Renting in Lisbon

Are you planning to move to Lisbon and wondering how to rent an apartment?

Lisbon is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and it's also a popular destination for tourists and expats. As a result, the rental market can be quite competitive, but don't worry, Rafael and I will highlight some things you need to know before renting an apartment in Lisbon.

Tip 1: Determine your budget and preferred location
Before you start your apartment search, you need to determine your budget and preferred location. Lisbon has many different neighbourhoods, each with its own charm and vibe, but they are all very different, so it's important to research and visit if you can. Make sure to also factor in additional costs like utilities, internet, and transportation. We have a video to highlight some top neighbourhoods to live in Lisbon.

Tip 2: Start your apartment search online or hire professional help
The easiest way to start your apartment search is online. There are many websites and apps that list available apartments in Lisbon, such as Idealista, OLX (which is a Portuguese version of the American Craigslist), and Casa Sapo just to name a few. Then you also have real estate agency's websites like Century21 and ERA, for instance. You can filter your search by location, price, number of bedrooms, and other criteria. It's also a good idea to sign up for email alerts so that you can be notified of new listings that match your criteria.
However, the most important thing here is: don’t email or message, you need to call! This can be a pain point for most people, as you will likely need to make several attempts till you get ahold of the listing agent. This is your best chance of getting a response.

One thing that’s not commonly known is that there are a lot of online listings that are no longer available but are kept online to be used as advertisement for the agent. It’s important to call and check so you don’t have to waste your time.

Another option is to hire professionals that can help you find a suitable apartment. They may be able to tap into a supply of apartments that are not listed online and can also provide you with more personalized service. You can either contact a real estate agent or hire a company like ours that will work on your behalf.

Tip 3: Requirements for renting an apartment in Lisbon can be arduous.
The requirements to rent an apartment in Lisbon can vary depending on the landlord, the rental agency, and the specific property. However, here are some common requirements that you may need to provide in order to rent an apartment in Lisbon:
Proof of identity: You may be asked to provide a passport or national ID card and your NIF number, which is your fiscal number in Portugal.
Proof of income: Landlords or rental agencies may require proof of income, such as a pay stub or employment contract, to ensure that you have the financial means to pay your rent on time. We’ve even heard that previous tax returns were asked.
Deposit: You will typically be required to pay a deposit, which is usually equal to one to two months' rent. Additional rent payment with the signing of the lease is commonly seen nowadays in this competitive market (for instance the landlord may ask you to pay at least  3 months in advance + plus the deposit).
Guarantor: Some landlords may require a guarantor, who will co-sign the rental contract and be responsible for paying rent if you are unable to do so. This is especially a common request with foreigners and can be extremely difficult for you to get,  but most of the time there are ways to get around this demand.
Duration: Be prepared to sign for a 1 year lease as this is the most common duration for the rental contracts in Portugal.
Timing: Portugal is a landlord’s market and with demand that exceeds many times the inventory available. So when you find the right apartment, you will need to act quick.

Living in Lisbon can be a great experience, but it's important to be prepared and informed before making any decisions.

Até já,

Mia and Rafael