The Portuguese government is developing new legislation for Local Accommodation, with the aim of establishing more effective control over the supply of properties for this activity.

The proposal focuses on areas of high urban pressure, where the concentration of rental housing has contributed to an increase in the cost of living and housing.

The new regulations aim to balance the use of properties for rental housing with the need to preserve access to housing for permanent residents, imposing stricter criteria for granting new licenses in certain areas.

The main changes include: 
 

          ► Creation of mechanisms to give local authorities greater control over the distribution of Local Accommodation, particularly in the areas most affected by tourist pressure. 

          ► Re-evaluation the rights acquired by establishments already in operation, introducing the possibility of limiting or even closing down LA activities in certain areas considered saturated.

The government is also seeking to ensure that the development of the tourism sector continues to coexist in a balanced way with the needs of local residents. Part of this new legislation will include the creation of zones with restrictions on new LA, as well as rules aimed at protecting the traditional real estate market and promoting sustainable urban development.

This initiative is at the public consultation stage and may still undergo changes before being presented to parliament.