A Fresh Start
Welcoming Fall 2022
3 years. Are we back to “normal?”
The world was plagued by Covid, which we hope is far behind us. 3 years ago we started the school year in 2019, all optimistic about what lay ahead. Then around Christmas time, we start hearing about this virus in China and hospitals being built in no time, and the world wondered about what is it and what the heck is going on?!
Then crisis struck. Students that had just arrived for their spring semester in February 2020 were the unlucky ones, having just landed, realized that they would now have to remain indoors for the time being until further notice. Airports were closed and airlines grounded their fleets. Parents worried like crazy. It all seemed surreal. It was surreal!
As a landlord, I didn’t quite know what to tell people what to do. How could I know? No one knew. There was such contradicting research. Some students were wanting to go home but couldn’t and others thought they would ride it out here in Porto. Some students returned home, but kept their rooms because there was hope that it would all be over in a flash…
Well, here we are, about 30 months later. And now everyone is thrilled to be FREE again! Aren´t we all?! Everyone wants to move on with their lives and we all have the right to! Students, mostly foreign exchange, are getting ready to flock to Portugal to do their foreign exchange program, via Erasmus. Others are just looking to come here for the sun, surf, and party life. Whatever the reason, all are welcome.
There has been an avalanche of room inquiries and bookings have been record-breaking and we haven’t even reached September yet when most students begin their planning for the upcoming semester. Unfortunately, these students will not have much to choose from in terms of rooms. Everything filled up quickly this year, in our case, by July, give or take a few that have had to leave or had a change of plans.
Inflation Crisis
One unfortunate event for 2022, was the war in Ukraine. This brought about higher energy costs and overall higher costs, hence, inflation. Inflation is on the rise and this has brought about some adversity for some. Rents have soared, something as a landlord, I try to control and keep at competitive rates. Nonetheless, given the present situation, energy and utility prices are up for us quite a bit, and this cost has to be passed on to the consumer.
And even when the war ends (we all hope for soon), bills and inflation will continue high, which means rent prices will probably stay at this new level. This makes it harder for lower-income tenants to be able to afford to live in Portugal. It may be a shot in the foot for everyone doing business in Portugal if there is not some easing up on costs from all participating industries.
Putting the negative economic aspect aside, let’s look forward to a great school year in 2022/2023, and welcome everyone to Porto. As a landlord, I ask you all to keep in mind, safety first above all else. I am always here to assist you or help in any way I can, both on a professional or friendly level.
Why Living With the Landlord Isn’t Always the Best Idea When Renting a Room
Renting a room in someone’s home can seem like a practical, budget‑friendly solution—especially in competitive housing markets. On paper, it offers lower rent, fewer upfront costs, and a more “homey” environment. But once you look beyond the surface, sharing a living space with the landlord often comes with complications that many renters don’t anticipate. What feels like a simple arrangement can quickly turn into a situation where boundaries blur, privacy shrinks, and the power dynamic becomes uncomfortably one‑sided.
Below are some of the most common reasons why living with the landlord may not be the ideal setup.
1. Your Privacy Is Limited by Default
Even with the most respectful landlord, you’re still living in their home. That means:
They may feel entitled to know where you are, what you’re doing, or who you bring over.
You might feel watched or judged simply because they’re always around.
Everyday activities—cooking, relaxing, having guests—can feel monitored.
Privacy is one of the biggest sacrifices in this arrangement, and it’s often underestimated until you’re already living there.
2. The Power Dynamic Is Unequal
When your landlord is also your housemate, the balance of power is inherently skewed:
They set the rules, and you’re expected to follow them.
They may enforce “house norms” that aren’t written in the rental agreement.
Disagreements can feel risky because they control your housing.
This imbalance can make it difficult to advocate for yourself, request repairs, or negotiate anything without worrying about jeopardizing your living situation.
3. Boundaries Can Be Blurry or Inconsistent
In a typical rental, the relationship is clear: you’re the tenant, they’re the landlord. But when you share a home:
The line between “tenant” and “guest” can get fuzzy.
Landlords may treat the arrangement casually—until it suits them not to.
You may be expected to adapt to their lifestyle, routines, or preferences.
This lack of structure can create tension, especially if expectations weren’t clearly defined from the start.
4. Social Compatibility Isn’t Guaranteed
Even if the landlord seems friendly during the viewing, living together is a different story. You might discover:
They’re more controlling than they appeared.
Their habits clash with yours—noise, cleanliness, schedules, pets, etc.
They expect more social interaction than you’re comfortable with—or none at all.
Unlike choosing a roommate, you don’t get equal say in shaping the household dynamic.
5. You May Have Less Freedom in Your Own Home
Many landlords impose restrictions that wouldn’t exist in a standard rental, such as:
No guests or overnight visitors
Limited kitchen use
Curfews or “quiet hours” that suit their lifestyle
Restrictions on heating, laundry, or shared spaces
These rules can make you feel like you’re living in someone else’s space rather than your own home.
6. Conflicts Become Personal Very Quickly
In a normal rental, issues are handled professionally. When you live with the landlord:
Small annoyances can escalate because you see each other constantly.
There’s no buffer between personal and contractual disagreements.
You may feel pressure to avoid conflict entirely, even when something is unfair.
This can create a tense or uncomfortable atmosphere that affects your daily life.
7. Moving Out Can Be Awkward or Stressful
Ending the arrangement isn’t as simple as returning keys. You’re leaving someone’s home, and that can lead to:
Emotional reactions
Awkwardness during the notice period
Pressure to stay longer or leave sooner
Potential disputes over deposits or damages
The personal nature of the relationship can make the transition more complicated than it needs to be.
Final Thoughts
Living with a landlord can work for some people, especially if the landlord is respectful, boundaries are clear, and expectations are aligned. But for many renters, the loss of privacy, the unequal power dynamic, and the potential for conflict outweigh the financial benefits.
A home should be a place where you feel comfortable, autonomous, and free to live your life. When you share that space with the person who controls your tenancy, achieving that balance becomes much harder.
If you’re considering this type of rental, go in with your eyes open—and don’t underestimate the value of having a space that’s truly your own.
