29 Sep Everything You Need to Know About the New Short-Term Rental Requirements

The Ministry of Tourism has issued a clarifying decision that gathers and thoroughly analyzes all the specifications short-term rental properties must meet. In this way, the rules are clearly defined and will be the subject of inspections starting October 1st, 2025, aiming to ensure safety, quality, and legality of accommodations.

Short-term rental properties must simultaneously meet the following requirements:

A. Be a primary-use space with natural lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning

• “Primary-use” areas of buildings are those intended for the main function of the building and for guest occupancy (such as bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, offices), with a minimum ceiling height of 2.50 meters.
  On the contrary, auxiliary-use spaces (corridors, hallways, stairwells, restrooms, machine rooms, storage areas, parking spaces, etc.) are not suitable.
• The legality of the space must be verified through a valid building permit or legalization certificate, according to urban planning regulations.

• Natural lighting must be available in all bedrooms, coming from external walls or ceilings, via openings at least 10% of the room’s surface area.
• Natural ventilation must also be provided in all bedrooms through openings at least 5% of the room’s surface area. These openings must face either a communal area, open space of the lot/building, or an open semi-outdoor space.
• Air conditioning (cooling-heating unit) is mandatory in the bedrooms and must operate silently and automatically. If outdoor units are not allowed on the façade, portable units are recommended.

Exception: Air conditioning is not required for properties located in mountainous areas above 600 meters altitude.

B. Be insured for civil liability in case of damage or accident

• The property must be covered by a valid civil liability insurance policy (for damage or accidents) issued by a licensed insurance company.

You can find the registry of authorized (re)insurance companies on the Bank of Greece website:
https://www.bankofgreece.gr/…/pinakas-asfalistikon

C. Have an electrician’s certificate, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, residual current device (RCD), and emergency signage

• A valid Electrician’s Declaration (YDE) is required, certifying the presence of an RCD.
  More info: https://www.deddie.gr/…/ypefthyni-dilosi-egkatastati-yde
• Fire extinguisher: One portable dry powder or water-based extinguisher of at least 6 kg per 100 m², with a fire rating of 21A-113B-C.
• Smoke detectors: Autonomous detectors must be placed on the ceiling and cover at minimum the bedroom(s) and kitchen area(s).
• Emergency lights must be installed at all exits, along with clear evacuation signage.

D. Hold valid pest control certification, include a first-aid kit and emergency contact list

• A valid Rodent and Pest Control Certificate issued by a licensed company is required.
• The first aid kit must be labeled in Greek and English (“ΠΡΩΤΕΣ ΒΟΗΘΕΙΕΣ / FIRST AID KIT”) and contain at minimum:

• A list of emergency contact numbers must be provided to guests, for immediate access in case of emergencies:

Reminder on Fines

A fine of €5,000 is imposed in cases where:

• Access to the property is denied
• Requirements are not met
• Legal obligations are not fulfilled

If repeated within one year, the fine is doubled, and for every subsequent violation, it is quadrupled.