Finding a pet-friendly rental in Lisbon seemed easy enough with Spotahome, a platform that allows users to filter listings specifically for pet accommodations. Excited to settle into a two-bedroom apartment in central Lisbon, I booked a two-month stay through the platform, reassured by the listing’s “pet-friendly” tag. However, what started as a smooth rental experience quickly turned into a frustrating dispute over hidden fees and an unreturned deposit.

The Booking Process: Clear, but Incomplete

Spotahome’s platform made the rental process simple—detailed videos, clear descriptions, and a straightforward booking system. The apartment was listed as pet-friendly, and while I expected some general cleaning requirements, there was no mention of additional pet-related fees in the terms and conditions.

When I reached out to confirm, the landlord reassured me that pets were welcome, with no special restrictions or added costs. With that in writing, I felt confident moving forward.

The Stay: Comfortable, but Not Without Issues

The apartment itself was as described—spacious, well-located, and functional for both me and my pet. However, small inconveniences started to emerge:
✔ Pros: Great location, decent furnishings, easy communication with the landlord.
✖ Cons: Minimal pet-friendly amenities, unclear waste disposal rules for pet owners, and unexpected restrictions on where my pet could be within the apartment.

The Deposit Dispute: Hidden "Specialised Cleaning Fees"

Upon moving out, I expected to have my security deposit returned, as there was no damage to the apartment. Instead, the landlord informed me that the deposit was withheld for a “specialised pet cleaning fee”, a charge that was never disclosed in the original agreement.

I challenged the claim, highlighting that:

• The listing did not mention additional pet cleaning fees.

• There was no visible damage or excessive wear caused by my pet.

• The deposit should not be used for routine cleaning expenses.

Despite multiple follow-ups with both the landlord and Spotahome, the platform did little to mediate, stating that they were not responsible for deposit disputes once the rental agreement was signed.

Final Verdict: A Risky Choice for Pet Owners

While Spotahome offers convenience in finding pet-friendly rentals, this experience highlights a major flaw—there is little recourse if landlords impose hidden charges after the stay. Pet owners should be extremely cautious, ensuring that any potential pet-related fees are clearly stated in writing before booking.

Rating (Pawfect Product Rating System)

• Transparency: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Hidden fees not disclosed upfront)

• Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Easy booking but poor dispute resolution)

• Pet-Friendliness: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Lack of true pet-friendly accommodations)

• Value for Money: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Deposit loss made the rental far more expensive)

• Owner Convenience: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Left dealing with unexpected costs)

Overall Score: 2.1/5 – Approach with Caution

Final Thought: If you’re a pet owner considering Spotahome, get everything in writing—including pet fees, cleaning expectations, and deposit return conditions. Otherwise, you might end up paying more than you bargained for.