Including utilities such as water, electricity and internet can sometimes cause friction amongst communal housing
Including bills in rent or not, is what we will discuss here.
Most tenants will ask to have bills included in their rent payments. It makes it easier to budget, no doubt. If each individual paid bills in the house, that could become a big problem in the household because this would put each person pitting against the other if and when bills were divided.
In this article, I will try to go into detail about the pros and cons of each side of the coin.
What bills are we talking about?
Bills usually consist of water and electricity, which usually include heating and hot water, as well as the internet. To most landlords, the internet is a fixed cost, so no matter how much data you use, the price is the same. But other bills such as water and electricity can prove to be a big headache for most landlords, which is based on the usage of each individual. And this usage, depending on the person, can be responsible, normal usage, or excessive usage, such as taking extra long showers, using the washing machine every day for one or two garments, and leaving the heater on endlessly in the winter without care for the landlord or for the parents that are paying the bills.
This fall in 2023 a letter to each tenant will be sent regarding energy usage:
Dear Guest,
As we approach one of the meanest winters of this century concerning energy bills, I wanted to reach out to each one of you.
Upon home visits, I have seen firsthand, how some of you use the washing machine with just a few garments inside on 3-hour cycles... I have also seen from the street how some of you leave lights on and are not even at home. I have also seen how you use heaters, leaving the doors sometimes open and going to the kitchen for a meal… The rest, I can only guess…
This winter will be a test, a test to see whether it is economically feasible, the home you are at, stays on the market for short-term rentals with bills included. Some may think “why should I care, I am going home in 3 months, and I´m paying with bills included, right”? Well to answer that, there are your friends and classmates that may come to Porto and not find a room, and/or the price will be so high, it will be unrealistic. I remind you again, this is not a hotel nor Airbnb situation or you would be paying AT LEAST 4-5 times more...
It is my goal here to shed some light on the energy crisis and give you some tips:
- Washing Machine: Use cold or warm water, shorter cycles, and with a full load.
- Take shorter showers.
- Brushing your teeth or shaving: Turn off the water in between.
- Dress appropriately: wear sweaters and sweats at home and only use the heater when needed. Your skin will thank you.
- Ask for extra blankets and I will get you.
- If you see a light on, turn it off.
- Never leave your heater unattended.
And finally, if there is a spike in energy costs, over the previous averages, be prepared to pay extra.
If you have any ideas to improve energy efficiency in your room or home, let me know.
In the end, as landlord, I prefer to include the bills for various reasons. Firstly, if bills were not included, it would put the housemates at each other. They will ultimately argue with each other, for instance, one who always has the heater on while the other doesn’t even like using the heater at all. Or there is the one that traveled for 3 weeks last month and still has to share the bills with everyone else. That person will feel that the system is unfair. Then there will be those that ultimately argue with the landlord over maybe a 5 euro surcharge because maybe it was miscalculated on his part or the meter count was misread. It basically comes down to there being friction in the air. Thus it is preferable that everyone has their bills included in the rent, so long is there is reasonable usage, which can be compared to previous years.
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.
