Local accommodation news in Portugal

The government has extended the deadline until December 31, 2026, for municipalities with over 1,000 local accommodation (Alojamento Local or AL) units to establish specific activity regulations. This exceptional measure allows local authorities more time to manage the density of short-term rentals. Recent data indicates that Porto currently has the highest concentration of these units per square kilometer in the country.

Local authorities across 159 municipalities have initiated procedures to potentially cancel local accommodation (Alojamento Local) registrations. Officials have opened approximately 35,000 cases, requiring a formal hearing process for each affected property registration.

The Funchal City Council (Câmara Municipal do Funchal) has approved new regulations for short-term rentals (Alojamento Local or AL) to prioritize permanent housing for residents. New license applications remain suspended until July while the city implements these rules to manage the impact of the 3,600 existing units. Property owners and those seeking housing in the Madeiran capital should be aware of these tightening restrictions.

The Lisbon City Council has begun on‑site topographic surveys, geological tests and design work to stabilise a slope in the Graça neighbourhood after a weather‑related landslide, Dinheiro Vivo and RTP report. The council said it is preparing a construction procedure for slope stabilisation and improved drainage and has moved residents while work continues. Residents in Graça should follow the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Lisbon City Council) notices and expect site assessments and temporary access restrictions.

Residents of Alcácer do Sal have recounted distress from recent floods as authorities install housing blocks for displaced people, Correio da Manhã reports. Local services are providing temporary accommodation while recovery and damage assessments continue. Those in the affected area should contact the municipality for assistance and check insurance or emergency support options.

Almost a month after Storm Kristin, some residents still cannot return home; Expresso reports that in Souto da Carpalhosa one family is living in makeshift accommodation after losing their house and have delayed plans to return from Switzerland. The report underscores that recovery is uneven and that personal displacement continues even where repair work on infrastructure has begun. Homeowners and renters in affected areas should track local authority updates and insurance or social-assistance options.

Observador reports the Santo Tirso municipal chamber has handed over nine equipped T0 apartments (studio flats) as part of local housing provision. The delivery is aimed at immediate housing needs and may signal more municipal allocations or social‑housing steps locally. Those looking for entry‑level or social housing in Santo Tirso should check the Câmara Municipal's application rules and waiting lists.

Tourism of Portugal (Turismo de Portugal) has launched an emergency accommodation programme after the storm, making 815 units available across 55 municipalities and registering over 100 establishments so far. Access to the free rooms is granted on a municipal-council declaration and participating businesses can receive up to €60 per night to cover costs. The scheme is aimed at people displaced by the storms and at supporting local recovery; affected residents should contact their municipal council to request assistance.