Long Let Sublet Con/Scam

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Travelfrog
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Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 8:48 am

Long Let Sublet Con/Scam

Post by Travelfrog »

Just heard of some people we know in the Algarve who have let their house to an Irish couple on a long let without a contract only to find that they have sublet the house. They have advertised it on the Internet and have taken bookings from holiday makers for this year.

The owner turned up to read the meter and there were several guys there on holiday that had booked through the Internet.

The person with the long let does not have a contract.

The house does not have a rental license.

Any suggestions how best to handle this?

They could be doing this with other properties as well and need to be stopped!!
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Mouse
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Post by Mouse »

This is really common here....but as well as some renting to holidaymakers the majority sub let to people coming here to 'do the summer'. In fact it is such a money spinner that decently priced accommodation is really hArd to find. Rooms in houses/apartments are being rented for €1000+ a month.

You have yo have a 'no sub lets' clause in any rent agreement. If your friends don't then they're on sticky legal ground I would think. Best they get legal advice given there's no licence they may get it stopped on that basis.
Otherwise maybe the best way is to call them out about the activity and ask for a portion of the income.

Mouse
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RichardHenshall
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Location: Luz, Algarve

Post by RichardHenshall »

Presumably the owners don't have the necessary energy performance & safety certificates etc for long term rental and without a contract can't declare this income properly for Portuguese tax. As a result they can't really use the law as a deterrent without incriminating themselves too.

They'll just have to hope for minimal damage and wear & tear and also hope the authorities don't find out about any of what is going on. But they were doing that anyway. :?
e-richard
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Post by e-richard »

I might know some lads down at the pub who used to be door managers and may be able to get a "team" together to sort out this problem, but it'll cost ya !
** Richard
PIMS: Holiday Rental Management system
They say we learn from our mistakes. That makes me a genius !
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