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To operate a compliant STR (Alojamento Local) property, several safety
and information requirements must be in place
An official AL identification plaque displayed at the property's entrance (required for apartments, rooms, and hostels; detached houses are exempt).
Fire blanket next to the hob, within arm’s reach
Photoluminescent signage for blanket, placed next to it
A suitable fire extinguisher, typically a 6kg ABC dry powder or 5L water-based extinguisher. Installed near the kitchen or the exit door.
The photoluminescent fire extinguisher sign should be installed at approximately 2 metres (6.6 ft) above floor level, directly above the extinguisher to ensure it is clearly visible
The fire extinguisher must be mounted on a wall bracket so that its handle (the upper operating part) is positioned at a maximum height of 1.20 metres (3.9 ft) from the floor. The base of the extinguisher must not be placed directly on the ground.
National emergency number (112) displayed in a visible location
Physical and electronic complaints book (livro de reclamações), with a completed and displayed cover page
First aid kit with minimum contents as defined by the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral de Saúde)
Properties accommodating more than 10 guests may be subject to additional fire safety requirements under Portugal's Building Fire Safety Regulations (SCIE).
Every Local Accommodation (AL) property should provide a guest information book available in Portuguese, English, and at least two additional languages.The guide should contain all essential information guests need during their stay, including house rules, waste disposal instructions, appliance and utility guides, emergency contacts, noise regulations (Guests should be clearly informed that noise is prohibited between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM), and the contact details of the property manager or responsible host.
For properties located within condominium buildings, any relevant building or community rules should also be clearly communicated to guests.
Maintaining valid insurance coverage is an essential requirement for operating a Local Accommodation (AL) property in Portugal.All AL properties must hold third-party liability insurance, which protects against material and non-material damages that may be caused to guests, neighbours, or other third parties during the operation of the accommodation.For properties located within condominium buildings, fire insurance is also required.
This policy must cover damages occurring within the unit as well as any damage originating from the property that may affect other parts of the building.Failure to maintain the required insurance policies can put an AL registration at risk and may lead to penalties or the suspension of the licence.