💡 T1, T2, T3 in adverts is the number of bedrooms: T2 is two bedrooms plus a living room.
💡 Landlords are often picky about tenants: briefly tell them about your family and work - it improves your chances.
💡 Usually electricity, water, gas and internet are separate from the rent, and the building charge (condomínio) is often paid by the owner; check.
💡 For a rental they often ask for an employment contract and your recent payslips (recibos de vencimento).
💡 At the start you often pay a deposit (caução) and several months in advance (rendas adiantadas); everything should be set out in the contract.
💡 If you don't have a Portuguese guarantor, landlords sometimes agree to a bigger deposit or several months paid in advance - try to negotiate.
💡 Mobilado - furnished, sem mobília - unfurnished; a kitchen with appliances is called a cozinha equipada.
💡 Arrive on time for viewings and bring your documents: good flats often go to the first reliable tenant.
💡 A tenancy agreement must be in writing; ask for time to read it at home and have it translated - that's normal.
💡 The landlord usually issues an electronic rent receipt (recibo de renda eletrónico) through the Portal das Finanças; you'll need it for your tax return.
💡 A landlord has to arrange visits in advance - they don't come in without your agreement, even if they have a key.
💡 A rent increase has to be notified in writing and comply with the contract and the law - ask for a letter and don't agree straight away.
💡 The notice period for leaving is set out in the contract; it's better to notify in writing and keep a copy.
💡 Photos of the flat on the day you move in and out are your best argument if the landlord doesn't want to return the deposit.
💡 Portuguese buildings have thin walls and floors: it isn't the custom to make noise after 11 pm, and footsteps and furniture are easily heard from below.
💡 It's best to put permission for pets in the contract straight away - that way there won't be disputes later.
💡 Esquentador - a gas water heater, common in Portuguese flats; caldeira - a boiler, termoacumulador - an electric water tank.
💡 If there's a leak, take photos and tell both the neighbour and the landlord: the cost is often covered by home insurance.
💡 Before you agree to a repair, ask the price or an estimate (orçamento) - and the call-out charge too.
💡 If you lack the words, just show them: Olhe, é aqui - "Look, it's here".
💡 Ask for an invoice (fatura) with your NIF - the landlord or the insurer will need it.
💡 First check the fuse box (quadro elétrico): often it's just a breaker (disjuntor) that has tripped.
💡 Mould (bolor) and damp are a common problem in Portuguese flats in winter; airing the rooms and a dehumidifier (desumidificador) help.
💡 Repairmen often give a time window rather than an exact hour - entre as nove e o meio-dia.
💡 For an electricity contract they ask for a NIF, an IBAN and the supply point code (código CPE) - it's on the old bill.
💡 Contract numbers and codes are long - read them out two or three digits at a time, and explain letters with words (P de Porto).
💡 Internet contracts often have fidelização - a commitment of 12-24 months; ask about it before signing.
💡 A big bill often means an estimated bill (estimativa) - give them the real meter reading and the amount will be recalculated.
💡 Planned water cuts for works (obras) are usually announced on a notice in the entrance or on the water company's website.
💡 If you're not at home, you can submit the readings yourself - online or by phone (comunicar a leitura).