Lisbon Council is not granting any new Alojamento Local licences in five districts of the capital as part of an attempt to stop these areas becoming ‘tourist only’ zones.
According to a Council report, Urban Tourism Study in Lisbon,’ the districts of Alfama, Mouraria e Castelo have been affected with Bairro Alto and Madragoa soon to follow.
Lisbon’s City Council announced on October 4th that it would submit a proposal "to limit the granting of new Alojamento Local (short-term tourist letting) licences."
At the time, Lisbon’s councilor for housing, Paula Marquês, pointed out that limiting licences "is fundamental" and "can be presented immediately" in order to halt the further development of tourism facilities.
The government's short-term lettings Decree Law comes into effect on October 22nd. This allows Councils to decide how many licences will be granted and in which areas.
The legislation provides for the creation of a Council unit to inspect AL properties and act quickly when there are complaints from residents.
Lisbon and Porto are the most affected by the upsurge in short-term 'city break' tourist numbers, more so than in the less frenetic holiday region of the Algarve where there is a more equitable mix of hotels, aparthotels and private accommodation available.
As much as 50% of the AL accommodation provision in the Algarve remains illicit with property owners letting to networks of previous renters and their contacts, the landlord staying well clear of bookings websites which now must carry AL registration numbers.
