Take part
How to take part
You don’t need any experience, and you don’t need to belong to a party. All it takes is neighbours, workmates and the will to change things. Start here.
Everything starts with getting organised
No one can fix this alone.
Want to start a group where you live, or sign your organisation up to these demands? Get in touch.
1
Get your building or street together
Talk to your neighbours, start a group and compare rents, leases and problems. Knowing what everyone pays is where your power starts.
2
Join a tenants’ association and a union
A tenants’ association helps with your lease and rent; a union, with your pay and working conditions. Find an organisation.
3
Take to the streets
Join the demonstrations and local actions for the right to housing. Every one counts, in big cities and small towns alike.
4
Spread the word
Share the figures on this site, talk about your own situation, print posters and bring the debate to your school, workplace and residents’ association. And ask your MPs and your local council what they are doing about it.
5
Have your say in public consultations
Urban plans, large developments and other projects that change the land go to public consultation. On the Participa portal you can see the ones that are open and have your say.
At home and at work
Two organisations, more bargaining power
Tenants’ association
Learn your rights, get legal support and don’t face a rent rise or an eviction alone. Tenants who organise negotiate from a much stronger position.
Trade union
Advice, protection from retaliation and weight at the table when negotiating wages that can actually pay for a home.
This list is for information only: the organisations and services listed aren’t necessarily linked to this campaign. Know of one that should be here? Let us know.
Tenants’ associations
Associação dos Inquilinos e Condóminos do Norte de Portugal
Northern Portugal. Free legal advice for members.
aicnp.pt
Housing movements
Vida Justa
Movement born in Lisbon’s outer neighbourhoods, fighting for housing and against the rising cost of living.
vidajusta.org
CPV
Casa Para Viver
National platform of movements and collectives that calls the big housing demonstrations.
casaparaviver.pt
Porta a Porta: Casa para Todos
National housing movement with local groups in several cities.
portaaporta.pt
Movimento Referendo pela Habitação
Non-partisan movement of Lisbon residents calling for a local referendum on short-term lets.
referendopelahabitacao.pt
Tent camps and assemblies
Since October, there have been tent camps and people’s assemblies for housing in several cities. Follow the one near you to find out when they meet:
- Porto Instagram
- Lisbon Instagram
- Braga Instagram
- Aveiro Instagram
- Castelo Branco Instagram
- Setúbal Instagram
- Évora Instagram
- Faro Instagram
Trade union confederations
Public information and support
Portal da Habitação
Public housing schemes, such as Porta 65 Jovem (rent support for young people) and the affordable rent programme.
portaldahabitacao.pt
FAQ
I’ve received an eviction or non-renewal letter. What should I do?
Don’t move out or sign anything until you’ve got advice. Contact a tenants’ association as soon as you can and check the deadlines in the letter. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can apply to Social Security (Segurança Social) for legal aid.
My landlord wants to put the rent up. Is that allowed?
It depends on your type of lease and the size of the increase. Annual increases are capped by law. Before you agree to anything, ask a tenants’ association for help.
Can I get into trouble for joining a union?
No. The right to join a union is protected by the Constitution and the Labour Code. Retaliation for union activity is illegal.
Where can I complain about a public body?
To the Ombudsman (Provedor de Justiça), who deals with complaints about public bodies, including on housing matters, free of charge.
Do I have to belong to a party?
No. This campaign is open to anyone who supports the right to housing, whoever they vote for.
I own my home with a mortgage. Is this for me too?
Yes. Rising interest rates and prices hit buyers too, and your children and neighbours face the same impossible rents. Housing is everyone’s problem.
How do I start a group in my building or neighbourhood?
Start small: a chat with your neighbours, a sheet listing everyone’s rent and lease, a messaging group. Then call an open meeting. Email us at direito.habitacao@proton.me and we’ll help with materials and contacts.
My organisation wants to endorse the demands. What do we do?
Email direito.habitacao@proton.me with your organisation’s name, town and contact details.