Broken Glass in Rental in Portugal: Who Pays
When a glass breaks in a rented home, the priority is safety and documenting the event. Tenants in Portugal should collect evidence, notify the landlord promptly and check the lease for maintenance and minor repair clauses. In many cases responsibility depends on the cause — accidental damage, tenant negligence or structural risk related to the dwelling — and on contractual and legal rules that apply[1]. This text explains practical steps to protect rights, reduce risks and know when to request or pay for the repair.
What to do if the glass breaks
Act immediately to avoid injuries and further damage: isolate the area, collect shards carefully and protect children and pets. Then notify the landlord or managing entity, send photos and keep receipts for any urgent expense. Also check the lease for clauses on who pays for minor repairs and conservation duties; Portuguese law distinguishes responsibilities depending on the cause and the nature of the repair[1].
- Contact the landlord or the agency and describe the incident.
- Document the damage with photos and video, including date and time.
- Check the lease to know who is responsible for small repairs.
- Keep receipts if you must pay an urgent repair and ask for an invoice.
- If there is a safety risk, request immediate intervention and avoid the area until repaired.
Who pays depends on context: if the glass broke due to wear, dwelling safety issues or structural failure, the landlord is usually responsible for repair to maintain habitability. If the damage results from tenant negligence or action (for example during a party), the tenant commonly bears the cost. For minor repairs provided in the contract, the tenant may be obliged to pay up to contractually stipulated amounts, if legally permitted[1].
Deadlines and communication
Notify the landlord in writing with proof (email, message or registered letter) and keep a copy. If the situation requires urgent intervention and the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, document contact attempts before carrying out emergency repairs. If there is disagreement about responsibility, you may need to seek mediation or use official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the landlord always have to pay to replace the glass?
- Not always; it depends on the cause of the damage and the contract. Damage from wear or structural issues is normally the landlord's responsibility, while damage caused by the tenant may be charged to the tenant.
- Can I pay for the repair and request reimbursement?
- Yes, if the repair was urgent and the landlord did not respond, keep receipts and request reimbursement. Document everything and send the justification in writing.
- If the landlord refuses to pay, what do I do?
- Gather evidence, try mediation and, if needed, use judicial services or the Tenant and Landlord Desk to present the situation officially[2].
How to proceed
- Secure the area and avoid immediate risks.
- Take photos and record video with date and time.
- Contact the landlord in writing and send the evidence.
- If you pay for an urgent repair, request an invoice and keep receipts for reimbursement.
- If there is a dispute, consider mediation or filing a complaint with the competent bodies.
Key Takeaways
- Always document damage with photos and written communications.
- Check the lease and law to determine if the landlord or tenant is responsible.
- Keep receipts if you pay for urgent repairs and formally request reimbursement.
