If you manage a short-term rental (Alojamento Local) in Portugal, you should know that an information book has been legally required since 2018. But does your book meet all legal requirements? And more importantly: is it truly helping your guests have a memorable experience?
In this complete guide, we explain everything you need to know about the information book for short-term rentals, from legal requirements to best practices for creating a manual your guests will actually use.
What is a Short-Term Rental Information Book?
The information book is a document containing all essential information about how your short-term rental operates and its internal usage rules. It serves as a welcome guide that helps guests quickly familiarize themselves with the space and make the most of their stay.
More than a legal obligation, a good information book can:
- Reduce unnecessary contact (you won't get calls at midnight asking how to turn on the TV)
- Improve the guest experience and, consequently, reviews
- Prevent problems with neighbors and condominium associations
- Demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail
Is an Information Book Mandatory?
Yes. Since October 21, 2018, with Law No. 62/2018 coming into effect, all short-term rental establishments in Portugal are required to have an information book.
Legal Requirements
According to Article 12 of Decree-Law No. 128/2014 (amended by Law 62/2018), the book must:
✅ Be available in 4 languages (Portuguese and English mandatory, plus two of your choice)
✅ Include information about property operation
✅ Contain internal usage rules
✅ Specify waste management rules and recycling
✅ Explain how appliances work
✅ Indicate noise rules and quiet hours
✅ List measures to prevent disturbances to neighbors
✅ Include phone contact of the person responsible for the property
Important note: If your property is in a residential building, the book must also contain the condominium regulations relevant to guests.
What Should a Complete Information Book Contain?
Let's divide the content into two categories: mandatory information and recommended information.
1. Legally Mandatory Information
Property Details
- Name of the short-term rental
- RNAL registration number
- Contact phone number of the responsible person
- Complete address
Operating Rules
- Check-in and check-out times
- Noise policy (especially quiet hours: 10pm-8am on weekdays, 11pm-8am on weekends)
- Rules about visitors and maximum occupancy
- Smoking policy
- Pet policy
Waste Management
- Garbage collection schedules
- Location of bins
- Instructions for waste separation (paper, plastic, glass, organic)
- Municipality-specific rules
Equipment and Appliances
- Instructions for using the stove, oven, washing machine/dishwasher
- How to use heating/air conditioning
- TV and audiovisual equipment operation
- Wi-Fi router location and reset instructions (with password)
Condominium Regulations (if applicable)
- Common area usage hours
- Parking rules
- Building-specific regulations
2. Recommended Information (But Essential)
Safety and Emergencies
- Emergency number: 112 (prominently displayed)
- Complete property address (for guests to provide in emergencies)
- Location of fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and first aid kit
- Procedures in case of fire or evacuation
- Location of electrical panel and circuit breakers
- Gas instructions (if applicable)
Useful Contacts
- Nearby pharmacies (include 24-hour pharmacies)
- Nearest hospital or health center
- Local taxi or Uber
- Supermarkets and opening hours
- Recommended restaurants
Welcome Message
Personalize the beginning of the book with a warm message. It's the perfect opportunity to:
- Thank them for choosing your property
- Share a bit of the space's history
- Express your availability to help
- Add a personal touch that humanizes the experience
Example:
"Welcome to [Property Name]! We're delighted you've chosen us for your stay in Porto. This apartment has been carefully prepared to make you feel at home. If you have any questions, we're always available. Enjoy your vacation!"
Area Guide
- Main tourist attractions
- Public transportation (stops, schedules, useful apps)
- Markets and supermarkets
- Local cafés and restaurants (with genuine tips)
- Recommended activities
- Seasonal events
- Beaches, parks, viewpoints
Insider Tips
Things tourist guides don't tell you:
- Hidden family-run restaurant
- Best time to visit certain locations
- Where to buy authentic local products
- Free events in the city
House-Specific Instructions
- How the door lock system works
- Where to leave keys at checkout
- Checkout procedure
- Special care for certain items
- Where to find extra items (towels, bedding, cleaning products)
How to Organize the Information Book
Organization is as important as content. A disorganized book won't be consulted.
Recommended Structure
- Cover with property identification and RNAL number
- Clear and detailed index
- Welcome message
- Essential information (Wi-Fi, contacts, checkout)
- Safety and emergencies
- House operation (equipment, rules)
- Area guide (what to visit, where to eat)
- Useful contacts
- Feedback page (optional, but useful)
Presentation Tips
Physical Format:
- Use a binder or ring folder to facilitate updates
- Laminate the most important pages (contacts, Wi-Fi)
- Include photos and icons to facilitate understanding
- Use section dividers
- Choose a design that reflects your property's identity
Digital Format:
- Create a PDF version and make it available via QR Code
- Consider creating a dedicated web page
- Send link by email before arrival
- Keep it always updated
Multilingual:
- Have physical versions in all 4 mandatory languages
- Use universal icons whenever possible
- Consider having a digital version with more languages
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Outdated information - Wrong contacts or obsolete instructions
❌ Too much text - Guests won't read huge paragraphs
❌ Lack of images - A picture is worth a thousand words
❌ Not including condominium regulations (if applicable)
❌ Forgetting a mandatory language
❌ Omitting emergency contact
❌ Not personalizing - Generic books are less useful
How Host Wise Can Help
At Host Wise, we know that managing the details of each property can be challenging, especially when you have a portfolio of multiple units.
As short-term rental management specialists, we offer:
- Creation of personalized information books that meet 100% of legal requirements
- Professional templates adapted to your property's identity
- Versions in multiple languages ready to use
- Regular updates according to legislative changes
- Complete property management, including all operational details
Contact us to learn how we can optimize your short-term rental management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have only the digital book?
No. The law requires the book to be physically available at the property. You can complement with a digital version, but not replace it.
Do I really need 4 languages?
Yes. Portuguese and English are mandatory, plus two of your choice. We recommend French and Spanish.
How much time do I have to create the book?
The book must exist from the beginning of the property's operation. For properties registered before 2018, the deadline ended in October 2020.
Can I use a free template from the internet?
Yes, but make sure it meets all legal requirements and personalize it for your specific property.
What happens if I don't have the book?
You're subject to inspection and possible fines. Additionally, it can compromise your guests' experience and result in negative reviews.
Conclusion
The information book for short-term rentals is much more than a legal obligation. It's a strategic tool to improve your guests' experience, reduce operational problems, and protect your property.
Investing time in creating a complete, well-organized, and personalized book translates into:
- ✅ Fewer unnecessary contacts
- ✅ More satisfied guests
- ✅ Better reviews
- ✅ Fewer problems with neighbors
- ✅ Full legal compliance
Need help managing your short-term rental? Host Wise manages over 620 properties across the country and can help you professionalize all aspects of your operation.
