Discrimination in Renting: How to Complain in Portugal
If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a landlord or estate agents, know that as a tenant in Portugal you have the right to complain and demand equal treatment. This article explains, in clear and practical language, which behaviours can amount to discrimination in renting, what evidence to gather, which legal deadlines to observe and where to file a complaint. It includes concrete steps to document incidents, administrative and judicial options, and advice on communicating safely with your landlord. Even without legal training, you can prepare a solid case by following these guidelines and using the official resources available in Portugal to defend your rights.
What is discrimination in renting?
Discrimination in renting happens when a decision or behaviour regarding a lease is based on prohibited grounds (for example, race, gender, marital status or having children), preventing access to or continued residence. Applicable legislation includes the NRAU and Civil Code provisions that regulate lease contracts.[1]
How to gather evidence and document
Gathering strong evidence is essential to support a complaint. Keep everything organized and chronological; the more detailed the records, the more useful they are in administrative or court proceedings.
- Photos and videos (evidence) of the property condition or landlord messages.
- Records of calls, text messages and emails with the landlord.
- Contracts, receipts and written notices delivered (form).
- Contacts and written statements from witnesses.
Which deadlines and procedures to follow?
There are deadlines to observe before moving to formal measures. Start by logging the situation and notifying the landlord in writing; if there is no response or remedy, proceed to official mechanisms. In Portugal there are administrative and judicial instruments for these cases.
- Notify the issue in writing and request correction within a concrete timeframe (days).
- If there is no solution, submit the complaint to the Tenant and Landlord Desk (BAS/BNA) or use official forms (days).[2]
- In serious situations, consider judicial action to challenge discriminatory acts or protect your lease (eviction).
How to Proceed
- Gather all evidence (evidence) and organize it by date.
- Send a formal written complaint to the landlord, keeping copies and receipts.
- Contact tenant support services or helplines for guidance.
- Submit the complaint to the Tenant and Landlord Desk (BAS/BNA) via the Citius portal and attach evidence.
- If necessary, seek legal assistance and consider court action.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I complain if the landlord refuses to rent because I have children?
- Yes. Refusing tenants because they have children can be discrimination; collect evidence and seek guidance to file a complaint.
- What does the Tenant and Landlord Desk (BAS/BNA) do?
- The Desk receives complaints, can mediate disputes and refer cases, and provides official forms and guidance.
- Do I need a lawyer to proceed?
- Not always. Many administrative procedures allow filing a complaint without a lawyer, but in complex cases legal support is advisable.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything with photos, messages and receipts.
- Pay attention to deadlines and respond promptly to notices.
- Use the Desk and official resources before going to court.
