The changes to the Local Accommodation (LA) regime introduced by Decree-Law 76/2024 came into force on 1 November 2024. These changes implemented by the new government were aimed at balancing tourism activity with housing needs, giving greater autonomy to local authorities and establishing clear criteria for regulating and supervising the sector.

Let's take a look at what has changed.

Greater autonomy for municipalities

Municipalities will have the power to draw up their own administrative regulations, tailored to local specificities. These regulations will define the procedures and means of action for LA, allowing for decisions that are more in line with the housing and tourism realities of each territory.

Municipalities with more than 1,000 registered LA establishments will have up to 12 months to decide whether to assume this regulatory power. These regulations can also provide for the creation of containment or sustainable growth zones, as necessary.

Conditions for cancelling registrations

The decree-law establishes specific criteria for the cancellation of LA registrations, such as the lack of valid compulsory insurance or repeated disturbances to the normal use of the building. These measures provide greater clarity to the process and seek to mitigate conflicts between residents and LA operators.

Introduction of the LA ombudsman

The municipal regulations could include the figure of a ‘rental housing ombudsman’, whose role will be to mediate conflicts between residents, rental housing operators and condominium owners. This ombudsman will be able to assess complaints, issue recommendations and promote good practices for the sector.

Adjustments to maximum capacity

The maximum capacity of LA establishments has been adjusted. Each unit can now accommodate up to 27 guests (previously 30), while maintaining the limit of nine rooms. Convertible or supplementary beds are allowed, as long as they don't exceed 50 per cent of the number of existing fixed beds.

The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) praised the new powers of local authorities, but emphasised the importance of guaranteeing financial resources and technical training to effectively implement these measures.

With these new rules, the government aims to create a balance between the supply of local accommodation and the preservation of the housing environment, reinforcing local autonomy and the protection of communities.