Raising the bar for property standards
Starting October 1, 2025, Greece is introducing comprehensive regulations for short-term rental properties, transforming the landscape for platforms like Airbnb. These new rules aim to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with local standards, mandating everything from natural lighting and ventilation to liability insurance and fire safety measures. Managers of short-term rental properties could face hefty fines ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 if they fail to comply with new minimum property standards required for rentals.
The new regulations will officially take effect on October 1, 2025. However, property managers must prepare in advance to make necessary adjustments to avoid penalties. Inspections will be conducted by joint teams from the Ministry of Tourism and the IAPR. In addition to assessing compliance with short-term rental standards, these teams will also perform on-site tax audits.
What Are the New Standards for Short-Term Rental Properties?
• Core functionality: All properties must have adequate natural light, proper ventilation and a functioning air conditioning system
• Liability insurance: Hosts will be required to carry liability insurance to cover damages or accidents during a guest’s stay
• Safety equipment: Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, circuit breakers and clearly marked emergency exits will be mandatory
• Health and sanitation measures: Pest control certifications, visible emergency contact numbers and first-aid kits must be readily available for guests
• Certified electrical safety: A licensed electrician must sign off on compliance with electrical safety regulations
These measures are designed to enhance the overall quality of accommodations and improve the guest experience while aligning with broader public safety goals.
On-Site Inspections and Tax Compliance
To enforce the new framework, joint inspection teams from the Ministry of Tourism and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) will carry out property audits. Inspections will be announced at least 10 days in advance giving property managers time to gather the required documentation:
• Inspections: Inspectors will verify whether the property complies with the new standards
• Finacial Audits: Simultaneous tax audits may be conducted to ensure rental income is properly declared
• Authorization: Officials will carry formal ID and written authorization detailing the scope of the inspection
• Enforcement: If access to a property is denied authorities may request police assistance
• Follow-up: Follow-up inspections will occur if violations are found with increased penalties for repeated non-compliance
Financial Penalties for Violations
Failure to comply with the new rules will result in significant fines including:
• First offense: €5,000 for missing safety requirements or obstructing an inspection
• Second offense within 12 months: Fine increases to €10,000
• Third or repeated offense: Fine escalates to €20,000
All fines must be paid within 15 calendar days. Delays may lead to legal enforcement actions such as asset seizures.
Why Greece Is Making These Changes
This regulatory overhaul has multiple goals:
• Improve safety and quality: By enforcing a consistent set of safety and hygiene standards Greece aims to ensure all visitors enjoy a secure and comfortable stay
• Level the playing field: With similar requirements for all types of accommodations the new rules address long-standing concerns from the hotel industry about unfair competition
• Support sustainable tourism: The reforms are aligned with European guidelines that promote responsible development and community welfare in tourist-heavy areas
What Lies Ahead
• The Goal: These reforms mark a pivotal moment for short-term rentals in Greece. While the goal is to improve quality safety and fairness the real-world impact will depend on how effectively the rules are enforced and how property owners adapt. Older buildings, limited infrastructure and local housing needs all add layers of complexity.
• The Way Forward: As the October 2025 deadline approaches property managers and hosts must begin preparations now. This is not just a legal shift — it’s a call for greater professionalism and responsibility in the sector. If implemented properly these changes could position Greece as a model for balancing tourism growth with community and guest well-being.
Victor S.
As a frequent visitor to Greece I feel the provisions regarding short term rentals is long overdue and insure fairness to locals in theirs search for accommodations.
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Mark G.
How do they get in touch with the owners/managers? Is the contact made through taxis net?
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Franz G.
I think these regulations were long overdue but the amount of the fines is rediculous. The government should just ban them from renting their STR property for a period of time. Just another cash grab for the government. hmmmm.
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George D.
Just more bureaucratic bs from the government. They pass laws everybody panics, the insurance companies sell thousands of liability insurance contracts, and thats it. Nothing gets enforced but a few examples being set and headlines in the media. At the end nothing changes.
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Michael K.
Does anybody know what kind of liability insurance is required? Is their something specific to Airbnb's?
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Robert Y.
I'm generally against regulations of this sort. But as they say all government policies are bad but some are worse than others. I think it's just the governments way of satisfying the larger hotel operators and big business.
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