Over 200 Academics and Collectives Call for Urgent Regulation of Rentals and Tourism
More than 200 technicians and academics, along with 13 collectives, have signed an open letter sent to the Assembly of the Republic, through Rede H, proposing measures for greater regulation of local accommodation and the imposition of rent control mechanisms in areas of high housing pressure. The initiative comes in a context of growing concern about the difficulty of access to housing for Portuguese families, despite the succession of legislative packages that, to date, have not produced the expected positive effects on the market.
Rede H, a collaborative platform that brings together researchers and university institutes dedicated to the study of housing, underscores the urgency of changing current public policies. The open letter, sent at the beginning of this month, details proposals aimed at rebalancing the rental market and mitigating the impacts of tourism pressure on the long-term housing supply. \"\"The current situation requires a more robust and coordinated intervention by the State,\"\" stated a spokesperson for Rede H, stressing the need for a long-term strategic vision for the housing sector.
Among the main measures suggested, the need for tighter regulation for local accommodation (AL) stands out. The signatories argue that the uncontrolled expansion of this modality has contributed significantly to the reduction of the housing stock available for long-term rental, especially in urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. The proposal aims to create a legal framework that allows municipalities to manage the distribution and number of AL licenses more effectively, thus protecting the social function of housing. \"\"We cannot allow housing to become a purely speculative good, disconnected from the needs of residents,\"\" said one of the academics involved in drafting the letter. Rede H suggests that the review of AL legislation should consider the carrying capacity of each neighborhood and the percentage of properties already dedicated to this activity, to avoid the loss of character in local communities.
Additionally, Rede H advocates for the implementation of rent control mechanisms in areas considered of \"\"greatest pressure.\"\" This measure, which has already been the subject of intense debate in Portugal, is seen by academics as essential to stop the escalation of rental prices, which has made life unsustainable in many cities for residents with average incomes. The letter suggests that these mechanisms be applied surgically, in areas where real estate speculation and supply shortages are most acute, such as central Lisbon, Cascais, and Oeiras. The proposal includes defining maximum ceilings for rent values, based on criteria such as location, property type, and its state of conservation, with the aim of ensuring accessibility and stability for tenants. \"\"Rent control is not a magic solution, but a necessary tool to correct market distortions in housing emergency situations,\"\" explained an economist linked to Rede H.
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Rede H's argument is based on in-depth studies of the Portuguese housing market, which demonstrate a direct correlation between the proliferation of local accommodation and the increase in rent prices, as well as the decrease in housing supply for residents. Academics warn of the social and economic consequences of this dynamic, which include the exodus of local populations from urban centers and the loss of social diversity in historic neighborhoods. Recent data indicate that, in some parishes of Lisbon, the percentage of properties dedicated to AL exceeds 30%, a value considered unsustainable for the maintenance of community life. \"\"Gentrification and excessive 'touristification' are disfiguring the identity of our cities,\"\" warned a sociologist, arguing that public policies must prioritize the right to housing over short-term economic interests.
The open letter to the Assembly of the Republic represents a concerted appeal from the academic community and civic collectives for policymakers to adopt a bolder and more effective approach to resolving the housing crisis. The expectation is that Rede H's proposals will be considered in future revisions of housing and tourism legislation, with the aim of building a fairer and more sustainable market for all citizens. The discussion on these measures is expected to intensify in the coming months, with the possibility of new legislative changes that could significantly impact the real estate and tourism sectors. \"\"It is fundamental that parliament listens to the voice of science and civil society to build solutions that benefit the majority,\"\" concluded a representative of one of the signatory collectives.
The discussion on the regulation of rentals and tourism continues to be a central theme on the Portuguese political and social agenda, with significant implications for the future of cities and the quality of life of their inhabitants. The pressure to find lasting and effective solutions remains high, as the country seeks to reconcile tourism development with the housing needs of its population. For more information on the legal issues affecting the Portuguese real estate market, visit our regulatory and legal frameworks section. Follow market trends and investment insights at realestate-lisbon.com.