April 26, 2021
When you move into your first rental away from home, especially if it is abroad, it can be both a daunting and exciting time. Caught up in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to make rash decisions without properly thinking things through thoroughly thus choosing price over everything else. When it comes to choosing a landlord and student rental, you want to be sure you’ve made the right choice.
Why is it Important to Have a trusting Landlord?
Choosing a Good Landlord For Your Student Accommodation In Porto –
We’ve all heard the horror stories – spy cameras, dangerously outdated appliances, landlords who take weeks to answer vital messages… not what you want to deal with on your first experience as a tenant especially if it is abroad. While these nightmare situations can happen, there are still things to be wary of. Tricky tenant agreements can also cause you problems in the long term, as can landlords who turn out to be less than honest and try to hand you a large bill when you move out.
Having a good landlord means you will feel safe and secure in your rented home. If anything goes wrong, you know who to call and that they’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Having a friendly, easy relationship makes communication easier, and your stay a carefree one.
A Well-Known Choice
A good way to ensure you’ve chosen a good landlord is to pick a well-known choice. If you opt for an established company that’s been around for years and you recognise the name of, the experience is far more likely to be above board than if you go for a random mom and pop owner. Knowing which home owners are popular in a local area can be tricky if you aren’t from around there, but there are ways to find out that information. Look up local listings of landlords and see which names appear again and again to know which companies have a vibrant presence.
Responsible and Professional
You might meet a private landlord who seems very laid back and down-to-earth and view this as a good thing. Having a landlord who says ‘we don’t need to worry with all that paperwork’ might seem like a perk, but actually, avoiding vital documentation is unprofessional and could cause you trouble later on. Don’t be fooled by overly friendly landlords who promise the earth, or who flagrantly violate rules by saying you’re allowed to smoke in the house or other things that might seem like benefits. When you meet your landlord or estate agent, while they should be friendly, they should also be professional, be able to answer your questions and come across as knowledgeable, and to take your application to rent seriously.
Accredited Company
When it comes to being a landlord, there are rules and regulations that companies must adhere to. This goes for private landlords as well as big companies, and the accreditation they’ve received will be a good indicator of the quality on offer.
Fair and Just
You want a landlord who’s going to take things seriously but not hold you accountable for things that aren’t your fault. Sometimes things go wrong in student rentals – stains on the carpet, broken furniture, etc – and you want a landlord you can trust to be fair in all their dealings with you, and not use an accident as an excuse to bill you for more than a just amount. If another tenant moves out early, some unscrupulous landlords would ask you to cover the rent, so it’s best to find a trustworthy landlord who deals with each tenant on an individual basis.
Offering Decent Properties
No good landlord would offer a rental property that was below standard. If you view a home that’s dirty, outdated, cramped or unsatisfactory to live in, you can be sure that the landlord renting it is one to avoid. All decent landlords will make sure their properties are of the best possible standard, and will certainly make sure the house is in a good condition for any viewings.
Summary
One of the best ways to tell what a landlord will truly be like is to speak to or read recommendations of the customers who’ve dealt with them before and having a good track record.
We offer a personal and friendly service which ensures a stress-free approach to letting our outstanding value for money homes, with an immediate response to any issue.
To read recent reviews from tenants at Porto Erasmus Rooms Reviews.
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.
