Introduction

At OH-Stay.com, we have compiled this resource to assist our hosts in understanding their responsibilities and to offer a general overview of the legal, regulatory, and practical considerations pertinent to hosting. Hosts are required to adhere to our Hosting Standards and to ensure full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to their specific location and situation. Please note that this article is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal or tax advice. We advise hosts to conduct their own due diligence, as the information provided may not be updated in real time. Ultimate responsibility for verifying, interpreting, and complying with all information presented herein rests with the host.

Table of contents

Health and Cleanliness
Local Regulations
National Taxes
Regulations and Permissions
Safety
Good Manners
Insurance
Other Hosting Information

Health and Cleanliness

Information about OH-Stay.com's cleaning protocols can be found in our Responsible Hosting Guide.

Cleaning protocols and regulations
You can find general information about COVID-19–related measures on the official Portuguese Government portal and Parliament’s COVID-19 page. For technical guidance on environmental cleaning and disinfection, consult the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The “Clean & Safe” program is explained on the Government page about the seal (overview) and Turismo de Portugal’s resources (Clean & Safe directory).

National taxes

Tax is a complex topic. Your obligations vary based on your circumstances, so please research your duties or consult a qualified tax professional.

In general, money you earn as a Host on OH-Stay.com is taxable income and may be subject to rental/income tax and, in some cases, VAT (IVA) or other STR-related contributions (e.g., measures under the Mais Habitação package). The annual IRS filing window is 1 April to 30 June for the prior tax year—see the Government service page “Entregar a declaração do IRS” and this administrative notice on “IRS 2025”. For rules and forms, consult the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) at Portal das Finanças (Portugal’s official pages on IRS/VAT are accessed via the Government services and AT portal).

Mais Habitação (Law 56/2023) introduced several housing and STR measures, including the Contribuição Extraordinária sobre Alojamento Local (CEAL). See the Diário da República text of Law 56/2023 and the Government’s FAQs “Alojamento local – perguntas e respostas”. The industry association ALEP also provides a practical Q&A on impacts to local accommodation: FAQ Mais Habitação (ALEP).

General regulations and permissions

It’s important to make sure you’re allowed to host on your property. Some restrictions can come from contracts, laws, or community rules. Check with a lawyer or your local authority for advice specific to your circumstances.

Local accommodation registration (Alojamento Local)
Portugal generally refers to STR as alojamento local (AL). Official “how-to” guidance and registration are available via the Government’s Balcão do Empreendedor: Registar um estabelecimento de Alojamento Local and the ePortugal information sheet “Alojamento local”. Turismo de Portugal’s business portal also details the regime and process (AL overview & registry) and provides an updated technical guide (PDF – Jan 2025). You can look up AL registrations in the Registo Nacional de Turismo (RNAL) search: RNAL – Pesquisa.

Legal framework
The base regime is set out in Decreto-Lei n.º 128/2014 (as amended and republished), including updates introduced in 2024: see the consolidated RJTAL on the Diário da República (DL 76/2024 – republication) and a consolidated view of DL 128/2014.

Contractual agreements, permits, and condominium rules
Leases, building regulations, condominium by-laws, and council rules may restrict subletting or hosting. Review your agreements and contact your Câmara Municipal or condominium administration where needed. In some cases, an addendum can clarify responsibilities and liabilities for all parties.

Mortgage restrictions
If your property has a mortgage, check with your lender for hosting restrictions.

Subsidized housing
Social/subsidized housing typically restricts subletting without permission. Check with your housing authority.

Housemates
If you share your home, consider a written housemate agreement covering hosting frequency, guest etiquette, and revenue sharing.

EU consumer protection law
If you offer services online, ensure compliance with EU consumer rules. See the European Commission’s consumer protection overview.

Misuse
OH-Stay.com acts on validated reports of misuse and cooperates with authorities.

Local regulations

For location-specific information, consult your Câmara Municipal. As an example for Madeira, see Funchal and the Autonomous Region’s tourism pages. (If your area isn’t listed, follow the national steps above and check locally with your municipality.)

Safety

We care about the safety of Hosts and their guests. You can improve your guests’ peace of mind by providing emergency instructions and noting any hazards.

Emergency contact information
Provide: local emergency numbers (112 in Portugal), nearest hospital contact, your number, and a backup contact. Guests can also contact you via OH-Stay.com messages.

Medical supplies
Keep a first-aid kit, tell guests where it is, and restock regularly.

Fire prevention
If you have gas appliances, follow applicable safety rules and install a carbon-monoxide detector. Provide and maintain a fire extinguisher.

Exits
Post a clearly marked fire-escape route.

Hazard prevention
Inspect for trip/fall hazards; remove or mark them. Fix exposed wires; ensure stairs have railings; secure dangerous items.

Child safety
Use the Additional notes section of Listing details in your OH-Stay.com account to disclose hazards or indicate if your home isn’t suitable for children/infants.

Climate control
Ensure ventilation; provide safe-use instructions for heating/AC; check the thermostat; service appliances regularly.

Occupancy limits
Set safe occupancy limits and follow local guidance.

Courtesy

Help guests understand local rules and community expectations.

Building rules
If your building has common spaces or amenities, share the rules for those areas.

House rules
Include your house rules in the Additional notes section of Listing details in your OH-Stay.com account.

Neighbours
Inform neighbours you host and address concerns proactively.

Noise
Portugal’s Regulamento Geral do Ruído sets quiet hours between 23:00 and 07:00 (see Article 24, RGR). Local accommodation establishments should display notices with quiet-hour times. For a plain-language summary, see the Government’s RGR information page.

Parking
Explain building and neighbourhood parking rules (assigned spaces, street-cleaning windows, overnight limits).

Pets
Check lease/building rules. If allowed, share nearby exercise areas and waste-disposal guidance, plus a backup kennel contact.

Privacy
Respect guest privacy and comply with applicable surveillance and data-protection laws.

Smoking
If prohibited, post signs. If allowed, provide ashtrays in designated areas.

Insurance

Work with your insurance provider to determine obligations, limits, and coverage required for your situation. Some policies do not cover guest-caused damage or loss—review your terms carefully.

Liability and basic coverage
Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy with your insurer to ensure adequate liability coverage and property protection.

Other Hosting Information

For more, visit our Hosting FAQs.

Important: Hosts are solely responsible for their conduct and compliance. OH-Stay.com does not control individual host behaviour and is not liable for their actions. Non-compliance may result in suspension or removal. OH-Stay.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information on third-party sites linked in this resource.