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The proposed amendments to Portugal’s urban lease regime include changes to the State rent payment guarantee applicable in certain eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent, aimed at strengthening landlord protection while proceedings are ongoing.
In comments to Observador, Tomás Assis Teixeira, Partner in the Real Estate practice at CCA Law Firm, explains how the mechanism currently operates and the main changes included in the proposal currently before Parliament.
One of the proposed changes concerns the extension of the period covered by the State guarantee where a tenant applies for legal aid and the appointment of legal counsel. In this context, Tomás Assis Teixeira notes that “In practice, rent falling due during the waiting period associated with the legal aid procedure will also be covered.”
The proposal does not change the eligibility requirements for the guarantee, but extends the period during which it may apply, allowing State payments to begin when the deadline for opposing the eviction is suspended, without having to wait for that deadline to resume and subsequently expire.
The proposed amendments also include an increase in the maximum amount covered by the guarantee, as part of a broader set of measures aimed at revising Portugal’s urban lease regime.
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- Observador