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We’ve all heard the horror stories – spy cameras, dangerously outdated appliances, landlords  who take weeks to answer vital messages… not what you want to deal with on your first experience as a tenant especially if it is abroad.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.



How to Get Residency in Portugal With the Help of Your Landlord and a Declaração de Alojamento


Establishing legal residency in Portugal is a milestone for anyone planning to build a life in the country—whether for work, study, retirement, or simply the desire to enjoy Portugal’s famously high quality of life. One of the most important requirements in the residency process is proving your address. For many newcomers, especially those renting a room or staying in informal housing arrangements, this is where the landlord’s cooperation becomes essential.

A Declaração de Alojamento—a simple but powerful document—can make the difference between a smooth residency application and a bureaucratic dead end.

🏠 What Is a Declaração de Alojamento?

A Declaração de Alojamento is an official statement signed by your landlord (or the person legally responsible for the property) confirming that you live at their address. It is commonly used when:

  • You do not yet have a formal rental contract
  • You are staying in a room or shared accommodation
  • You are living with friends or family
  • Your rental contract is not registered with the tax authority

This declaration is accepted by Portuguese authorities such as SEF/AIMA, the local Junta de Freguesia, and the tax office as proof of residence.

Why You Need It for Residency

To apply for residency in Portugal—whether through AIMA, the Junta de Freguesia, or the tax office—you must show proof of address. Authorities want to confirm that you have a stable place to live in the country.

A valid address is required for:

  • Getting your NIF (tax number)
  • Registering with the Junta de Freguesia
  • Applying for AIMA residency permits
  • Enrolling in public healthcare (SNS)
  • Opening a bank account
  • Signing up for utilities

If you don’t have a formal lease, the Declaração de Alojamento becomes your lifeline.

What the Landlord Must Provide

A proper Declaração de Alojamento typically includes:

  • Full name of the landlord
  • Their Portuguese ID or passport number
  • Full address of the property
  • Your full name and passport number
  • A statement confirming you live at the address
  • The date you moved in
  • The landlord’s signature

Some municipalities also require:

  • A copy of the landlord’s ID
  • A copy of the property’s caderneta predial (property registration)
  • Proof that the landlord owns or legally rents the property

The landlord may sign the declaration at home, but some Juntas de Freguesia require them to sign it in person.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Declaration to Get Residency

1. Request the Declaration From Your Landlord

Most landlords are familiar with the process. Explain that you need it for residency and that it does not create legal obligations for them beyond confirming your stay.

2. Register the Declaration at the Junta de Freguesia

Take the signed document to your local Junta. They may:

  • Stamp it
  • Issue an official Atestado de Residência (residence certificate)

This certificate is often required by AIMA.

3. Use the Certificate for Your Residency Application

Once you have the Atestado de Residência, you can submit it as proof of address when applying for:

  • Residency permits
  • Family reunification
  • Student visas
  • Work visas
  • EU citizen registration

4. Keep Copies for Future Bureaucracy

You’ll need proof of address repeatedly in Portugal, so having extra copies saves time.

Why the Landlord’s Cooperation Matters

Portugal’s residency system is strict about documentation. Without a rental contract or a landlord’s declaration, many foreigners find themselves stuck—unable to move forward with their residency, tax registration, or even basic services.

A supportive landlord can make the entire process smoother by:

  • Signing the declaration
  • Providing property documents
  • Accompanying you to the Junta if required

This cooperation is often the key to unlocking the rest of your legal integration in Portugal.

Final Thoughts

Getting residency in Portugal doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right documents—and a landlord willing to help—you can navigate the system confidently. The Declaração de Alojamento is a simple but essential tool that bridges the gap between informal housing arrangements and formal residency requirements.

If you’re planning to settle in Portugal, building a good relationship with your landlord and understanding this declaration can save you time, stress, and unnecessary complications.