A new discussion has opened on housing problems, in large cities, based on the assumption that there is an excess of Alojamento Local (free-for-all) with short duration rentals, in the historic centres. The Government, therefore, accepts the creation of laws to regulate the local leasing market.
In the political discussion the following proposals were launched by the parties:
1. The owner must request prior authorisation from the condominium to commence rental activity
2. Revokation of Alojamento Local license (license to rent out) - in case of repeated complaints from the joint owners - which implies the creation of a municipal supervision office to withdraw licenses and to prove the recurrence of infractions
3. To limit the holiday accommodation to 90 days per year
4. To limit the number of ALs allowed by each owner, proposing that in every four lodgings, one needs to be used for long-term lease
5. Hostels should return to the regime of “Empreendimentos Turísticos” - Touristic Developments
Luís Lima, president of APEMIP, states that "it is naive to think that by changing the AL laws, owners will direct their assets to the long-term rental market." He doesn’t agree with some proposals for limiting those who have already invested in purchasing a property and suggests:
1. An increase in the amount paid by the owner who rents out (as condominium expenses) to compensate for any inconvenience created
2. Creation of compulsory multi-risk insurance for housing to cover possible damage to common areas
3. The requirement of the signing of a term of responsibility for each guest to respect operating rules and any fines to be applied to non-compliant parties
Casas do Barlavento considers that the real impact of short-term leasing must be understood before limiting its activity. To realise that in places like the Algarve there has always been this type of accommodation which co-exists in a balanced way with the hotel market. The origin of this issue may be misguided if you think that it was AL which helped economic recovery and boosted urban rehabilitation.
About Casas do Barlavento - Real Estate Algarve
Casas do Barlavento is a real estate agent in the Algarve (for 15 years), Portugal created for the purpose of helping clients achieve their goal, whether it is to buy a property, rent a property or put their property for sale. Knowing that every client has their own requirements we listen carefully and consider all their needs and preferences.
The success of the whole process is based on the trust the clients place in us. We believe that one of the key points to our success is understanding the clients’ wishes. Our objective, as a company, is to have a happy and productive team and close successful real estate deals, but above all, have a client that is pleased with their decision. We enjoy what we do – and it is important to us that you enjoy doing business with us!
Note: Our Company is licensed by InCI (AMI-5486) and is also a member of APEMIP (Association of Real Estate Professionals and Companies in Portugal).
W: http://www.casasdobarlavento.com/
E:info@casasdobarlavento.com
T: +351 282 780 870
