Tenant Rights: Quiet Hours in Portugal
Living in an apartment building brings advantages and responsibilities; for tenants in Portugal, understanding quiet hours and how to record noise is essential to protect your rest and rights. This article explains, clearly and practically, what common rules exist in condominiums and common areas, when you can collect evidence (photos, recordings, written logs), how to communicate with the landlord or condominium administration and which deadlines and procedures to follow if you need to complain or request intervention. You do not need to be a lawyer to understand your rights; follow simple steps to document the problem and seek official help when necessary.
Basic rules about noise
In Portugal there is no single national mandatory quiet-hours schedule applied to all buildings: many rules come from the condominium bylaws, rental laws and municipal ordinances. The NRAU (Law no. 6/2006) and the Civil Code regulate tenants' and landlords' rights and duties, including issues that affect peace and quiet, and can be consulted in official sources.[2]
How to document noise
- Record the event with date and time in a noise log and keep witness statements.
- Take photos and make audio or video recordings when possible (photo/video) to show intensity and frequency.
- Keep receipts for expenses and copies of communications with the landlord or condominium as documentary evidence.
- Ask neighbors to sign statements or send messages confirming the problem.
How to communicate with the landlord and condominium
Start by informing the landlord or condominium administration in writing, describing the problem, attaching evidence and proposing a reasonable solution. Keep copies of all messages and deliver formal notices within the deadlines set by the bylaws or law.
- Send a written communication (notice) to the landlord and administration, indicating dates and evidence.
- If there is no response, contact by phone and request a protocol number or written confirmation.
- Respect response and complaint deadlines provided in the condominium rules or by law.
- If necessary, use the Tenant and Landlord Desk (BAS/BNA) to request administrative intervention or file specific requests.[1]
When to move to a formal complaint
If the situation does not resolve after contacts and notices, consider a formal complaint with the condominium, mediation or a court action. For urgent disturbances of peace, there are expedited procedures that may involve authorities or the court.
How-To
- Document: keep a noise diary with dates, times and photographic or audio attachments.
- Notify: send a formal letter or email to the landlord and administration with evidence and a request for resolution.
- Seek mediation or BAS/BNA: use the Tenant and Landlord Desk or official forms if the problem persists.[1]
- Judicial action: if necessary, go to court with organized documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What hours are considered quiet in the condominium?
- It depends on the condominium bylaws and municipal rules; check the bylaws and communicate in writing to the condominium if in doubt.
- Can I record audio or video as evidence?
- Yes, recordings and photographs are useful as evidence, provided they are collected without violating privacy rights or specific laws.
- How does the Tenant and Landlord Desk work?
- The BAS/BNA allows you to submit requests and forms for tenancy issues and conflicts between tenants and landlords; consult the official forms to start the process.[1]
