This guide is designed to help you ask better questions, organise evidence and know when professional or official confirmation is needed. Requirements and individual circumstances can change, so use the dated official sources at the end.
1. Verify before you pay
Treat urgency and unusual payment instructions as risk signals.
Confirm the advertiser’s identity and authority to let the property. View the actual home or arrange a live, address-specific video viewing with a trusted representative. Compare the name on the contract and payment account with the evidence supplied.
Ask what documentation will be provided, what utilities and furniture are included, and whether any condominium or building rules affect daily life. Never treat a copied identity document alone as proof that someone controls a property.
Do not send a deposit merely to secure a viewing or because another applicant is said to be waiting. Require clear written terms and independently verify payment instructions.
2. Understand every move-in cost
Rent, security deposit and advance rent serve different purposes.
Request a written breakdown of monthly rent, security deposit, advance rent, utilities, parking, furnishings and any lawful service costs. The contract should say when each amount is due, how it can be used and the process for returning any deposit.
Keep proof of every payment. Ask for electronic rental receipts where the landlord is required to issue them and make sure the payment description identifies the month or purpose.
- Budget connection or transfer costs for utilities
- Clarify who pays condominium-related operating charges
- Do not leave deposit-return conditions verbal
3. Read the entire contract
Names, dates, property and money should be unambiguous.
Check the parties, tax or identification details, exact property, permitted use, start date, duration, renewal, rent, payment method, deposit, advance rent, notice, repairs, pets, subletting, furniture, utilities and communication addresses.
Ask an independent adviser about any clause you do not understand, especially guarantees, early departure, automatic renewal or responsibility for works. Record agreed repairs and completion dates in writing rather than relying on a viewing conversation.
- Receive a signed copy before or when paying
- Attach the inventory and condition schedule
- Record all keys and access devices
4. Create a strong handover record
The first and last day of the tenancy are easier with evidence.
Walk room by room with the inventory. Take date-stamped photographs and video of walls, floors, appliances, furniture, outdoor areas and existing damage. Photograph water, electricity and gas readings and confirm how accounts will be transferred.
During the tenancy, report repairs promptly in writing and keep messages, receipts and access arrangements together. Before leaving, agree the inspection, return of keys, final readings and the process for reconciling the deposit.
- Test appliances and hot water
- Record mould or moisture immediately
- Keep a single tenancy document folder
Practical checklist
Warning signs worth investigating
Deposit demanded before a real viewing
Payment account is unrelated to the contracting party
Advert details change during negotiation
No written contract or receipt is offered
Landlord refuses an inventory or condition record
Check the current position
CasaCerta uses primary Portuguese sources wherever possible. Open the source and confirm that it still applies to your transaction and circumstances.
Justice · Citizen access guideOfficial practical introduction to renting and deposits.Tax Authority · Rental FAQsContracts, electronic rent receipts and rental income.SCE · Energy certificatesCheck the certificate stated for a rental.CasaCerta provides decision-support information. It does not replace a current title search, municipal confirmation, legal opinion, tax assessment, structural survey, mortgage offer or advice tailored to your circumstances.