Who Pays Rent in Social Housing in Portugal
Being registered for IHRU social housing raises questions about who pays rent, repairs or related fees. This article explains, in plain language, when a tenant is responsible for payments and when the burden may fall on the landlord or public authorities in Portugal. We clarify terms such as registration, allocation and tenancy agreement, list which documents to gather and what steps to take if a dispute arises. We also outline deadlines to respond to notices and how to request official support. The goal is to give practical guidance for tenants who want to protect their rights and avoid financial surprises while benefiting from social housing in Portugal.
What does registration with IHRU mean?
Registration with IHRU records your application for social housing and can give priority in allocation. Registration does not automatically replace a tenancy agreement nor exempt rent payment, except when explicit support or subsidy is granted by the managing authority.[1]
Who pays rent and other expenses?
Responsibility for paying rent and other expenses depends on the contract and the type of support. In many cases the tenant remains responsible for contractual rent, while the landlord or the public body covers conservation works and habitability improvements. If a subsidy exists, it may cover part or all of the rent according to program rules.
- Tenant pays monthly rent (rent) according to the agreement.
- Landlord covers conservation works and habitability issues (repair).
- Extraordinary fees and taxes may be negotiable (fee).
How to prove who is responsible
To show who must pay, gather the tenancy agreement, receipts and any IHRU allocation documents. Photos of damages, repair estimates and written communications with the landlord or municipality are useful evidence if a dispute arises.
- Tenancy agreement and allocation terms (document).
- Rent receipts and repair invoices (document).
- Communications sent to the landlord or municipality (form).
What to do in case of a dispute
If there is disagreement about who pays, start by communicating in writing with the landlord and request a reply. If there is no resolution, contact the Tenant and Landlord Desk (BAS/BNA) and submit official forms via the appropriate portal or local services for mediation or administrative decision.[2]
- Gather documents and evidence before filing a complaint (form).
- Contact the Tenant and Landlord Desk for guidance (contact).
- If necessary, request a court decision or interim measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- If I am registered for social housing, do I always have to pay the rent?
- In most cases yes; registration does not replace payment unless explicit IHRU support is granted.
- Who pays for major repairs?
- Structural conservation works are usually the landlord's responsibility.
- How do I start a support or complaint request?
- Contact BAS/BNA and submit the official forms through the Citius portal or at local offices.
How to
- Collect the tenancy agreement, receipts and photos of defects.
- Complete the BAS/BNA form and attach documents.
- Submit or deliver the complaint and request confirmation of receipt.
- Wait for legal deadlines and seek legal aid if needed.
Key takeaways
- Registration with IHRU does not automatically remove the obligation to pay rent.
- Landlords typically pay structural works; tenants handle minor repairs.
- Document everything and use BAS/BNA to request support.
