The Human Side of Business
"Thank God", when someone who is ready to become your tenant, especially some of those that are from more religious countries, and they say something like “Thank God for having found you Mr. Greg…” but really meaning it deep down. It's really flattering and rewarding to hear something like that. Those types of comments are what moves me in this business.
Treat people like people, that’s all.
People just want to be treated with dignity and respect. And the housing or room market right now is chaotic and landlords are throwing people out just to a make a few euros. This is bad for business and bad for Porto.
Nothing is Perfect
Nobody is perfect and no business model is perfect. I am always striving to make things better and that the tenants have a benefiting experience from the home they are renting. If they aren’t happy at the home, then they won´t be happy in what they are doing here.
It is my goal as landlord to make you, the tenant as comfortable and enjoy your time while at the home. Of course, no one came to Portugal to just stay at home, and that is good. But everyone needs that place that they need to call home.
Pre-Arrival
Another rewarding side for me is when the new future tenants reach out to me for the first time, sometimes being their first time having to deal with finding a place. You can feel the vibe of excitement in them, coming to Porto, starting their studies, internships, jobs, or whatever it is they are coming for. I am usually one of those first persons from the receiving country (Portugal) which I consider my country now, after being an expat over 25 years in Porto, and being that connection to their near future home.
I will be the one they talk to many times way before they begin their journey, but once they arrive, our engagement slows down and I fade out of the picture, which is a good thing. My duty is to help them settle, then the rest is on each one to make their way in this beautiful and so historical city.
Friendships
I have had the good fortune of having some friendships out of my tenants and that is another great reward of my job. Meeting interesting people, mostly young college students that want to change the world or their country, full of ideas and energy. Although my position is landlord, I do make myself approachable and I am always interested in hearing people's stories or opinions.
May you have a great year ahead of you in 2023.
The Realities of the Rental Market
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.
