"AL " Tourist Rental Licensing process

[BONDI]

Did7

As per request from Bruce Wallis. i would also be intereted to know how much did the whole process cost you, and which company handled your paperwork, and what exactly was involved.

thanks

Bondi

[didi7]

The process for my villa was handled by my lawyer although all the actual inspection visits etc to the villa were hosted by me. The cost was €400 which I consider reasonable given my likely rental income p.a. and the threat of unquantifiable fines.

[BONDI]

didi7

i am so happy for you and am glad at least someone has got the AL license with not much hassle especially the lawyers cost is very reasonable. considering what other companies are charging.i wish you a good luck and happy holiday rental season ahead.

Bondi

[Geoff]

Hi all
We have been quoted 250 euros by our agents to handle the application with 125 euros for the electrical test. I thought this was a bit pricey , but looking through previous posts it seems fair(ish).
Does anyone know if its possible to handle the application personally , without the ability to speak Portuguese?
We have been advised that March 2010 is the deadline ( Lagoa).

[BONDI]

geoff

the price you have quotes sounds quite reasonable to me. But should you feel like doing it your self without being able to WRITE, SPEAK, portuguese may be bit tricky. you have to put the application in writing to the president of the town hall, with all the certified paperss needed being in order, along with gas, electrical certificates, all in PORTUGUES with CORRECT WORDINGS, and may be few trips tothe town hall to get property plans, hand the application in, and deal with any other future queries you may get, all to be done in portuguese.

About the dead line of 2010, this is new to me, i thought it LAW NOW, as of jan 2009.may be you are talking about bore hole license? do check this out again.

My advise is to let the professinals do this, unless you can handle poretuguese bureaucracy.beileve me it is not as simple as it looks,

Bondi

[thepropertydoctor]

I don't know how these guys can do the AL process for some of the fees mentioned! One normally has to get updated cert registo, plans from Cãmara and other documents all of which have a cost, add electrician and gas fees ....... running back and forth to the Câmara, especially Lagoa who change the rules each time! Even the complants book is almost €30! I guess it is ok as a "hobby" but as a commercial transaction????

[BONDI]

I agree property doctor. even as a hobby to do this licensing business will require lot of time running around, waiting around, being very very patient with ever so slow moving town hall bureaucracy, and most of all NOT GETTING even a BASIC CUSTOMER SERVICE, from most government departments would try any saints patience.

I should know, as i have been dealing with Portuguese Bureacuracy for nearly 30 years, and not much has changed. Central government brings out this so called SIMPLEX rules, BUT in reality it doesnt cut much ice with the LOCAL AUTHORITIES who follow their own agenda, and half the time majority of staff who work in town halls have NO IDEA about changes in the law, and couldnt care less.

So to anybody hoping to do this licensing business themselves GOOD LUCK, because YOU WILL NEED IT. ( unless of course you have contacts in local government officies, even then if will take time and MONEY MONEY MONEY !!!!!!!!!!! )

Bondi

[Geoff]

Bondi
I am convinced , pay the agent!
Incidentally , the fee of 250 euros is purely for them : costs of inspections, fire extinguishers, complaints books etc are all extra!
They have confirmed that the dead line for filing of the license is March 2010.
Geoff

[BONDI]

Geoff

I believe 250 euros is not a bad rate.i paid considerable much more, so you can be sure that your agent is not over charging, just make sure that this fees are FINAL , for the whole process, and if there are any additional papers requested at later stages, or may be few more trips to town hall are needed they will orgaqnise the final license in this price. do also ask for copies of all correspondence between them, you, town hall,and keep copies of all paperwork .

I wish you good luck and hope all will be sorted soon enough. keep us posted as to how all is going and do let us know of any unusual requests from the town hall.

By the way the company you are using is it based in lagoa? or is it local to where your property is ? this may help.

Best wishes

Bondi

[Geoff]

Bondi
It's the condominium management company , so I guess there are economies of scale
Geoff

[BONDI]

Geoff

thanks for updated.

Is the application being made by the condominium company just for your property or is it a JOINT APPLICATION along with other property owners in your complex?

Bondi

[Geoff]

They reckon its simplest & best if applications are done individually.

[BONDI]

Geoff

Thats good, i agree it is easier, and better option that joint application. Has your papers been submitted or are to be submitted yet?

please keep us updated about your application

thanks

Bondi

[Geoff]

Bondi
Will do so. Nothing has yet been done.
Geoff

[BONDI]

Geoff

Good.If you feel you need a reliable company to do this, i can always recommend the company that did my licensing. They are local based in LAGOA.If you need further infomation please send me PM .

Also as mentioned before do try to get exact costing on full licensing process from the company you are dealing with. My guess is on top of 250 euros basic agents fees you may end up paying about 600 euros or so, depended on the size of your property.

Regards

Bondi