The Lei do Arrendamento (Leasing Law) is the primary legal framework governing rental agreements in Portugal. Recent government updates aim to speed up evictions for non-payment while maintaining protections for vulnerable residents to encourage more property owners to enter the rental market. Tenants should note that these changes may affect notice periods and dispute resolution processes.

The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) is Portugal’s national cabinet where the prime minister and ministers meet to approve government decisions, laws and emergency measures. In crises it can decide on declarations such as a state of calamity and the measures that follow; those decisions are then published in the Diário da República. Residents should note that a Council declaration can unlock national aid, resources and civil protection support for affected municipalities.