To operate an Alojamento Local property in Portugal you need, at minimum: the official AL plaque at the entrance, a fire blanket and fire extinguisher with photoluminescent signs, a first aid kit, the 112 emergency number and no-smoking sign on display, physical and electronic complaints books, a guest information book in Portuguese, English and two more languages, and third-party liability insurance. Units in a condominium building also need fire insurance.
1. Mandatory signage and safety equipment
These items are checked during inspections. Missing any of them can lead to a fine.
Official AL identification plaque at the property entrance. Required for apartments, rooms and hostels. Detached houses are exempt.
Fire blanket next to the hob, within arm's reach, with a photoluminescent sign directly above or beside it.
Fire extinguisher, usually a 6 kg ABC dry powder or a 5 L water-based unit, near the kitchen or the exit door.
Extinguisher mounting. Wall bracket with the handle no higher than 1.20 m. The base must not rest on the floor. A photoluminescent sign goes about 2 m above the floor, directly above it.
Emergency number 112 and a no-smoking sign, both clearly visible.
Complaints books (Livro de Reclamações), both physical and electronic, with the required cover page completed and displayed.
First aid kit with at least the contents recommended by the Direção-Geral da Saúde.
2. Guest information book
Every AL property should offer a guest information book in Portuguese, English and at least two other languages. It should include:
House rules, waste sorting and disposal instructions
Manuals for appliances and utilities
Emergency contacts and the contact details of the manager or host
Local noise rules. Quiet hours run from 20:00 to 08:00, and guests are asked to respect neighbours.
Condominium rules and building regulations, where the unit is in a shared building
3. Mandatory insurance
Every AL property must hold third-party liability insurance. It covers material and non-material damage caused to guests, neighbours or other third parties while the property operates.
Units inside a condominium building also need fire insurance. It must cover damage inside the unit and damage that starts in the unit and affects the rest of the building.
Why it matters: letting insurance lapse puts the AL registration at risk. It can lead to penalties or suspension of the licence.
4. Properties for more than 10 guests
Homes that sleep more than 10 guests may face extra fire safety requirements under Portugal's building fire safety regulations. Check with a certified technician before listing.
Common questions
Does a detached house need the AL plaque?
No. Detached houses are exempt from the plaque. Apartments, rooms and hostels need it.
Which fire extinguisher does an AL property need?
Usually a 6 kg ABC dry powder or a 5 L water-based extinguisher, wall mounted with the handle no higher than 1.20 m.
In how many languages must the guest book be written?
Portuguese, English and at least two other languages.
Can a property manager take care of AL compliance?
Yes. LD Ninja Stays sets up and maintains every requirement on this list for the homes we manage in Lisbon.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. Confirm current requirements with your câmara municipal or a qualified adviser.