Form 19 Residential Rental Agreement: Fill & Download for Free

Most standard rental contracts include:1. Rental property address and details. This is especially important when you have one building with multiple units so there’s no confusion.2. Details on any furnishings, parking space, storage areas, or other extras that come with the rental property. Will the unit be furnished or unfurnished? Will a refrigerator be included? Etc. You can see how disagreements here could lead to problems.3. Names of all tenants. Every adult who lives in the rental unit, including both members of a married or unmarried couple, should be named as tenants and sign the lease or rental agreement. This makes each tenant legally responsible for all terms, including the full amount of the rent and the proper use of the property.4. Limits on occupancy. Your agreement should clearly specify that the rental unit is the residence of only the tenants who have signed the lease and their minor children. This guarantees your right to determine who lives in your property -- ideally, people whom you have screened and approved -- and to limit the number of occupants. The value of this clause is that it gives you grounds to evict a tenant who moves in a friend or relative, or sublets the unit, without your permission.5. Term of the tenancy. Every rental document should state whether it is a rental agreement or a fixed-term lease. Rental agreements usually run from month-to-month and self-renew unless terminated by the landlord or tenant. Leases, on the other hand, typically last a year. Your choice will depend on how long you want the tenant to stay and how much flexibility you want in your arrangement.6. Deposits and fees. Expect to see details on the dollar amount of a security deposit, cleaning deposit, or last month’s rent BEFORE the tenant can move in. Are deposits refundable or nonrefundable?7. Rent. Your lease or rental agreement should specify the amount of rent, when it is due (typically, the first of the month), and how it's to be paid, such as by mail to your office. To avoid confusion and head off disputes with tenants, spell out details such as:acceptable payment methods (such as personal check only)whether late fees will be due if rent is not paid on time, the amount of the fee, and whether there's any grace period, andany charges if a rent check bounces.8. Repairs and maintenance. Your best defense against rent-withholding hassles and other problems (especially over security deposits) is to clearly set out your and the tenant's responsibilities for repair and maintenance in your lease or rental agreement.9. Entry to rental property. To avoid tenant claims of illegal entry or violation of privacy rights, your lease or rental agreement should clarify your legal right of access to the property -- for example, to make repairs -- and state how much advance notice you will provide the tenant before entering.10. Restrictions on tenant illegal activity. To avoid trouble among your tenants, prevent property damage, and limit your exposure to lawsuits from residents and neighbors, you should include an explicit lease or rental agreement clause prohibiting disruptive behavior, such as excessive noise, and illegal activity, such as drug dealing. Is cannibus on the premises allowed or prohibited? In some state it’s legal but for federal purposes it is currently illegal.11. Pets. If you do not allow pets, be sure your lease or rental agreement is clear on the subject. If you do allow pets, you should identify any special restrictions, such as a limit on the size, type, or number of pets or a requirement that the tenant will keep the yard free of all animal waste.12. Utilities. The landlord should state who pays for what utilities. Normally, landlords pay for garbage and sometimes for water, if there is a yard. Tenants usually pay for other services, such as Internet, gas, and electricity.13. Extended absences. Some leases and rental agreements require a tenant to notify the landlord in advance if you will be away from the premises for a certain number of consecutive days (often seven or more). Such clauses may give the landlord the right to enter the rental unit during your absence to main­tain the property as necessary and to inspect for damage and needed repairs. You’ll most often see this type of clause if you live in a cold-weather place where, in case of extremely cold temperatures, landlords want to drain the pipes to guard against breakage.14. Limits on tenant behavior. Most form leases and rental agreements contain a clause forbidding tenants from using the premises or adjacent areas, such as the sidewalk in front of the building, in such a way as to violate any law or ordinance, including laws prohibiting the use, possession, or sale of illegal drugs. These clauses also prohibit tenants from intentionally damaging the property or creating a nuisance by annoying or disturbing other tenants or nearby residents—for example, by continuously making loud noise. Leases and rental agreements may prohibit smoking, in individual units as well as in common areas.15. Restrictions on use of the property. Landlords may throw in all kinds of language limiting tenant use of the rental property and who may stay there. These may be minor (for example, no waterbeds, plants on wood floors, or bikes in the hallway) or quite annoying. These may be in a separate set of rules and regulations or individual clauses. Basically, landlords can set any kind of restriction they want—as long as it’s not discriminatory or retaliatory or otherwise violates your state law.16. No home businesses. Landlords may prohibit tenants from running a business from your home, by including a clause specifying that the premises are “for residential purposes only.” The concern here is generally about increased traffic and liability exposure if one of your customers or business associates is hurt on the premises. Obviously, working at home on your computer is not likely to bother your landlord, and may not even be noticed.
 If you want to run a day care operation in your rented home, your landlord may not be able to flatly prohibit it. Laws in some states, including California and New York, are designed to encourage family-run day care. Landlords in these states may limit the number of children, however, and any business you run must comply with state fire and health regulations regarding minimum size of the facility and fire exits.17. No assignments or sublets without landlord permission. Most careful landlords will not let tenants turn their rental over to another tenant (called “assignment”), let someone live there for a limited time while you’re away (called a “sublet”), or let you rent an extra bedroom to another occupant, with you as the “landlord” (also called a sublet), without their written consent. 
Lease clauses often specifically prohibit tenants from renting rooms on Airbnb or similar short-term rental services.18. Attorney fees and court costs in a lawsuit. Many leases and rental agreements specify who will pay the costs of a lawsuit if you go to court over the meaning or implementation of a part of your rental agreement or lease—for example, a dispute about rent or security deposits. These clauses do not apply to legal disputes that arise independently of the lease or rental agreement—for example, lawsuits over alleged discrimination. A common and evenhanded attorney fees clause will explicitly require the losing side in a landlord-tenant dispute concerning the lease or rental agreement—whether it’s the landlord or the tenant—to pay attorney fees and court costs (filing fees, service of process charges, deposition costs, and so on) of the winning party. Watch out for clauses that make only the losing tenant pay for the owner’s lawyer’s fees. In several states, these unfair arrangements will be interpreted to run both ways, even though the landlord didn’t intend it that way (in other words, if you win, the landlord has to pay your costs).19. Grounds for termination of tenancy. You’ll often see a general clause stating that any violation of the lease or rental agreement by you, or by your guests, is grounds for terminating the tenancy according to the procedures established by state or local laws. Rules for terminating a tenancy differ depending on whether or not you sign a lease or rental agreement, and vary by state (and, in some cases, by city, if the property is under some form of rent control).20. Other Restrictions. Be sure your lease or rental agreement complies with all relevant laws including rent control ordinances, health and safety codes, occupancy rules, and antidiscrimination laws. State laws are especially key, setting security deposit limits, notice requirements for entering rental property, tenants' rights to sublet or bring in additional roommates, rules for changing or ending a tenancy, and specific disclosure requirements such as past flooding in the rental unit.These are just a few of the most common clauses usually found in lease agreements. Work with a local property manager in your state to develop a lease that is appropriate to your property and tenants. They are worth their weight in gold when it comes to finding reliable tenants, screening and leasing. And their fee should be tax-deductible to an active property owner while your personal time spent in these activities is not.

I have worked in Credit Control both Commercial and Retail lending as well as trade credit for over 30 years, and only once come across a situation as this but it was not as fast as this Covid 19 is proving to spread.Although we didn’t deal with private sub-lets we did fund people who were in rented accommodation, so potentially a situation like this could have arisen even back in 1984. As it happened in 1985 there was a miners strike (mainly a political issue with the then head of the NUM (Union)Arthur Scargill and the Prime-Minister of the day Margaret Thatcher , both trying to show how strong they were). The NUM have tried to hold the UK to ransom on four occasions in the 20th Centuary, and thought they were now above the Government, having brought down three Governments in the previous actions.So that gives you the background to the situation. Obviously we were not the only Finance House and Bank to have the problem but there are parallels with the question posed.There was indeed a massive default on loans after month three of the strike (Actually the strike went on for just over a year), and we took some pretty big losses and write offs with accounts where in effect the borrower was bankrupt. As it was a trade dispute and strong Political links, we and other lenders were not prepared to get involved with the Politics. So we gathered all the miners accounts together, wrote them a letter and told them we had tranferred their affairs to our Collections Company (although the borrowers not informed that actually we were part of the same company, just another Limited company in the group) and we in turn wrote to those people explainimg why we had been appointed. (Actually we had the capacity to deal with, the rest of the company didn’t; but hat is another issue).We agreed a freeze on interest and we would accept a reduced instalment for three months and review the situation again. In the event as above the dispute went on considerably longer and most people defaulted through in effect bankruptcy. However we didn’t pursue that line nor take the matter through Court.I think we have a similar if not greater issue with this COVID business which is fast getting out of hand. Landlord and Tennant is different to general Consumer Credit indeed Commercial Leasing; equally both cases have a similarity in so far as it Force majuere we are dealing with here and totally out of peoples control.I am fully aware that Landlords need their income, but equally many have sufficient funds floating around and not that desperate for the income as yet; more so if they actually own outright the properties they are renting. They have no overhead of mortgages to worry about that they have to pay. They know very well if the population stop working then there is going to be a massive drop in income across the board, and that is part of the risk any landlord, commercial or residential takes. Indeed most multi-let Landlords have “catastrophe Insurance” to deal with these situations.To that end I think there is no reason that they can not at least reduce the rent, particularly as we are talking total lock-down in the UK, many people are receivng at best reduced pay, or being asked to take full pay but as part of their holiday leave. To that end the Landlord knows that there is a serious issue and they are probably in lock-down too.To that end I see no reason why they can’t as the Finance Houses and banks did in the Miners’ strike in the 1980s accept a reduced sum at the very least. Expecting people who clearly have no income, they may be relying on savings. Although the Government have pledged some relief for people with mortgages and rental agreements in the form of enhanced benefits, they have not actually disclosed (as politicians usually don’t) how much or what that form will take, more to the point when.Looking at it from a Credit Control point of view, I am fully aware that the debtor is in difficulties and the circumstances are beyond their control. It is better therefore not to give total relief but at least impose a token payment (as we refer to it a payment as an act of good faith) of say 25% of the usual rent, not treat it as arrears and post it to a sub-account which can be paid off at a later stage, depending of course on how long this escapade lasts.At least the Landlord it getting something in the same way as we did from the miners who were on strike but could not pay the full instalment. If the Landlords started evicting everyone as they defaulted due to this lock down and therefore the drop in their income, then the Landlords would have no money coming in at all, and more to the point and empty property which at some time they are going have to rent out again. So it is better to have people in occupation that you know and trust, and they will adhere to the reduced rent agreement, than evict and take on someone you don’t know and may defualt on the first rental payment. So you end up evicting them and again an empty property.So in my view, any Landlord who has any sense would be better of taking a nominal (but sensible) payment from the Tennant than evict them, also in contract law, there needs to be some “consideration for the contract of lease to make the tenant legal” To expect total “forgiveness” I think may be pushing your luck some what; but equally a negotiated reduction of the rent would be mutually acceptable since you still have a home, and the Landlord does have some rental coming in rather than an empty property.I would not be surprised if mortgagors and banks will be doing the same thing for the Landlord so I see no reason why that should not be passed on to the tennants.I am sorry this is a long answer but there are a lot of legal technicaltites to be taken in to account and the analogy I give with the miners strike gives an insight to my rationale.Chris R- London

~~LONG DISCOURSE~~‘Olá’…which is how we Portuguese write and say ‘Hello’! As you embark on your Portuguese adventure, keep in mind we Portuguese tend to be gentle anarchists living in a state of peaceful disorder.The average Portuguese is almost always late, too serious, rather formal and critical. We still drive like maniacs, parking wildly on sidewalks which is nowadays “fine-able”, many loving to take two spaces when parking; shameful, selfish and also punishable by traffic law. Others like to evade responsibility and many are corrupt. I guess this means some of us are dishonest crooks, but certainly NOT most, on the contrary. We are tight fisted despondent complainers with a high tendency for negativity. Exhibiting a smart-alec (chico-esperto) attitude towards law and authority, we detest taxes and can be envious of others, but we are also: amiable, deferential, indomitable, apathetic, humble, tough, dauntless, cynical, courageous, compassionate, grouchy, submissive and beleaguered.Waiting for fortune to smile upon we love to play lotteries, good company, and a good shot of coffee. We are conciliatory, tactful, effusive and spontaneous, but we can also be SOB’s, blowing our tops off on occasion if royally pissed off, so please…don't piss us off (!). In the end, we are eminently reasonable, with a sadness of the soul, and a joviality in our nature. A unique bunch, but of course, not all Portuguese fall within the said personality traits. We are far from being perfect, being no better than others. Believe it or not, we even have a few (gasp) *jerks* lurking around…well.. they are few. Portuguese have been around almost 900 years as an independent nation. We know ourselves pretty well, so believe me when I say the great majority, (some more some less) click the ‘boxes' above and below, as we are also hospitable, helpful people that love our visitors, but while in Portugal please:Do not address us directly in your language, especially if Spanish. Not because we might not understand you, (many don't) but because we are not Spanish! Our beloved national languages are Portuguese + Mirandês, and although some speak a certain ‘Portunhol’, don’t assume. Always ask if it is ok to address us in Spanish, because as a principle, we find it disrespectful that in our own country someone addresses us using the next door neighbor's language. So please…don't just start yapping away in Spanish, or in any other language without first asking if we speak it, ok? In Lisbon, Porto and a few other larger cities, most youngsters and middle aged individuals speak English; not so much in smaller or surrounding areas of older population. Having said this, most Portuguese attempt to help you even if only knowing a few words of English, or any other language they might have picked up living abroad, or just thru their own academic studies.Do not compare our country and people to your country or countrymen: English, Spanish, Americans, whatever. In Iberia we are seen as a unique rebel clan, so digest this slowly, without questioning our modesty, as I assure you it is quite high…like our Winter humidity.After centuries of disasters, economic mistakes and political instability, Portugal still has a lot to accomplish. While knowing the world better than most and ourselves too, we have owned our destiny for 877 years, co-sharing 60 of those with Spain; this due to a Portuguese monarchic succession crisis. So believe it when I say, Portugal and its people will be around for a long while, and we will survive Covid19.Portugal is not a ‘banana republic’. Although it may look like it is, don't fool yourself thinking so, because we are different and just a bit crazy. Only we, the Portuguese can say that (in many ways) we are a banana republic, but not outsiders; how dare you!? ;-). Here we follow rules and codes of conduct, except for the currupt politicians and bankers that think themselves above the law. That is until they are caught, but still many get away with murder even after caught AND tried.Politically and socially we like to fly under the radar. We hate show-offs, but centuries ago we were a world power and show off's we were. Nowadays, we mind our own business despite being involved in the EU. Once in a while we show the world our other side by reminding mankind not just that we exist, but that we are also alive and relevant, at least once every 500 years. We accomplish this feat maybe with an ‘avant garde’ brilliant approach or methodology, or by keeping to our financial obligations in a time of crisis, and suddenly, we are ‘geniuses’ and and an utterly fantastic country of people, the world rendering itself at our feet; at least for a while, then we go dormant again for centuries.Despite no longer being powerful nor rich (GDPwise) we have many riches under our soil and maritime waters. We are a decent democratic country, where people’s rights are protected by the constitution, but in day to day living, hummm… it can be another story.Portugal and citizens have changed and not always smoothly nor for the best. Portugal has some of the world's lowest crime rates but… there is crime. Still, compared to the number of inhabitants it is very low. Part of it is because we successfully addressed, and lowered the effect of illegal drugs in our society, as well as the number of our HIV cases, being now a global example on how to curb/ eradicate drug use, (and trafficking) which has lowered our criminality. But don't fool yourselves, drugs are still around and being confiscating more and more. Still, we continue to be the world’s 3rd safest country despite the economic problems and the number of foreigners, refugees and emigrants we accept. Our low crime society has brought us quite a lot of world attention, accolades and newcomers. They want a more peaceful, simple lifestyle. We want their tax dollars, investment and entrepreneurship, but most of all, their friendship. We offer a peaceful but very simple place where they can live peacefully, smoke a few joints, build their Mongolian huts, bring up children, grow their own crops in peace, quiet and sunshine. They can do this here without the ‘secret police' harassing them, and we hope maybe they can help us grow this country, and who knows…maybe stay for good. So our approach to drugs and addiction tells you a lot about Portugal, the nation and its people. We detest criminality, weapons and war, yet in 1974 we had a revolution that overthrew a 50 year old dictatorship.This fascist government depleted our economy with involvement in a colonial African war that drained our coffers, and killed thousands of our young men. But ours was a “peaceful” revolution with rebel military officers wearing (real fresh) carnations on the butt if their riffles, and only five people were killed. Not by the revolutionary military but by the deposed government fascist police; PIDE as they were know then, or the International Police of State Defense.As far as diplomacy goes, Portugal has no attritions as it gets along with everybody. We hate to rock the boat, although NOT so in the XV and XVI centuries. Back then you better believe we rocked your boat, your land and your people if you didn't conform and faught us. We have a warrior Celtic “edge” that comes alive when pushed, meaning that if what we really want is denied, or if you fight us, and put us under threat we can be extremely violent. Presently, that edge is hardly ever except in football games, but in the past, it was often used dictatorially, forcefully, unfairly and immoraly, but at a time when all powers got away with those kinds of actions…well… wait a minute…they still do...silly me!Our citizens are neither dumb nor stupid, and it shows given educational opportunities and jobs. Strangely, independently we tend to be inefficient, almost lazy, but surprisingly not so as a group, and most certainly not with our backs against the wall. Still governing effectively is not our ‘forte’. Working more hours than other EU countries, Portugal is still an inefficient country that would cause major heart attacks to American CEO's and managers! Yet citizens demand social benefits and high quality of life without wanting to foot the bill. The ones that correctly understand that nothing comes for free tend to be few. Jobs and careers are difficult to find and sadly underpaid for many. For example, attracting youngsters to a career in political science is hard. Political pundits here work hard as in our political arena there aren't just Republicans, Conservative or Liberals, there are many parties, including Communists, Greens, Extreme Right, Religious Conservatives, you name it and they all want a seat in Parliment and a piece of the pie. Just as an example, the Açores Islands an autonomous region of Portugal, will be voting soon for parliament seats, and there are 'just” 13 different political parties represented in the running, and this is an autonomous island archipelago. We still have another island and the mainland, so you get the idea, too much work & effort, not enough play!Yes, we might be economically inept but let's be fair, we are a tiny country, the size of Indiana...squeezed in the West coast of Iberia, for centuries doing nothing but fight Spain, France, or Indians in the subcontinent, Muslims, Buddhist, all over the world, pirates, you name it. Portugal also has had major bad luck and huge setbacks, but while at it, we did nothing but for the most part govern corruptly and inefficiently, and there is always a price to pay for that. Today, Portugal is light years ahead of what it was like fifty years ago. Life then was more like a Christian Albania of the West, but like I said, despite the advancements, there is still a long road ahead. The current government not voted in by a majority, is that of half Goan half Portuguese born PM, António Costa. It still seems to be working alongside our fantastic, and much loved President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, but let's see how long it lasts.In Portugal, a simple country it is not unusual seeing our President walking about in Lisbon without any type of escort, caught in the act of having his shoes shined, or being at the beach by himself, goofing off with older school kids, telling people or chastising them for being careless and engaging in taking selfies. This IMO is absolutely adorable, and he is loved by the great majority. Yes, in Portugal this is peace of mind and simplicity of living at its best.Portuguese deep inside are sweet, accomodating people, not just to visitors, but towards all forms of life in general…except for bullfighting. This wretched ‘sport’ continues to stubbornly hang around on in our culture, but IMO its days are counted.Many visitors are surprised by our rather taciturn ‘closed faces’ and demeanor. I admit the ambiguities in national character can confuse or scare some away. We are sweet and kind, but sometimes we don't show it. We can also be nutty and like I said, park on sidewalks while people walk on the street, but our life is hard with valid reasons for sour puss’ faces; let's face it, free parking is hard to find! ;-). If people only bothered to find out why first, instead of just jumping to conclusions or complaining they would understand us better. BTW Portuguese love doing this, (complain) so feel free not letting us get away with it, because rather than first research the issues, we tend to point fingers or just complain and do nothing about it! Irritatingly Latin I know…On average, we also can be whiney cynics. The country - its citizens have never been better than at present, yet we are never satisfied, complaining nonstop… see… I am complaining about our complaining! But seriously, after traveling in 43 different countries I can tell you I have seen way worse, and that my people are some of the nicest you will ever meet and get to know, that's for sure, but you need to reach out as well.Since the 1974 Revolution that overthrew a fascist dictatorship, Portugal has come a long way and taken important strides towards progress, equality, and human rights, but like already stated, much still needs to be done especially when it comes to people’s mentalities; education is key. Most here don't bother with their civic or social responsibilities, so no sense complaining for WE are all responsible for taking care of Portugal and ourselves. Government dependency has to stop, and we must work hard to accomplish more without complaint. Responsibility toward positive change rests upon all of us, not just politicians. We must lead by example, not thru cheap talk, but hard work, but ok… enough of this…what must you know before moving to Lisbon and being part of our society?When addressing us always say: ‘Bom Dia’ (good morning) or whatever side of day it may be. If you don’t, it is NOT polite and most will remind you of your (bad) manners by totally ignoring what you first said, wishing you ‘Good Day’ then asking how they can help you. As expected, then you need to greet ‘bom = whatever' and repeat yourself again, which is a problem with me. By the time I backtrack and utter my ‘good whatever’ then fast forward, I have already forgotten what I had said, or initially asked! Greet when you meet someone or when you first walk into a smaller store, be it the local bakery, hairdresser, flower shop, but not necessarily a huge Jumbo Supermarket or a Corte Inglês. We don't expect you to be a parrot but in smaller places, be personal as we like that. When you bid someone a good day, chances are you will get back a chorus of good whatevers, particularly in smaller towns, where it is a true ‘faux-pas' witholding good wishing to older folks.Many, not knowing any better, comment on how shy, reserved or embarrassed we are upon praise. Portuguese tend to defer as they are not used to praise, but I assure you, this is not a national trait, especially in bigger cities, where you find all kinds of Portuguese. For the most part, we are a ‘no nonsense’ group that can, and is confident despite cynical, historical complaining, chronic ‘negativity’, sadness, gloom, and at times, a rude side. We do not trust easily, at least not right away. With Spain right next door for centuries giving us reasons to worry and distrust, we just cannot blindly trust or smile immediately without first knowing if you are trustworthy. Morroco, in Northern Africa and further south has given us major headaches as well, maybe because we attempted too many times to steal and ransack their cities. Our history with these has not always been peaceful, but challenging and downright painful often presenting us with huge losses including a temporary (60 year) loss of our independence to Spain.Portuguese have led very hard, painful lives thru the centuries, and our history has never been easy on us. We dealt with Inquisitions which spread to some of our territories abroad, like Brazil, Goa and Macau. The loss of our Jewish population, their wealth, know-how, trust, and what we did to them was the worst mistake in our history; the slave traffic was another. We sadly acknowledge these mistakes but world history is full of them. Believe me, we have learned our lesson the hard way, but the constant Spanish attacks, destructive earthquakes, killer tsunami, three Napoleonic invasions, brief loss of independence to Spain, the loss of Brazil, Civil War, fall of our Monarchy, Fascist dictatorship, African Pro-Independence Guerrila Wars 1961–1974 on three different fronts (Guiné - Bissau, Angola, Mozambique) loss of Nagar Haveli, our Goa, Daman & Diu, (India) in 1961, were all huge heartbreaks that combined, ruined us until finally a good thing, the April 25, 1974 overthrow of a fascist government. But there was a counter coup attempt in 1976 that almost drove us into another civil war, along with constant political bickering. A good thing the coup failed, but the political bickering continues to the day.With all these challenges and disasters, I wonder how we made it as a people and a nation, for the effects of all of these disasters affect us to this day; no wonder many Portuguese look sad. And that is why most Portuguese love Fado. This is our own musical genre, our blues music, reminding us longingly of a better past, maybe a past love gone wrong, a deep yearning for something or someone now gone. Portuguese have been forever enamored with their past, from ruling the world for several generations to… well…now we struggle. Yet, it is in our glorious past that somehow we find solace, just not enough to keep many from leaving Portugal, never to come back. Many forgot past, present & future and left never to return. Our Jewish brothers either tortured, forcibly converted or expelled centuries ago. The Hawaiians of Portuguese descent, the fishermen of New Bedford, (USA) the huge communities in France, Germany, Brazil, Australia. These are just some examples of the millions that left Portugal for good. Our history affects us in so many ways, that sometimes we look sad and don't even realize it, so…don't be alarmed or put off. It doesn't mean we dislike you or hate the world; if anything, many here just hate their own inner little world. Our ‘look’ changes 99% of the time the moment we are introduced to someone and get to know them better. We don't open totally to strangers, but once we do, the beauty of being Portuguese emerges. A good exercise for a 1st time visitor is to sit and watch us. Some look happy in company of friends or family, other look sullen, worried, not in a happy place, but all changes once they run into a friend, family member, classmate or someone they may know. Too much initial, impersonal boisterousness is looked upon with distrust, being given the “look” consisting of a possible raised eyebrow, as your mental status is internally, but briefly questioned. How can you be so happy when most of us live on minimum salary, if we have a job at all!? You, my foreign friend, may be lucky enough to have employment that allows you to travel, but we Portuguese, don't we deserve a job too? Obviously, the sad reality of many can put anyone in a bad mood, so try to understand this about us.Interestingly enough, we still debate historial facts, decisions and consequences 500+ years after the fact, as we see them as pivotal reasons for some our current problems, but also to justify our sour moods and failings to the world. But my poor people worry about unemployment, having mouths to feed, medicines they cannot afford and other bills, family issues, older parents, and let us also not to forget our Armed Force Veterans. For their sacrifice they get measly pensions, some still fight old demons, reminding you that PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) still affects many that saw action during our African colonial wars of the 1960’s & 1970’s. Depression is quite high amongst them, and the general population. Drug addiction affects many, this despite our intelligent drug policy. It greatly reduced the number of HIV infections and junkies, but let's face it, some are such ‘goners’ that not even an intelligent policy is enough. As such, many will never be clean, but our free health services do try to help them the best possible. So OK…we may not be as bubbly happy as Brazilians or Spaniards, but we are not all chronically depressed.We love to have fun and celebrate. There are always several types of events going on like shows, sport events, concerts, plays, etc, and ohhh… here’s another Portuguese trait… we ‘like’ to stare! We know we shouldn't do it because it is really bad manners, but you may look or dress very differently. Maybe you are a hot babe, or you look a mess, or you are sassy…we stare! Gone are the days we could afford nice hand made clothes, good quality shoes, or expensive name brands. Those days are long gone, as unfortunately, our low salaries and high taxes just don't cut it anymore. Many people stare when they see someone or something different, probably wishing they could be in ‘your shoes’, cool & sophisticated, traveling as you are. As our history plainly shows we love traveling, but most here just cannot afford it, so we ‘take you in’…please, do not be offended.Our demeanor may be taciturn at times, but it changes when we are with family, friends, when you address us, we find you may be hurt, or when we realize you are a nice person; then we safely open up. We like to help, so don't be afraid to ask or reach out for I promise, we do not bite. We love our visitors, some of us happily deviate from their own tasks to take someone where they need to go, assuring they are secure and heading in the right direction, imagine that…but while in Portugal, call on your patience. If you do not have it, develop this grace, for you will need it here.Waiting 30 minutes to sometimes hours in line or queuing up, is done patiently rarely without complaint by most. As such and not shockingly, customer service in Portugal is terrible! Calling a business nr. and it ringing 20 -30 times before someone finally answers, (if they do) is not an exception to the rule, it can be THE rule! I am talking customer assistance centers, doctors’ offices, lawyers, general trade businesses, government entities, hospitals, you name it. Someone answering the phone after one week of trying is a lucky break, a blessing in many occasions worthy of celebration, especially with me, as I have the patience of a hedgehog.Have you ever asked a Portuguese a reason “why”? “Why can you not take a message for this person” after your 15th call to someone that still has not set up their voice mail?! Did you get a shrug or told to call back? Worst, did you get a smart ass response like : “Ohhhh I don't know…” well, welcome to the club! Most people here just leave it at that and walk away, but these attitudes drive me absolutely insane! No one is supposed to know all, but for God's sake, move your ass and find out! That lack of effort is infuriating to some (me) paralysing to others. It may be a Portuguese thing and a German trait gotten from their IV-V century AD invasions, subsequent mingling into our DNA and becoming engrained in ‘Portugality’. The thought process can be something along these lines: “I hate to bother my boss, and it is not in my job description to know it all, so if I don't know something, I will say so! I am not going to bother and interrupt my supervisor or another colleague and look stupid, I might even lose my job down the line over such a thing, so if I don't know, I don't know”! Yes…it's a beauty... like I said, most here just leave it at that, thank you for the effort and walk away, because we really do not like to bother people nor cause scenes, so they suck it up, walk away muttering and cursing under their breath, a resigned look in their faces; that is…unless that Portuguese is ME! Yes, yours truly here hates inefficiency and burocracy, which in Portugal is absolutely ridiculous and incredibly irritating, so what am I doing living here you ask? THAT’s another question, but already having visited so many countries, I can tell you Portugal is far from being the worst, and it certainly isn't going to change anytime soon because you, nor I like the burocracy! I hate it to the point of shamefully admitting to public tantrums, including a few face to face rows with government officials over their incompetencies. But being that I suffer from hypertension, on occasion I have ended up hyper ventilating, as horrified onlookers try to placate and calm me. I admit, making a scene has gotten some things done my way faster, but only because I was an “enfant terrible" and caused a scene. In the long run, it changed nothing except the way these entities now feel about me, which is, resentful! Next time, I will NOT get anywhere faster because now I am flagged as a troublemaker! Live and learn, I now go with the flow. It is not worth getting a heart attack over these things, and it’s quite embarrassing having my own co-citizens stare at me as if I have gone mad! But one can only take so much, and if no one complains nothing gets done, so complain but be gentle. In Portugal it is what it is; you do what you need in order to get things done, but always with kindness and a smile.Now a major problem in our society is that many go outside legal guidelines, and THAT is a huge problem! Corruption is everywhere, but it is also being quite forcibly addressed by the Justice Department. People now more than ever realize “the buck stops here", and nobody is safe from being locked up, so don’t ever say to a government employee: “Here's 50 €uros for candy, just make sure it is done tomorrow"! Things in Portugal take time and social graces are never forgotten, even with 20 people patiently waiting on queue. Maybe this ‘who cares' attitude is the reason why Portuguese tend to on average, outlive others, with our males living 78.3 years and our wonderful ladies living up to 84.5. This a 81.5 average and world ranking at 19. However, given the advancements here on so many fronts, we are expected to be in the top 5 counties by 2040 in life expectancy, so get used to us. But, and there is always a “but", the stresses in a life full of monetary difficulties and burocracies take a toll, making most look older than their years, which smoking, unprotected Sun exposure, and bad genes don’t help either. Plus some are so poor they can't even afford a new hair cut, or to maintain their hair coloring services, and that sometimes makes us look older than what we are; not that this includes me! No, no… I am 56 but look 40, so good genes here, but then again, I am not your average Portuguese.Despite the hurdles of life, Portuguese like to show they are organized, so get used to always take a queue ticket at a supermarket deli, meat, fish, bread or sweets’ counters; same at butcher shops, post offices, banks, medical clinics, pharmacies, government offices, etc. The ticket dispensers are normally located at the store's entrance, or on top of the particular specialty counter at supermarkets or other businesses. If you don't take the ticket and just bumm around waiting, smiling or staring at the ceiling, soon you will realize that patrons that arrived after you (but with a ticket) are being called and served before you, which is bloody irritating!Waiting at a bus stop? Don't sneak aboard in front of others already on queue! It is ok to do so at a Metro or a train station, but never at a bus stop! Yes… yes…I know this makes NO sense and yes…I admit we can be rather irrational at times, but it makes us an interesting bunch, don't you think? Look… if I’ve been waiting for the bus longer than you, should I not board first for a chance of nabbing available seats? Chances are I’ve been on my feet 10 hours while you are here on holiday! If you jump queue you can get an earful if I am tired and in a bad mood, or you just might just be called to attention, as many understand foreigners may not know about this pet peeve of ours, so for the most part you will be forgiven, but some national riders can be zelous over this NOT so silent protocol, and may give you a word or two, so you are forewarned. On a bus, if you decide to take the front row seats these are normally held for special needs/ handicap riders. The areas are identified with a notice along the wall of the bus, so if you seat in any of these and are NOT pregnant or are a young child, elderly or injured, should these type of riders get on-board, you need to give it up, or you could be asked to move. If you ride with a pet, it must ride in a travel container, and you must pay the pet ticket.Taking public transport in Lisbon during peak hour traffic is nuts! Expect to go standing, crammed like a sardine in a tin can. It’s as bad as the Tokyo Metro, especially on the more popular routes. If you have no choice but to ‘jam crush,’ hang on to overhead grab bars, seat handles, or stationary poles and pleeeaaasseee …wear deodorant!!! Nothing we hate more than being stuck in a full bus smelling of gym lockers! Yuck…Portuguese drivers can be total idiots and bus drivers are no different, though some are maniacs too, and believe it when I say, they used to be worse! To drive ‘carefully’ with 50+ riders onboard means speeding thru residential areas at 70 km per hour, especially if the bus is running late, which is simply dangerous and irresponsible. Hang on fast! No use getting off and running for your life; you might just get stampeded by the riders outside rushing to get YOUR bus! If your intention is to wait for the next bus, chances are it will be just as jam packed, and driven by Batman's the Joker! In rush hour riding chances are you go standing, and count yourself lucky if you are found to be in a comatose state after a 30 minute ride. Can you move, feel your toes or any other body part? Do your hands and lips turn purple while on board our buses or metros? Ohh and please don't expect the ‘25 foot rule’, (personal space) or you won't get anywhere for another week. I just love seeing (while seated, of course) the look of despair in the faces of riders fighting the crowds inside the crammed buses while attempting to get off, before the doors slam shut.The driver takes off like a bat out of hell, fly brooming to the next stop as they frantically yell: “STOOOOOP" clawing, scratching the crowds blocking their exit! So theatrical, it’s almost as bad as riding the trains in Bombay. Well, the Portuguese have not yet mastered the art of “roof riding”, but I am sure our bus drivers have from all the swerving, screeching, and swash buckling moves I have seen. Having said this, it is also shockingly unusual to read, hear or see accidents involving public transport, because seriously, it is hard to believe this, but - not- all Portuguese drivers are nut jobs, only most of them. They are just soooo lucky, and so are we…courageous riders.Before trying to open bank or utility accounts, give proof of address with rental agreement or your home purchase contract, national ID/ or passport and confirmation of income. If you are a foreign individual, good luck if you have an account opened in one month! Utilities electric mostly, can take up to 5 days to install, and you may need to pay for some services up front, like gas line inspections, etc, but water install tends to be faster, normally 2 days later. Internet & cable can take 2 or 3 weeks to install, sometimes less depending on the region and service provider you use.Another thing to remember is our 700 telephone numbers are chargeable, so not only are you getting -bad- customer service but you must pay for it too!Enjoy Lisbon and branch out to see the rest of Portugal, much more down to earth, less crazy, very clean and organized for the most part. Lisbon is my beloved city, and the one that welcomed me to this world. I LOVE it like no other but it is getting too busy, crazy and dirty. Portugal’s interior is really tranquil, bucolic, so pretty, peaceful, vast and empty, so try it and I hope you like it. Portuguese are smart but a rather complex and (sometimes) crazy tribe, yet…modesty aside, I admit that for Iberians, we are quite a nice bunch! :))