CATÓLICA-LISBON

The International Relations Office provides help to all exchange students to find permanent accommodation in Lisbon: useful accommodation search links and a list of our accommodation partners that offer special discounts is sent by e-mail to all students. Furthermore, on the welcome days we will have companies on-campus that will help students find accommodation. If necessary, during the first days of classes, the International Relations Office staff can help students to find suitable accommodation offers and provide help to schedule visits. 

First, you have to decide if you want to live near the University or near the nightlife or city center. The neighbourhoods closest to the University are “Sete Rios”, “Laranjeiras”, “Alto dos Moinhos”, “S. Domingos de Benfica” and “Entre Campos”. If you want to be near the city's old center and nightlife the best neighbourhoods are “Chiado”, “Bairro Alto”, “Principe Real” and “Graça”. 

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index (over the last few years it has been in the top 10, out of 163 countries) and Lisbon is also considered one of the safest cities when it comes to personal safety, for example according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Nevertheless, common sense is always applicable (for example, if possible, choose an accommodation that is well served with public transportation, closer to services or, ideally, close to the University).  

It depends on what you are seeking. For example, some students like to already be settled in their apartments and rooms as soon as classes begin, other students, find provisional accommodation for the first days and only after their arrival start to find permanent accommodation because they want to see the apartments in-person or share it with other exchange students.

The latest day for arrival is usually a day before the welcome day, we leave it to your consideration if you want or not to arrive earlier than this date. However, please be advised that CATÓLICA-LISBON usually closes the last 15 days of August and during Christmas time. Nevertheless, you can always enjoy these days exploring the city and its outskirts!       

• Try your best to have access to pictures of the room or house in which you are interested in before committing to anything. Be thorough about getting details such as what is included in the price, if the house has weekly cleaning, linen change, the ratio bathrooms/flat mates, how kind and liberal the neighbors are, if it has parking spaces, etc.;

 

• Be aware that in case you rent a room or apartment that does not include running bills (internet, cable tv, water, electricity, gas) expenses may go from as low as 15€ to as high as 75€ or higher per person;  

 

• Always try to have a rental contract, so that your rights and duties are fully covered. Read the contract very carefully and do not sign anything you are not comfortable with, if necessary show it to a person of your trust and ask for their inputs. In case your landlord does not provide you with a written contract, rest assured that this will not get you in any trouble and is a common practice;

 

• Usually landlords request for one month deposit and also for the first month’s rent, there is no need to pay more than 2 months of rent in advance;

 

• Be extra careful with online accommodation offers and to whom you transfer your money to. If it doesn’t seems trustworthy don’t rent it! 

• Live with family

The tenant has the right to live with his family (those who live in the same household and/or are the spouse or relatives in a straight line or up to the 3rd degree of collateral) in rent for housing. A tenant can also receive three guests.

• Small deterioration

For reasons of comfort and indulgence, the tenant can make minor deterioration in the property, such as holes for hanging pictures, television cables or shelves.

• Urgent repairs on property

If the owner does not undertake urgent nature repairs, the tenant can take the initiative and then be entitled to reimbursement of costs (discounted value in the rent amount by submitting evidence).

•  Contract Termination

The tenant may terminate the contract before its end, but always respecting the legal term advance indicated in the contact. 

• Paying your rent

Every month the tenant is obliged to timely pay the contracted income, which is updated annually.

• Pay for the running costs (if not included in the rent amount established with landlord)

Bills concerning the use of public network water, electricity or gas are the responsibility of the tenant.

• Preserving the property

The tenant must keep the property without ever damaging it. If causing damage (or their relatives and visitors) he has to pay out of his pocket. The tenant should also not carry out works that alter the features of the property. To change the internal or external structure of the property, it is required the written consent of the landlord.

• Inform the landlord

The tenant has to make the owner know verifiable defects in housing (such as pipes problems, broken glass, electrical problems, etc.).

• Use effectively the property

The tenant must effectively use the property leased, not leaving it without usage for more than a year, except in cases of proven illness, force majeure, performance of military duties or professional commitments of the tenant, his spouse or partner.

• Using the property for the purpose it is intended

The property must be used according to its purpose (residential or non-residential). The lessee cannot for example rent an office to dwell on it.

• Authorize inspection

If the landlord asks to check the rented property, the tenant must allow inspection by the lessor or by a person authorized by him, provided that the day and time are previously set.

• Good neighborhood

In neighborly relations with other owners or tenants of nearby buildings or the same building, the tenant must keep the rules of the condominium and respect the law of the noise. No loud noise is allowed after 10 p.m. 

• Return the property as you found it

At the end of contract the tenant has to return the property in the same conditions in which it began the contract (including small deteriorations).

You can present a copy of your rental contract or running costs bill (water, electricity, gas) if it is registered under your name, you can also request an address declaration from your local parish (“Junta de Freguesia”), which needs to be signed by three witnesses registered in the parish attesting your residence.

The National Immigrant Support Centre (CNAI) in Lisbon provides free advice and support to all foreign citizens living in Portugal, through their Office of Housing Support (GAH). Please find the details below:

CNAI Lisbon
Rua Álvaro Coutinho, 14
1150 - 025 Lisbon
Tel: (+351) 21 810 61 91 (calls from mobile phone and from abroad)
Email address: informacoes@cnai.acidi.gov.pt

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Remark: Due to the high number of Center users, there may be a limit of tokens for certain services.

Transports:
Metro: Green line - "Anjos" or "Intendente" stations
Carris Buses: 12, 30, 60, 708