These rules were created to provide a safe and friendly environment and to maintain order within the household.

General Information and Guidelines

 
This document was designed to provide you with some useful information and details should you need any help or advice over the up-coming semester. As your landlord, we have the responsibility to provide you with a good standard of accommodation and service. In return, we expect you to respect your accommodation, your fellow students and the local residents living around you.
 
If some unfortunate incident should occur, you may be held legally accountable if there is negligence on your part so it is the utmost importance you take all things mentioned here into account. Living in a shared home as an adult brings with it serious responsibilities and being aware is essential to a successful stay.
 
Please read everything carefully until the end. You will be asked to agree.
 
Living with flat-mates:
 
Please remember that you are living with other people, which means that there are certain social obligations involved vis-à-vis other flat-mate members. 
• Be friendly and polite to everybody. 
• Try to adapt as good as possible to new folkways and habits. 
• And please remember: you have not booked a hotel, nor are you a single renter. You are renting a communal space and thus are expected to make a contribution in the household. Offer your help wherever you can.
 
Safety First
 
REMEMBER to be EXTRA careful when first arriving and do your walking around. When you arrive to a foreign country you may have jet-lag, and sometimes we get confused with things such as driver habits, crosswalks, metro crossings, stop lights, etc. AND BE CAREFUL WITH THE OCEAN AND THE WAVES, AS THEY CAN BE DECEIVING.
 
Moving in:
 
As you move into your flat, join your landlord in checking your room, making sure that everything is in proper condition. Ask questions if you are uncertain about anything. This way you can avoid problems or disagreements regarding anything missing or broken later on.
 
Once settled in, please try obtaining your flat-mate’s phone numbers; that way if you forget your key or need something, they are there for you to help out. It’s a Buddy System. Maybe start a WhatsApp group with the other flatmates.
 
Keys:
 
All tenants will have their own set of keys and room key. There will be one general key for the mailbox which will be located in a central place.
If you do check the mailbox, and you see a bunch of publicity flyers, please feel free to remove and to dispose of them.
All rooms come with locks. Your rooms are your space. Although the landlord has his own set of extra keys, the landlord will by no means enter your space, unless otherwise prearranged with the person; like for a maintenance matter or something along those lines.
 
Nonetheless, the Landlord reserves the right to show up at the house during Business Hours 9:00-18:00 (Monday-Friday) for matters concerning the property or other related issues.
 
It is advisable when leaving the home to lock your room. The landlord is not responsible for missing items.
 
If you lose or forget the keys, there is a €35 fee to replace the keys. If you wish to make a 2nd copy, you may, but advise the landlord that you intend to do it.
 
Being Forgetful about Hazards
 
You're maybe living away from home the first time, and as such, there are hazards which can prove to be dangerous to those around you if you are not careful!
 
These hazards include:
 
- Leaving the stove on or other things cooking and forgetting about them. These can cause a fire, damage and injury.
- Leaving the heater on. Yes, as mentioned below, heaters too can catch fire and LEAVING ON UNATTENDED IS A HAZARD.
- Leaving water on in the sink or bathtub unattended.
 
If you spot that one of your flatmates has the tendency to be oftentimes forgetful, the management asks that you inform us. Actually, we ask that if you spot anything that does not seem right regarding the above and even overnight guests extending their stay, to inform us immediately.
 
Internet:
 
Your internet usage should not be used for commercial purposes or in any way that infringes on state/federal/international laws regarding libel or copyright. The illegal download and storage of music and movies as well as the use of tools to access peer-to-peer networks is not permitted. You carry full legal responsibility with respect to any and all use of the internet via your stay, including use by others who may join you during such use. Your landlord does not assume liability with regard to any damage or loss (e.g. due to a virus) resulting from use of the equipment.
 
Sometimes the internet signal becomes weak, this is either due to all the users streaming live movies or video calls at the same time, or just usage by people in the vicinity of the house. Hence, sometimes the RESET button is necessary to use, which is with a paper clip, on the side of the moden router can be found. Hold it for 5 seconds and it will re-boot.
 
If that fails to improve, you can also call the Support Number at 16912 (Vodafone), and they will ask you if you are in the presence of the modem to maybe do a few things like push a button or look for flashing lights as they try to fix the problem remotely. When speaking to the operator, they will need to know the name the contract is in 1) STATUSRECORD 2) TAX ID NUMBER (Contribuinte) 509403859 3) and the address at which you are at. Support operators usually all speak English.
 
Electricity:
 
Washing Machine
 
Before you place your clothes into the machine, you MUST verify that all the pockets are empty and any lose pieces are removed. Watch out for tennis shoes in the machine because the rubber soles can come off as well and clog the tubes. Failure to do so, may cause the tubes to clog and if they do, a technician may be required to come to the house which can have a high cost to you if this happens.
 
Energy IS considerably more expensive in Portugal than the rest of Europe, so we kindly ask, please be prudent when using it. You are allowed to use the laundry machine on your own, but we ask to try conserving energy (and for the environment) by using ECO cycles and Quick Wash.
 
A gentle reminder, that the longer the cycle and higher the temperature, the more aggressive it will be on the clothes, which can be damaging to the clothes as they can lose color and threads become looser.
 
Heaters:
 
It is imperative that you turn off heaters when not at home. Failure to do so can be a fire hazard and toxic inhalation to you and your flatmates (we know that mobile phone chargers can catch fire). This hazard can be just cause to terminate your stay at the home.
 
Also, having windows or doors open while having heater on goes against common sense. Keeping bills down will help keep rents down, so it's a group effort.
 
If there is a huge surge in the electric bill (way above the monthly average) such as leaving heat on endlessly during the winter, you may be asked to pay your share as an extra and the security deposit may be used for such effect.
 
Also, it's known that to get a good night's sleep, your room should not be too hot. It makes the air dryer, thus breathing more difficult. Some studies suggest that the discomfort of sleeping in a hot room can cause more frequent awakenings throughout the night and can disrupt restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. We should be setting the thermostat to a relatively cool 16.1 degrees Celsius.
 
Overheating of the human body, especially at night and during sleep, can cause hyperventilation, reduces our body's O2 content, and can worsen existing health issues.
 
And for those valuing Anti-Aging, it is the advise of scientific studies that too much heater air is not good for the skin. Exposure to heat can destroy collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, eventually causing it to become thinner and weaker, leading to premature wrinkling.
 
Power Outages
 
Power outages can sometimes occur in the winter months. Nonetheless, these can be avoided, with a few small tricks like:
 
- Don’t use washing machine around dinner time when people will be using stove or microwave. Use washing machine during the day when people are out.
- If you go to the kitchen to prepare your meal, turn off the heater, firstly to not waste electricity, and secondly to not add strain on main power board.
 
Hygiene and Cleanliness:
 
Please do not leave the bathroom (bathtub/toilet) in a messy condition. Remove hair from the tubs. Clean up after using it. LEAVE NO TRACE AFTER USING THE BATHROOM. The same goes for your room. Try to keep it clean and tidy. 
Cleaning up after yourself is expected. Share in taking the garbage to the bins, located right out in front. Don’t be lazy or take advantage of the kindness of your flat mate.
 
Females, please dispose of your hygiene products in the garbage bins and not the toilets; moreover any other type of non-disposal and non-dissolvable items should NOT be flushed, because the houses are older and may clog the drains. 
 
Even though there is cleaning usually every 15 days in common areas, it is up to the flatmates to keep things clean and tidy at all times. You cannot wait for the cleaning crew to arrive and take care of your mess. Remember, again, this is not a hotel.
 
Kitchen:
 
Keep the kitchen always tidy so that it is just the way you would like it to be when you use it, so the best is to wash your dishes and mess right after using it. This means WASHING THE POTS, PANS AND DISHES THOROUGHLY for next user.
 
Always remember to turn off the oven controls to avoid harm and danger to you and your flat-mates.
 
When using the stove top, choose the size of the burner according to the size of the pan. Using a big burner for a small fryer is not going heat any faster.
 
Also, be careful when using the frying pans as to not scrap off the anti-stick.
 
Do not drain cooking oil into the sink as this will clog it. Use an old bottle or milk carton to pour it there and then throw it out with the garbage.
 
Refrigerator
 
You must look after your items and spillage on your shelf because bad odors can occur and it becomes unpleasant for everyone.
 
Freezer
 
Freezer space is to share. If everyone stocks up on frozen food, your housemate won’t have any space. Stores are in proximity meant for occasional shopping if needed. Be courteous.
 
Caring for the Space:
 
It is expected that you do not damage the home or its items. Somethings may be old and may need repair. It’s normal. It is your duty to inform the landlord, via SMS (Whatsapp) of any mal functions or breakages as soon as they incur.
 
It is strictly forbidden to drill any holes in the walls unless you get permission beforehand to do so.
 
IT IS FORBIDDEN TO PUT SCOTCH TAPE ON THE WALLS. YOU MAY BE CHARGED A PAINTING JOB IF YOU DO SO. You can use those special adhesives sold in most hardware stores that do not damage the walls. They may cost a few euros more, but may save you money in long run.
 
A few tools will be provided in each home so if you feel the need to tighten a screw that's lose or something, you are free to do so.
 
Air Circulation
 
In winter time, although it can get cold, it is recommended that you leave your window open a small bit when leaving for the day. Doing this will air out the room and reduce the possibility of condensation occurring in your room. Even opening windows for 10 minutes a day will be enough so the room can "breathe".
 
Shutters (Estores)
 
Homes in Portugal have a black out system on the windows with shutters. You will be explained on how to use them upon your check-in so please pay attention. If one is not attentive or careful, they can get jammed or break, which can require a repair person to fix the damage. If damage is from normal wear and tear there is no charge, but if it shows that there was carelessness, you may be billed the charge of the actual cost, which can run from 35-50 euros for the repair.
 
Rent Payment:
 
It is expected that you contact the landlord by the 5th of each month to combine the payment of the rent that is due.
 
Residing in a Double Room
 
If you are here with your partner or friend and sharing one of the rooms and if by chance one of you has to return home, you will be responsible for the whole payment of the room if you wish to continue alone in the room. If you do not wish to continue paying the room alone, then you will have 30 days to seek out another room in another home. Nonetheless, the 30 days includes the full amount for the 2 persons.
 
Changing your room layout
 
If you wish to reposition the bed or other furniture, check with the landlord before doing so. If you shuffle around furniture, they may break, and you may be liable. He can help with the changing if needed.
 
Communication regarding your presence and absence:
 
On a regular basis, when you leave the home for a few days, it is important for the landlord or your colleagues to know when to expect your return. Thus, please notify the landlord or your colleagues if you will be spending at least 2-3 days away. This way we are all aware of your whereabouts.
 
Language:
 
Living in a communal flat provides an excellent opportunity to apply those language skills learned in the classroom. Simple politeness demands that you quickly learn and use words and phrases such as thank you, please, excuse me, may I etc. Avoid using swear words.
 
Quiet Time:
 
Please try not to make much noise after 10pm as most people will be resting or studying, so try refraining from talking loud or disruptively.
 
If the neighbors complain of noise being loud and rudely from the flat, they may summon the police, whom may pass a citation. The person(s) responsible for the noise, will be responsible for the citation as well and not the landlord.
 
If you do engage in adult activity with your partner, please respect your flat-mates as well as the neighbors by keeping it private.
 
When Leaving for the Day
 
When leaving the house for the day, DO NOT LOCK the door from the outside because a flatmate may still be inside and sometimes the keys (which are sometimes copies) do not always work well from the inside. But it is also for security reasons you musn't lock from the outside as a person may need to leave the flat in a hurry for a fire or something and not have time to search for their keys.
 
You may lock from the outside, if you know that everyone is out and you are all going away for the weekend or for holidays. Then, yes, you can lock from the outside.
 
Conflicts and differences:
 
Conflicting interests and various sorts of differences are a part of everyday life and must by no means have just negative consequences. Be ready to deal with potential differences in an open and honest manner from the beginning. Discuss problems with your colleagues first, before giving up. Only ask the landlord for resolving a matter as a last resource. You are adults and should work out the problems on your own.
 
Beyond our Control Problems:
 
Now and then a problem pertaining to things such as water, electricity or maintenance may occur. As the landlord, we will do everything in our power and resources to resolve them diligently and within the quickest time frame.
 
Time to time when there are big football (soccer) matches on TV, the internet companies will cut the net services for a few moments which is something they do to limit the illegal transmission of the game.
 
Rules for Overnight Guests:
 
Overnight guests are allowed for an added fee of 10 euros per night. Please advise the landlord of the visits beforehand. Guests are limited as they can interfere with the comfort of your flatmates which is why overnight guests are kept to a minimum.
 
Friends are allowed during the day as long as you are not disruptive to your flatmates or neighbors.
 
Showing room to future tenants:
 
Just as with you, it may be necessary to show potential, new inbound tenants the room you are dwelling in. Thus, a visit to show the installations may happen every so often. In this case, we will contact you ahead of time to let you know of our visit and to avoid any inconveniences to you.
 
Passport / ID:
 
By law, as landlords, we must have information about your identity that comes on your ID card or Passport, which shall be full name, ID number, country, and a contact number in case of emergency. You can offer to send a photo scan of the ID or supply the requested data or wait til you get here.
 
Upon your leaving the premises, all the provided information will be destroyed.
 
Leaving Unit:
 
If for some reason your behavior or way of being does not fit with the unit, your flat-mates or landlord, you may also be asked to leave. We reserve the right as well to terminate before the agreed departure date if deemed necessary.
 
The following is expressly forbidden:
 
 a) Entry and / or stay of animals on the premises, except for dogs when accompanied by a person with physical or sensory disabilities;
 
 b) Possession of any type of weapons, explosive, toxic or flammable materials hazardous to the health and safety of workers and employees, the tenants and other visitors as well as endangering the accommodation;
 
 c) Starting a fire, including lighting candles (And leaving them unattended), incense or any other related objects;
 
 d) Giving the keys of the accommodation to a third party;
 
 e) Providing accommodation to third parties in any capacity, unless with prior knowledge and written consent by management
 
 f) Any act which constitutes a criminal offense, namely:
- Stealing;
- Possession, consumption, trafficking, encouraging the consumption or circulation of drugs;
- Physically or verbally assaulting any person inside of the accommodations;
 
 g) Consuming too much alcohol;
 
 h) Adopting inappropriate behaviors of community life;
 
 i) Lack of respect and consideration to anyone who lives, works or visits the accommodations;
 
 j) Removing food belonging to a third party from the refrigerator;
 
 k) Throwing parties, organizing meetings or gatherings in the spaces without permission;
 
 l) Throwing any objects out the windows;
 
m) Any type of commercial activities from the premises.
 
Using the Patio
 
If you smoke or drink, make sure you clean up after your own garbage.
 
Excess of Luggage or Storage:
 
If for some reason upon your departure you cannot take everything with you, please arrange beforehand with your landlord or flatmate the storage for them if you need. It will be easier to manage and control if done beforehand and not after in the rush and stress of travel. Check with your airline the weight limits.
If you decide to leave items behind, that's ok, but we'll assume you left them because you no longer want them or no space in suitcases, so we will dispose of them after you leave and if you do not inform us beforehand, we are not responsible for items left behind.
 
When Departing for good
 
Once you have checked out, even if a few days are remaining on the lease, you cannot expect to return like if you miss the flight or there was a change of plans. Because usually the rooms will be immediately cleaned and prepared for the next person. We will clean your room for you so no need to wash the sheets or towels.
 
Liability and Code of Conduct:
 
You have chosen to live in a home in a foreign culture: that takes some courage and motivation, so we congratulate you! The key concept, as in any society, is consideration of others. One cannot expect others to respect his/her own culture without readiness to make a serious effort to understand the culture of the country which one has chosen to live in. So, with that principle kept in mind, we wish you a wonderful experience!
 
On a final note, the points laid out in this document are due to situations that have occurred and in order to avoid problems this document was prepared to help streamline your experience so that you can enjoy your time in Porto.
 
If you would like to discuss any part of this document, please feel free to bring it up.
 
Sports
 
And on a lighter note, if you like to play sports and would be interested in any of the following, let us know: Football (soccer), basketball, tennis, padel, ping pong, and badminton. If you just like to walk, we know many good places to start you out.
 
Part Time Work is Available
 
If you are needing to add to your budget, there is always some painting or cleaning that can be done. If you have the time, are interested and not allergic to getting your hands dirty, let the landlord know to see what can be arranged.
 
And Finally
 
Community living is difficult, even amongst family members. So imagine people from different countries, different languages, different cultures, different ages, different sexes, all coming together under one roof? This is the trend of the 2020s, that is sharing homes with strangers. It gives a unique experience, and from the social-cultural aspect, a big science experiment. Now imagine being in a foreign country, not knowing anyone, the language, the ways of being, and sharing a house with those people, can be stressful and can lead to moments of despair. Especially if it is your first time living on your own.
 
Not all of us have the same cleanliness, same hygiene, same beliefs, same mindset, and so on. So how do you share the kitchen, the toilet, the shower, the refrigerator with these total strangers? Not everyone is nice and understanding. Sometimes there is mis-communication, because if everyone is speaking English, it is their 2nd language, so words can lead to uncertainty. That’s how we grow as people and part of the experience of living abroad, is to gain this experience under our belt.
 
Sejam Bem-Vindos - I wish you a successful and benefiting experience in Porto.
 
GREG BABAYANS
 
 
I hereby declare that I have read and accept the information and conditions set forth in this document.