whole market for you, including listings from many agencies and private owners, pre-select properties that really match your needs, attend viewings, check the property, the landlord and the contract, and negotiate the terms. You have one point of contact who speaks your language and knows the local market, and you avoid the most common and expensive mistakes newcomers make.

How long does it take to find a rental with your help?

In most cases we sign a lease within six to eight weeks of starting the search. In busy markets such as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, good apartments often rent within days, so speed matters: the better prepared your documents and the clearer your priorities, the faster it goes. If you have a fixed moving date, for example because of a visa appointment or a school start, contact us two to three months beforehand so we have enough time.

Can I rent a property in Portugal while I am still abroad?

Yes, and many of our clients do. We organise video viewings in which we walk through the property with you live, show you the street and the surroundings and ask the landlord the questions you would ask. We then handle the application and negotiation, review the contract with you, and the lease can be signed digitally or through a power of attorney. This is particularly common for visa applicants, who need a lease before their consulate appointment.

What does it cost to rent an apartment in Portugal?

Rents depend strongly on the location. Lisbon is the most expensive city, followed by Porto, Cascais and the Algarve coast, while cities such as Braga, Coimbra, Aveiro or Viseu and the interior are considerably cheaper. On top of the rent, you need to budget for the upfront payments, which usually include a deposit and rent in advance, and for utilities, which are rarely included. In your consultation we give you a realistic picture of what your budget can get you in the areas you are considering.

How much do I have to pay upfront?

This depends on the landlord and on your situation. Usually, you pay the first month’s rent, a security deposit and often one or more months of rent in advance. Tenants who do not yet have a Portuguese income or a Portuguese guarantor are frequently asked for more security, for example additional months in advance or a bank guarantee. We know which requests are usual and which are excessive, and we negotiate to keep the upfront amount reasonable.

Do I need a guarantor to rent in Portugal?

Many Portuguese landlords ask for a guarantor (fiador), usually a person resident in Portugal with sufficient income, who is liable if the tenant does not pay. Most newcomers don’t have one. Alternatives are a bank guarantee, additional rent paid in advance, or rental insurance products offered by some providers. We present your application in a way that gives landlords confidence and negotiate an alternative that works for both sides.

Can you help me find a rental that is accepted for my visa?

Yes. For visas such as the D7 or D8, the lease usually has to be for at least twelve months, registered with the tax office and in the name of the applicant. We make sure the contract meets these requirements and that you receive the documents you need. For visa applicants, we also offer a dedicated visa-compliant rental service.

Are apartments for rent in Portugal usually furnished?

It varies. In Lisbon and Porto, many apartments are let furnished, often with a fully equipped kitchen, while unfurnished apartments are more common outside the big cities and for larger homes. Furnished does not always mean ready to live in: the quality ranges from basic to high-end. We tell you in advance what is included, and if you bring your own furniture, we look specifically for unfurnished options.

Are utilities included in the rent?

Usually not. In most long-term rentals, electricity, water, gas and internet are paid by the tenant, either by transferring the existing contracts into your name or by reimbursing the landlord. In some furnished apartments, part of the utilities is included. We clarify this before you sign, and we can help you set up the contracts in your name after you move in.

Do I pay the rent to you or to the landlord?

You pay the rent directly to the landlord, usually by bank transfer to the account stated in the contract. We are your agent, not a collection agency, so your money never passes through us. The landlord must issue an electronic receipt for each rent payment, which you may later need for your tax return. Cash payments are legally possible up to just under €3,000, but a bank transfer is always the safer option.

Can I leave the apartment before the end of the contract?

In a fixed-term lease, you can generally terminate early once a third of the initial term has passed, with written notice: 120 days for leases of one year or more, and 60 days for shorter leases. For a twelve-month lease, that means you can give notice after four months and leave about eight months into the contract. Some contracts include other arrangements, and in special situations, such as a job transfer, landlords may agree to an earlier end. We explain these rules before you sign, so you know your options.

How do rent increases work in Portugal?

Once a year, landlords may increase the rent of an existing contract by up to the coefficient published by the National Statistics Institute, which is 2.24 % for 2026. If a landlord has not increased the rent for three years, the accumulated coefficients can be applied at once, which can lead to a larger one-off increase. Increases are not automatic: they must be communicated to you in writing at least 30 days in advance.

Who do I contact if something breaks in the apartment?

The landlord is responsible for repairs to the property and its structure, so you should notify the landlord in writing as soon as something needs fixing. Small repairs and maintenance arising from normal use are usually the tenant’s responsibility, depending on the contract. If communication with the landlord is difficult, for example because of the language, we remain your point of contact after you move in and help you find a solution.

Do you cover all of Portugal?

Yes. Our rental service covers the whole country, from Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve to smaller cities, the countryside, Madeira and the Azores. Our team is based in Porto, and we work with local partners across the country for viewings.

What happens if I decide not to rent after all?

You can stop the search at any time, without any penalty. The initial service fee covers the work already done and is not refunded, but there are no further costs. If your plans change, for example from renting to buying, we will gladly help you with that too through our buyer’s agent service.