Registration - The registration at the Town Hall and “Turismo de Portugal”, which was made automatically and would give a AL number immediately, it is now subject to a period of 10 working days (or 20, in case of hostels), for possible opposition of the Town Hall. The arguments for opposition by this local government body are: incorrect submission of the request, the course of time on cancelation of a previous registry, unappropriated property license or restricted areas to AL declared by the council. The installation of hostels on buildings, divided in factions, depends on authorization from the condominium meeting. The
condominium meetings on such properties can oppose to the AL activity on a fraction or fractions, by simple majority of co-owners (51%), based on proven and repeated practice of acts that disturb the normal use of the building as well as acts that cause discomfort and affect the remaining condominium owners, reasons that have to be well argued on the condominium minutes. The condominium assembly should inform the Town Hall, so this entity can start a process of termination of the AL registry, which can be ordered during an entire year.
Inspection - The Town Hall maintains the power to inspect the property in 30 working days, after AL being submitted, to check if the property respects all the AL requirements, apart from being able to carry out any other inspection acts allowed by law.
Council restricted areas for AL (áreas de contenção) - Each town hall can create
restricted areas for the AL activity, where the number of establishments is subject to a limit or percentage. On these areas, the AL registry is personal and non-transferable. So, the AL registry title will expire in case of ownership change, even if done through company shares transmission. Consequently, a new registry has to be applied for. On these areas, each property owner can operate just 7 (seven) AL
establishments.
Information Book - Local accommodation establishments are obliged to have an
information book explaining the way of
functioning of the establishment and its rules of internal use, including the collection and selection of municipal waste, household appliances, noise and care to avoid disturbances that cause
discomfort and affect the tranquillity and rest of the neighbourhood, which should also contain the telephone contact of the person for the operation of the establishment. This book should be presented in Portuguese and English and in two other languages. The book should also contain the Condominium Rules that are relevant for the accommodation and for the use of the common parts.
Condominium costs - Condominiums can demand an additional payment of property owners’ fees of up to 30 percent as a result of the increased use of common areas by
holidaymakers. This increase was to be approved by the co-owners in the
condominium meeting.
Insurance - The holder of the AL must enter into and maintain a multi-risk insurance of civil liability to protect its assets and complaints within the scope of its tourist activity, determining responsibility of the holder of the establishment, and which covers fire hazards and non-property damage caused to guests and third parties, arising from the activity of providing accommodation services. The lack of insurance is a valid reason for cancellation of AL.
Liability - The AL holder is jointly liable with the guests for the damages caused by them to the building where the unit is installed. For further information, please feel free to contact us to know more.

Verónica Pisco +351 289 358 382, www,veronicapisco-lawoffice.com