How to furnish and decorate a holiday rental in Madeira

What the law says

Alojamento Local is regulated by Decreto-Lei n.º 128/2014, amended several times, most recently by Decreto-Lei n.º 76/2024. In Madeira, the rules were adapted by Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 13/2015/M: the role of Turismo de Portugal is taken by the Direção Regional do Turismo (Regional Tourism Directorate), and inspections are carried out by the Inspeção Regional das Atividades Económicas (Regional Inspectorate of Economic Activities).

Registration is made by comunicação prévia (prior notice) on the Balcão do Empreendedor (the government's online business portal), addressed to the mayor of the Câmara Municipal (town hall). The registration number is what allows you to open to the public and advertise on booking platforms.

As for equipment, the law requires bedrooms to have a window or balcony to the outside, suitable furniture, equipment and utensils, a way to block outside light, and doors with a lock that ensures privacy. The home must have hot and cold water and be kept in good repair, hygiene and cleanliness.

• Up to 10 guests: an accessible fire extinguisher and fire blanket, accessible first aid equipment and the national emergency number (112) displayed where it can be seen.
• More than 10 guests: the general fire safety rules for buildings apply.
• An information book on how the home works, in Portuguese, English and at least two other languages, with rules on rubbish, appliances and noise.
• Multi-risk civil liability insurance covering fire and damage to guests and third parties.
• Livro de Reclamações (official complaints book), in paper and electronic form.

Choices that stand up to guests

A holiday rental home welcomes many people each year. Every piece must withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning without losing the look it has in the photographs.

• Sofas in high-performance fabrics with removable covers, which can be washed between stays.
• Washable surfaces on tables, worktops and walls in busy areas.
• Blackout curtains or blinds, which meet the rule on blocking light and help guests sleep.
• Mattress and pillow protectors, and bed linen in colours that are easy to replace.
• Layered lighting: general light, reading lamps and night lights.
• Enough storage for suitcases and clothes: guests notice when it is missing.
• Near the sea, materials that cope with humidity and salt, such as treated metals and sun-resistant fabrics.

Checklist before you open

• Registration done and the number shown in your listings.
• Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first aid kit and 112 on display.
• Information book in four languages and the Livro de Reclamações.
• Multi-risk civil liability insurance in force.
• Beds made, towels and one spare set per guest.
• Equipped kitchen: crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and small appliances in working order.
• Wi-fi with the network name and password in the information book.
• Every bedroom with a way to block light and doors that lock.

Photographs that bring bookings

Photographs are the shop window of your rental. Before taking them, tidy everything, remove personal items and open the curtains to make the most of natural light, ideally in the morning or late afternoon.

Photograph each room from a corner, in landscape format, to show the whole space. Add details: the bed linen, a lamp, the view. A consistent style across the home, with one or two touches of Madeira, helps your listing stand out among many.

Decorating with a local team

Traço Elementar works on holiday rentals and hotels from Funchal: it designs the layout, chooses the materials and hands over the home fully equipped with pieces from the shop, from sofas to fabrics and lighting.

If you are preparing the interior design of a holiday rental in Madeira, book a first meeting at the studio, online or at the property itself.