November 3, 2021
When looking for your room, there are certain considerations to take into account and we will give you some tips on what to look for.
To begin with, like in all real estate decisions, the location should be your first thought that comes to mind when thinking about renting a room.
When choosing Porto as your destination, there are some differences to consider. For instance, some party animals will want to live close to the center where all the action and night life goes on. However, when choosing a place downtown, expect the place to be older, noisier, and more expensive. Should you pay premium price just to be close to the action?
Fortunately Porto, is a big, but small city. You can get from one end of town to the other, depending on the hour, in 15 minutes, if you go through city streets. Yet, Porto is big enough to feel that you are in one of the most sought out Euro cities, at the moment, for both tourists and students.
The other option is to seek out a place near the university as that will be your place of "work". However, if you want to stay next to the university section of Porto, called the "Polo Universitário", expect to also pay higher rents. But here it may be justifiable, especially to your parents, that you want to be near the university to save on time and transportation, which is acceptable to the sponsoring parents. Here we offer the
Pires de Lima Home
and
Diogo Cão Home, both located nearby and with various means of transportation lines.
Finally we have the residencial areas of Foz do Douro and Matosinhos Sul, which are where most Porto (Portuenses) people want to live. It is the upscale part of Porto, near the beaches, and U. Catolica. Here we offer the Tanger Home, which is best suited for students from Catolica, where perhaps 80% of the students are for this university.
Other things should be considered, such as the bills, are they included? If not, how is the calculation made? Do I have to pay for my colleagues when I am away? They´re always here, why should I pay an equal amount? How about security deposit? Will the landlord try stiffing me when I leave with fake bills? Not with us, we don't take security deposits. Why should we? If we all play by the rules, then things should run smoothly. It's only when people start to sway away from the rules is when things begin to veer off course. Read the our reviews to get an idea about our services and being a trustworthy entity.
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.
