Comparable rents checked, but Lisbon notice rules remain unclear

[SmallChart]

I’m reviewing rent on a unit in a small multifamily in Lisbon. Comparable asking rent appears to be around €1,794, while the current tenant pays about €1,493. They pay reliably and take good care of the home.

Closing the full gap may not be worth the risk of vacancy, refurbishment and finding another equally dependable tenant. I’m leaning toward a modest adjustment, but how would others frame a fair review while complying with Portugal’s notice and rent rules? Maintenance history and deposit handling also need to remain straightforward.

 

[thinkTheRoof]

A modest increase sounds preferable, but the legal limit and notice requirements need to be settled before choosing a figure. I would not assume the €1,794 asking rent is automatically achievable when the current €1,493 tenant is reliable and looks after the unit.

Compare the extra annual rent with a realistic vacancy, any work needed between tenants and reletting expenses. Even a brief empty period could erase much of the gain. After checking the applicable local rules and maintenance history, put the proposal in writing and explain why you have chosen something short of the full apparent gap.

 

[kai_trades]

One caveat: asking rent is not necessarily the rent a new tenant would actually agree to pay. Are those comparables genuinely similar in condition, size and location within Lisbon?

I’d first settle any outstanding maintenance, then verify the applicable Portuguese rules for this tenancy before proposing a number. Keep the rent discussion separate from the deposit; the deposit should continue to be handled according to the tenancy terms rather than used as leverage in the review.