Housing
Portugal plans to loosen rental rules as Spain strengthens tenant protections
The government has proposed changes to the New Urban Tenancy Regime (NRAU) that would allow landlords to set higher security deposits, demand three months' rent in advance, and simplify non-renewal of contracts. The plan also seeks to remove the 2% cap on rent increases for new contracts on properties rented within the past five years and shorten the path to contract expiration. The proposal is currently before parliament with an uncertain future, as the Socialist Party has announced its opposition and other parties have threatened to reject the text in its current form.
Why it mattersIf you are a tenant, these proposals—if passed—could reduce your security of tenure and increase your upfront move-in costs; if you are a landlord, they may offer you greater flexibility in setting contract terms and security deposits.
