Legal Framework for Renting in Greece
Renting residential property in Greece is governed by specific civil laws designed to protect both the landlord and the tenant. For foreign nationals, understanding the statutory minimum duration is essential. Regardless of the duration stated in a private agreement, the law provides a mandatory minimum lease period of three (3) years for a primary residence. This applies even if the contract specifies a shorter term.
To legally rent a property, the following requirements must be met:
- AFM (Tax Identification Number): Every tenant must possess a Greek tax number (AFM) to be registered in the official systems.
- Taxisnet Access: The rental agreement must be submitted electronically through the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) portal.
- Valid Residency: Non-EU citizens must typically demonstrate a valid visa or residence permit.
Note: Short-term "AirBnB-style" rentals operate under different tax and legal regulations than long-term residential leases.
Rental Costs and Security Deposits
Rental prices in Greece vary significantly based on the region and the age of the building. In 2025/2026, urban centers like Athens and Thessaloniki have seen stabilized but elevated pricing. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in a central Athens neighborhood ranges from 600 EUR ($630 USD, Jan 2026) to 950 EUR ($998 USD, Jan 2026) per month.
When entering a new lease, tenants are typically expected to cover the following initial costs:
- Security Deposit: Usually equivalent to 1 or 2 months’ rent. This is refundable at the end of the lease, provided there is no damage to the property.
- First Month’s Rent: Paid in advance upon signing.
- Real Estate Agent Fee: If an agent is used, the standard fee is usually equivalent to one month’s rent plus 24% VAT. In some cases, this fee is split between the landlord and tenant, but it is frequently borne by the tenant in high-demand areas.
Payment is generally made via bank transfer to ensure a transparent audit trail for the tax authorities. Cash payments are increasingly discouraged and may not be legally recognized in the event of a dispute.
The Rental Agreement and Registration
In Greece, the rental process is highly digitalized. Once a verbal agreement is reached, the landlord uploads the "Declaration of Information of Immovable Property Leases" to the Taxisnet system. The tenant must then log in to the same portal with their personal credentials to formally "Accept" the declaration.
Key Clauses in the Contract
While the digital summary is the official tax document, a detailed private contract (Idiotiko Symfonitiko) is often signed to outline specific rules, including:
- Rent Indexation: Many contracts include an annual increase clause, often linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1% or 2%.
- Maintenance Responsibilities: Tenants are responsible for minor repairs and daily maintenance, while landlords cover structural repairs and major appliance failures (if provided).
- Termination: Early termination by the tenant may require a notice period (usually 1-3 months), though the 3-year statutory protection remains the primary legal baseline.
Utilities and Communal Charges
Rent in Greece almost never includes utilities. Tenants are responsible for setting up or transferring accounts for electricity, water, and internet. For electricity, providers such as PPC (DEI) or private alternatives are used.
Common Expenses (Koinochrista)
One unique aspect of Greek housing is the Koinochrista. These are monthly communal charges for apartment buildings which cover:
- Building cleaning and lighting.
- Elevator maintenance.
- Central heating (if applicable).
- Sewage and communal water.
These charges can range from 20 EUR ($21 USD, Jan 2026) to over 150 EUR ($158 USD, Jan 2026) per month during winter if the building uses a communal heating system (oil or gas).
Dispute Resolution and Eviction
In the event of a dispute regarding rent arrears or contract violations, cases are handled by the local First Instance Courts. The eviction process for non-payment has been expedited in recent years. A "Payment Order" can be issued if rent is not paid, leading to a faster eviction process than traditional litigation.
Tenants are advised to keep all communication in writing and to document the state of the property with photos upon moving in to ensure the full return of the security deposit.