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Transform your home into Local accommodation for tourist rental is an excellent option to earn extra income.

In Portugal, it is estimated that the hosts obtain an extra income of 3,350 euros per year with short term rentals.

1. The property

You will have a greater advantage if the house is located in Lisbon, Porto or Algarve, as these are the regions that lead tourism. Also houses that are located near or in the historic center of their respective cities or next to the beach are in greater demand.

2. Take care of the necessary documentation

In order to function as an AL, your property needs to obtain its own license, which will allow you to legally offer accommodation or temporary rental services. The first step is to sign up for Finance and then communicate to Balcão Único Eletrônico, presenting some documents, among them:

• Simple copy of the identification of the holder or Permanent Certificate of Commercial Registration, in the case of a legal person
• Statement of responsibility
• Building book
• Lease Agreement
• Copy of the Finance statement

With this step completed, the City Council has a period of 30 days to confirm the veracity of the documentation and issue an opinion. Once with the proof of registration, the owner can already take advantage of the space for tourist leasing.

Do not forget, in addition to the license, other legal obligations:

• Complaint book
• Energy certification (mandatory if the property refers to buildings or autonomous fractions covered by this certification system
• Communicate the entry and exit of foreigners to SEF, mandatory by law. BA Direto allows you to communicate data remotely, immediately.

3. Know your target audience

The characteristics of the property: if it has a swimming pool, gym or other amenities, these are elements that enhance the home. These influence the amount requested by the rental, which can affect the type of public: a house with more amenities can attract guests from a more luxurious segment.

The location of the property is equally important: in the city, it can attract more business travelers; next to the beach, it attracts more leisure guests. The type of public will also affect the number of rooms and guests allowed: a large house with many rooms is more practical for groups, while a small house with more privacy is ideal for couples.

4. Creativity in decoration

Whether you choose a more minimalist style or, the decor should bring personality to the environment. Invest in a decoration that is elegant and comfortable so that guests feel at home.

5. Highlight the unique characteristics of your home

There are features that make your home naturally special like a gym, central heating, indoor or outdoor fireplaces, functional kitchens with all amenities, natural light and a good view.

Spaces such as balconies, terraces or gardens, or water features such as small fountains or swimming pools, help to create a unique environment for guests to enjoy their home and are ideal for highlighting in initial photographs of rental ads.

To know how to stay still tips on how to maximize the profit in your Local Accommodation read our article.