According to the draft law under consideration, properties offered for short-term rentals must meet several criteria, including:
- Ensuring that the property is primarily used as a residence with natural lighting, proper ventilation, and air conditioning.
- Having liability insurance to cover potential accidents or damage.
- Obtaining the required technical and health certificates. This involves an electrician’s declaration, fire safety equipment (extinguishers, smoke detectors, circuit breakers), and proper signage for escape routes.
- Presenting documentation for regular pest and rodent control. Additionally, owners must provide a first-aid kit and information with essential emergency phone numbers.
These requirements will be enforced through on-site inspections by representatives of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) in cooperation with officials from the Ministry of Tourism. Managers will be notified in advance and given the opportunity to produce the necessary certificates. If deemed necessary, the authorities may seek the assistance of the Hellenic Police.
Non-Compliance and Penalties
If a manager refuses inspection or fails to meet the required standards, a €5,000 administrative fine will be imposed. There is a 15-day grace period for addressing any violations. If a second violation occurs within one year, the fine is doubled, and for each subsequent violation, it is tripled. This tiered penalty system reflects the authorities’ intention to foster consistent compliance and deter systematic breaches.
Restrictions and New Financial Burdens
Additionally, recommendations have been made for temporary restrictions on registering new short-term rentals in certain areas of the Municipality of Athens. For instance, in neighborhoods such as Plaka, Kolonaki, Koukaki, Syntagma, Omonia, Monastiraki, Exarcheia, Ilissia, Neapoli, Mets, Neos Kosmos, Agios Artemios, Pagrati, Votanikos, Metaxourgeio, Gazi, Petralona, and Rouf, no new listings will be accepted in the Short-Term Accommodation Property Register for one year, starting January 1, 2025. This measure aims to curb uncontrolled expansion in high-tourism urban areas.
At the same time, the new tax framework introduces an increased “Climate Crisis Resilience Fee” which varies by season and property type:
- April – October: From €1.50 to €8 per day.
- November – March: From €0.50 to €2 per day.
- For properties over 80 sq. m., the fee will be €15 per day in high season and €4 per day in low season.
This move is expected to spark debate as it directly affects costs, owners’ revenues, and potentially the prices offered to guests.
In Summary
The new set of regulatory measures aims to bring order to the short-term rental market, establishing stringent standards for safety, quality, and tax compliance. However, higher costs, registration restrictions, and added financial burdens raise legitimate questions about their impact on the industry. The coming months will be critical, with the reactions of owners and managers providing key insights into whether these new policies will be accepted or require adjustments.
