In Greece, there is no legal restriction on the amount of rent a landlord can charge, and any rental agreement is considered valid.
However, there are laws in place that protect tenant rights. To safeguard the interests of the property owner, it is advisable to have rental agreements drafted by a local lawyer familiar with Greek laws, ensuring that the agreement includes protective clauses for the landlord.
Tenant Protection Laws in Greek Rental Agreements
Greek law stipulates that all rental agreements must have a minimum duration of three years. Any contract for three years or more automatically terminates at the end of the lease period without the need for prior notice. If a contract is negotiated for a shorter period, the three-year minimum still applies to the landlord, but not to the tenant. For temporary rentals, such as vacation homes or furnished properties, the landlord can set a shorter term, provided the agreement explicitly states that the property is intended for vacation use or temporary residence. The property must indeed serve as a vacation home (near the sea, mountains, etc., primarily used during holidays) or be used by the tenant as temporary housing.
Rent Increases During the Lease Period
Any increase in rent during the lease term must be clearly outlined in the rental agreement, including the amount of the increase. Additionally, if financial conditions change significantly over the years (e.g., rental rates in the area decrease or become more expensive), courts have the authority to adjust the rent to an appropriate level based on evidence presented by both parties.
Transfer of Rental Rights - Is It Possible?
A tenant cannot transfer their rental rights to another person, except in the event of the tenant's death, where the immediate family of the deceased can continue or terminate the lease.
Dealing with Breach of Contract and Non-payment of Rent
In the event of a breach of contract and non-payment of rent, the landlord has grounds for eviction against the tenant. The eviction process through the court is relatively fast, typically taking 2-3 months. The landlord must send a notice to the tenant demanding payment of the rent. If the rent is not paid in full within a month of the notice, the landlord can file a request with the court to order the tenant's eviction.
To ensure that the rental agreement is legally enforceable, it must be registered with the tax authorities within 30 days of signing the agreement, and the annual rental income must be declared in the landlord's tax return.
Need Further Assistance?
Our team of experts is ready to assist you through the rental process, making it much simpler and more straightforward.
< Back to all articles