December 30, 2020 - In: Rooms
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Students place adverts seeking out the perfect room at the perfect price. Finding that perfect room that has everything plus even those little surprises is what we all hope for. Nothing wrong in that, but you do find it, buyer beware.
Make no doubt that as human beings we are always on the quest for something better, something cheaper, someone better, and so on. If we didn't, we wouldn't have evolved to where we are today. Who doesn't like a bargain or great deal?!
Portugal, land of the cheap?
Unfortunately when it comes down to getting a room, especially if you intend to do so from abroad, can get tricky. Make no doubt, you will probably spend hours and hours hunting for that ultimate space, flat, room that has everything, even more so then you have at home, and at the monthly price of a good evening out. Wow, after all, Porto, or Portugal is the poorest (or it was for a while) country of Western Europe, so yea, prices should be like hundred euros a month... An expresso still goes for 60 cents in some places, so a room, not more than a 150, right?
Not anymore. Prices for room and board have risen to new modest levels ever since the boom from foreign students hit Portugal. The demand is much higher than the offer, hence prices have risen. Nonetheless, prices in Porto are still way below Lisbon and most neighboring Euro countries. Porto is a great city, facing the Atlantic, which is home to great surf, beaches galore, a great nightlife, and most of all, highly rated university exchange programs. So all this has a cost. More demand, higher prices. Foreign visitors are still lucky when they can easily go out for lunch and spend 10-15e on a decent meal with wine.
As a landlord, I have heard sad stories about how people were scammed or fooled. The title of this article means to send a message to those seeking out the cheapest rooms. They are out there, maybe old, smelly, uncomfortable, noisy, car noise and pollution penetrating the walls. Landlords that may keep your deposit if you leave early or if he feels like it because you left earlier then expected or because you stayed 10 days into the month, so he'll keep the whole month's rent. Of if something breaks that is old, junky or just cheap quality he may keep it for replacement of a new one and the current price that is 10 years old anyway.
O barato sai caro
In Portuguese the term "O barato sai caro" is gold. Literally. So often in life, we regret for the choosing the cheapest thing that later on comes back to haunt us.
Não há Milagres
At Porto Erasmus Rooms, we won't promise to be the cheapest, nor a 5 star hotel. Maybe we are a good 3.5 stars rating with price being 4 stars. That is how we can classify ourselves. You can keep looking for that 5 star room at a 5 star price, but good luck. Another Portuguese term goes "Não há milagres", meaning there are no miracles out there, but keep looking, you might just get lucky. We only charge in 30 day cycles. We don't need a deposit because what are you going to break, cheap IKEA junk? These furniture pieces have a short life. The only thing we will ask is a minimum 15-day notice when you plan to leave. Fair enough?
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.
