Renting a home: Which insurances are mandatory for landlords and tenants?
Renting a home: Which insurances are mandatory for landlords and tenants?
Renting a property in Portugal involves responsibilities for both parties: landlords and tenants. Many questions often arise about which insurances are mandatory and which are recommended to ensure protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
What the law says
The only insurance legally required in Portugal is fire insurance for buildings under horizontal property regime (apartment buildings with separate units). This must be taken out by the property owner and guarantees repairs to structural damage caused by fire.
However, there are other types of insurance that, while not mandatory, are highly recommended to protect both landlords and tenants.
Recommended insurances for landlords
- Home multi-risk insurance – covers fire, natural disasters, water damage, theft and liability.
- Landlord’s liability insurance – essential to cover damage that the property may cause to third parties (for example, falling plaster or leaks affecting neighbouring flats).
- Loss of rent insurance – ensures the landlord still receives rent if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a claim.
Recommended insurances for tenants
- Family liability insurance – protects against accidental damage caused to the rented property (for example, a water leak damaging the apartment).
- Vontents insurance – covers the tenant’s personal belongings such as furniture, appliances, and electronic equipment.
Although the only legally mandatory insurance is fire coverage for buildings, both landlords and tenants can benefit from additional protection. Ultimately, it is a matter of financial security and peace of mind.
At Certo Seguros we can help you find the most suitable solutions, whether you are a landlord or a tenant, ensuring all risks are properly covered. Request a free quote.
Andreia Arenga
12.05.2025
All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from Certo Seguros Lda. All registered trademarks, company names, logos, and products mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Renting a home: Which insurances are mandatory for landlords and tenants?
Renting a home: Which insurances are mandatory for landlords and tenants?
Renting a property in Portugal involves responsibilities for both parties: landlords and tenants. Many questions often arise about which insurances are mandatory and which are recommended to ensure protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
What the law says
The only insurance legally required in Portugal is fire insurance for buildings under horizontal property regime (apartment buildings with separate units). This must be taken out by the property owner and guarantees repairs to structural damage caused by fire.
However, there are other types of insurance that, while not mandatory, are highly recommended to protect both landlords and tenants.
Recommended insurances for landlords
- Home multi-risk insurance – covers fire, natural disasters, water damage, theft and liability.
- Landlord’s liability insurance – essential to cover damage that the property may cause to third parties (for example, falling plaster or leaks affecting neighbouring flats).
- Loss of rent insurance – ensures the landlord still receives rent if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a claim.
Recommended insurances for tenants
- Family liability insurance – protects against accidental damage caused to the rented property (for example, a water leak damaging the apartment).
- Vontents insurance – covers the tenant’s personal belongings such as furniture, appliances, and electronic equipment.
Although the only legally mandatory insurance is fire coverage for buildings, both landlords and tenants can benefit from additional protection. Ultimately, it is a matter of financial security and peace of mind.
At Certo Seguros we can help you find the most suitable solutions, whether you are a landlord or a tenant, ensuring all risks are properly covered. Request a free quote.
Andreia Arenga
12.05.2025
All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from Certo Seguros Lda. All registered trademarks, company names, logos, and products mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
