Eviction Proceedings Increase 14% in Portugal Through May
A recent report from judicial authorities indicates a significant rise in eviction proceedings across Portugal, with the number of cases increasing by 14% in the first five months of the year. The data reveals that the forced removal of tenants from rental properties is placing a considerable burden on the court system, where thousands of legal actions are currently pending resolution. Through the end of May 2025, official records show that more than 650 families have been served with legally binding orders to vacate their residences, signaling a notable uptick in housing-related legal disputes.
The increase is being closely watched by market analysts and housing sector officials. A spokesperson for the National Landlords Association noted that the figures reflect a normalization of the market following the expiration of temporary tenant protection measures enacted in previous years. "The legal framework allows for the repossession of property under specific, legally defined circumstances, and the current numbers show that property owners are utilizing these established legal channels," the spokesperson commented. The court system is reportedly processing these cases in accordance with standard legal procedures, though the volume has led to processing delays in some jurisdictions.
From a legal standpoint, the process for eviction in Portugal is strictly regulated. Landlords must file a formal request through the National Rental Desk (Balcão Nacional do Arrendamento) or the courts, demonstrating a valid legal reason for the termination of the rental contract, such as non-payment of rent or expiration of the lease term. A legal expert from a Lisbon-based law firm explained, "The procedure is designed to provide security for both parties. Tenants have the right to contest the action, and a judge must rule on the validity of the claim before an eviction order is issued. The current increase in filings represents a higher volume of disputes entering this formal system."
The Ministry of Justice has not issued a formal statement on the operational capacity of the courts to handle the increased caseload but has previously indicated that resources are allocated based on demand. The figures show a concentration of cases in major metropolitan areas, including Lisbon and Porto, where rental market dynamics are most intense. The data for the first five months suggests a trend that, if continued, would surpass the total number of evictions recorded in the previous year. The situation reflects ongoing economic pressures and shifts within the national housing market, with legal channels serving as the primary mechanism for resolving contractual disputes between property owners and tenants.
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