Cheap 12-month rental agreement as proof of accommodation

Member since Yesterday 16:01:14

Charlie SimpsonNew memberYesterday 16:02:10

Hey everyone - hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Family of 5, we're mid-D7 application through the London consulate and got an Audiência Prévia (intention to refuse) partly because our CPCV wasn't accepted as accommodation proof. We're actually buying a property in Braga district that completes end of May, so this is purely a timing issue.

Looking for a cheap 12-month rental agreement as proof of accommodation for the appeal. Doesn't need to be anything fancy - we won't be living there full time as we're completing on our house. Interior regions are fine - Castelo Branco, Guarda, wherever is cheapest really.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any landlords or agents who understand the D7 process and are willing to do a straightforward lease? Happy to pay a few months upfront if that helps.

Thanks in advance

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JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal ExpertYesterday 17:16:04

5209

Hi Charlie,

I think you have two main paths to satisfy the consulate’s requirement:

1. The "Cheap Lease" Route: This is the most reliable way to get an approval. Consulates want to see a lease registered with the Tax Authority (Finanças). Searching for properties in Guarda, Bragança or Portalegre is your best bet.

Here are a few options. The most affordable areas near Braga are the districts of Guarda and Bragança. (the cheapest are in small villages in those districts, not in the main towns, Guarda or Bragança).

Guarda

https://www.idealista.pt/arrendar-casas … -distrito/

Bragança

https://www.idealista.pt/arrendar-casas … -distrito/

(You can use filters, order by price,...)

When messaging landlords, be upfront. Tell them: "We are buying a house in Braga (completing in May) but need a registered 12-month lease for our visa appeal. We are happy to pay 3–6 months upfront." Many landlords in the interior are very familiar with this and happy for the guaranteed rent on a property that might otherwise sit empty.

The Essential Document: You must receive the Modelo 2 (the proof that the lease is registered with Finanças). A simple signed PDF is no longer enough for the London consulate.

2. The "Accommodation Term" (Termo de Responsabilidade) (in portuguese: Contrato de Comodato): If you have a friend or a "sponsor" who is a resident in Portugal, they can sign a formal declaration stating they will host your family of five. However, for a family of that size, the consulate may scrutinize the size of the sponsor's home to ensure it's "adequate."... They started carrying out these checks following incidents involving immigrants from Southeast Asia who were living by the dozen in the same flat...

https://www.doutorfinancas.pt/vida-e-fa … ser-feito/

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Some remarks on Rental/Lease Agreement/Contract

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#5075332

(Posts #9 ... #12)

Documents to be aware of when buying a Property in Portugal

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=910754

Regards