01
Written contract
Ask for and read the contract before paying. Check the address, rent, duration, deposit, included expenses and the parties' identities.
HABITAÇÃO
Before handing over money for a home, verify everything.
Renting is an area where urgency can expose migrants to scams. Contract terms, landlord identity, receipts, address and property conditions should be checked carefully.
What you need to know
Start with the essentials
02
Rent receipts
The Tax Authority states that landlords must issue a receipt when receiving rent, deposits or advance payments; there are lawful exemptions from the electronic format, but payments without evidence should not become routine.
03
Address evidence
Keep the contract, receipts and supporting documents. They may be relevant for tax address, administrative procedures and proof of residence.
04
Rental support
The Housing Portal maintains programmes such as Porta 65 Jovem and Porta 65+. Porta 65 Jovem is generally aimed at young people aged 18–35, with specific couple and eligibility rules.
Important: Do not transfer a deposit or several months' rent just because you received photos, an identity document by message or a promise to “hold” the property. Verify that the property exists and that the person has authority to rent it.
Confirm before acting
Rent receipts — Tax Authority ↗Porta 65 Jovem ↗
Porta 65+ ↗
Requirements and channels can change. Check the official source at the time you act.
Continue from here
Common problems
If something goes wrong with a rental
Start with the specific problem and keep evidence from day one.
01
The landlord does not issue a receipt
Keep the contract and payment records. The Tax Authority states that, as a rule, landlords must issue a receipt when receiving rent, a deposit or an advance, although some legal exemptions from electronic receipts exist.
Check the Tax Authority source ↗02
They ask for money before showing the property
Do not treat photos, an ID copy or messages as proof that someone is entitled to rent the property. Confirm the property exists, who is renting it and the terms before transferring money.
03
The deposit is not returned
Compare the contract, inventory, move-in and move-out photos and payment records. Ask in writing for the reason for any deduction and keep every reply.
04
You want to leave the property
Check the contract for duration, renewal and notice rules. Do not simply leave or stop paying based only on an informal conversation; confirm the procedure that applies to your contract.