Neighbouring building at risk of collapse in Portugal

Independent site: we are not a public authority, and this is not legal or tax advice.

If a building or other structure threatens to collapse onto your land, you can demand that the person responsible take the measures needed to remove the danger (Código Civil, art. 1350.º), and you can ask the council to act (RJUE, art. 89.º).

Ask for a free check

Law

Código Civil (Decreto-Lei n.º 47344/66) and Regime Jurídico da Urbanização e Edificação (RJUE, Decreto-Lei n.º 555/99)

Articles

Código Civil 1350.º; RJUE 89.º and 90.º

Who can act

The owner of the neighbouring plot that could be damaged (Código Civil)

What they can demand

That the person responsible takes the measures needed to remove the danger

Liability

Responsibility follows art. 492.º of the Código Civil

The council

Can order works to correct poor safety or health conditions, or the demolition of buildings that threaten ruin, on its own initiative or at the request of any interested person (RJUE, art. 89.º, n.º 2 and 3)

Inspection

The council first holds an inspection (vistoria) by three technicians, which can be skipped when collapse is imminent (RJUE, art. 90.º, n.º 1 and 8)

Official text

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...

Sources

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=625&tabel...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=625&tabel...

Checked

2026-11-05