If you’re considering investing in Local Accommodation – Alojamento Local (AL), it’s essential to know all the legal and operational requirements to ensure that your business is properly legalized.
One of the first steps is to obtain the AL license, ensuring that you comply with all the required standards and guidelines.
In this article, you’ll discover the types of AL, the capacity limits and the mandatory requirements you must meet in order to operate safely and efficiently. OQ is your ideal partner to implement these requirements and optimize the management of your short term rental business.
Types of Local Accommodation
In Portugal, Local Accommodation can take different forms, depending on the type of property and the service offered. The main types include:
- Villa: a single-family building rented out in its entirety to a single group of guests.
- Apartment: an autonomous fraction of a building rented out in its entirety.
- Lodging establishment: accommodation divided into rooms within a building, and may be classified as a “hostel” if most of the accommodation is dormitory-style.
- Rooms: rental of up to three rooms within the owner’s main residence.
OQ Managing Properties can help you determine the best option for your property and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.
Capacity limits for rental properties
Portuguese legislation defines capacity limits for AL establishments:
- Apartments and villas: maximum capacity of 9 rooms and 30 users.
- Hostels: no capacity limit, as long as safety and hygiene conditions are guaranteed.
- Rooms: up to three, within the owner’s residence.
To optimize your capacity and ensure that you comply with all regulations, OQ Managing Properties can help you implement the best management and hospitality practices.
Mandatory Requirements for Local Accommodation
The mandatory requirements for a AL are divided into three categories: general, safety and other essential requirements.
General Requirements
- Access to the public water and sewage system.
- Hot and cold water supply.
- Adequate conservation and operating conditions.
- Windows with direct ventilation to the outside.
- Suitable equipment and furniture.
- Exterior light blocking system.
- Doors with a security system for privacy.
Safety requirements
- Fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
- First aid equipment.
- Indication of the national emergency number (112).
- For establishments with 10 or more users: compliance with fire safety regulations.
Other requirements
- “AL” sign (except for houses).
- Complaints book.
- Guest information book.
- Civil liability insurance to cover damage to property and bodily injury.
OQ Managing Properties can ensure that all these conditions are met, facilitating your legal compliance and maximizing your guests’ experience.
Checklist for Local Accommodation Requirements
Before you start your AL activity, we will make sure the following steps are completed:
- Obtaining an AL License.
- Implementation of mandatory safety standards.
- Installing the necessary equipment.
- Taking out civil liability insurance.
- Creating an Information and Complaints Book.
- Establishment of efficient operational processes.
Legalizing and managing a Local Accommodation can be a challenge, but with the right information and the right partners, this process becomes simpler and more efficient. Once you’ve obtained your AL license, you’ll have other obligations, such as communicating the data of foreign guests to SEF (AIMA), automatic billing and collecting tourist taxes.
To ensure quality management and excellent service, OQ Managing Properties is the ideal partner. With experience in the sector and a personalized service, we’ll help you optimize your operation, maximize your income and offer your guests an unforgettable experience.
If you want to ensure that your Local Accommodation complies with all regulations and runs efficiently, get in touch with us today!
