Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Renting in Greece
Full lifecycle: finding, moving in, during tenancy, leaving.
The Greek rental market is governed by Law 1703/1987 and subsequent amendments. Residential leases have a mandatory minimum duration of 3 years (even if a shorter term is written in the contract), after which either party can terminate with proper notice. Athens and Thessaloniki have experienced significant rent increases (30–50%+ since 2021), driven by Airbnb conversion, Golden Visa investment, and digital nomad influx. Two major legal changes took effect from 1 January 2026: (1) all rent payments must be made via bank transfer — cash rent payments are now illegal and both parties face penalties for non-compliance; (2) a new eviction procedural framework introduces faster restitution orders issued by Bar Association members, with a mandatory 2-month enforcement delay after service and tenant right to object within 15 working days. Finding a good apartment at a fair price requires effort — start early and use multiple channels.
1. Finding a flat
- - Passport or national ID
- - AFM (tax registration number)
- - AMKA (social insurance number)
- - Proof of income (recent payslips, employment contract, or bank statements)
- - References from previous landlords (if available)
- - Bank account details for deposit and rent payments
- - Visit apartments in person — listings photos are often flattering or outdated.
- - Check the area in the evening and on weekends — noise levels vary significantly.
- - For Athens: Exarcheia, Monastiraki, and Psirri areas have character but also street noise and some rough spots; Kolonaki, Glyfada, and Chalandri are quieter and more suburban.
- - Ask about parking, lift (ασανσέρ), heating system (αυτόνομη θέρμανση = individual control, κεντρική θέρμανση = central building system), and water heater type.
- - Confirm whether the apartment has solar water heating (ηλιακός θερμοσίφωνας) — very common in Greece, and a cost-saver.
- - Understand who pays what utilities — electricity usually tenant; water often tenant; building maintenance (κοινόχρηστα) split proportionally among all units.
ExpatCheapRent is a rental platform built for expats — worth a look alongside the local platforms above when you start your search in Greece.
2. Before move-in
Handover protocol
A written Πρωτόκολλο Παράδοσης (handover protocol) is not legally mandatory in Greece but is strongly recommended. Document the condition of all rooms, appliances, furniture (if furnished), and all meter readings (electricity, gas, water) on move-in day. Take dated photographs and videos of any pre-existing damage. Both landlord and tenant should sign the document. This protects your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
Deposit
Max: 1–2 months' rent (legally standard in Greece; 2 months most common)
Rules: The deposit must be noted in the written rental contract. Greek law does not specify a formal escrow or protected deposit scheme — it is typically held by the landlord. Get written confirmation of the deposit amount paid.
Return deadline: Greek law does not specify a rigid return deadline but it is expected at the time of handover or within a reasonable period (15–30 days) after the tenancy ends and any deductions are agreed. Disputes can be taken to the Peace Court (Ειρηνοδικείο).
3. During your tenancy
Utility Bills & Κοινόχρηστα
Frequency: Electricity: bimonthly billing. Water: quarterly. Κοινόχρηστα (building common costs): usually monthly or quarterly. Gas (if applicable): monthly.
Dispute window: Billing disputes should be raised with the utility provider within 30 days of receiving the bill.
- - Landlord charging for personal utility costs as κοινόχρηστα
- - No receipts or documentation for κοινόχρηστα payments
- - Electricity cut off due to the building owner's unpaid bills (tenant is not responsible for pre-existing debts)
- - Any request to pay rent in cash — this is illegal from 1 January 2026; all rent must be paid by bank transfer
Repairs: Minor maintenance and repairs that arise from normal wear and tear are generally the landlord's responsibility. The tenant is responsible for damage caused by negligence or misuse. Urgent repairs (e.g. burst pipe, broken heating in winter) should be reported to the landlord in writing (WhatsApp with read receipt is accepted in practice). If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, the tenant may arrange the repair and deduct the cost from rent — document everything carefully and consider legal advice first.
4. Moving out
Notice period: For indefinite or fixed-term leases longer than 3 years: written notice of 3 months is standard. Greek residential leases have a minimum 3-year statutory duration; the tenant can terminate early only under specific conditions (agreed early termination clause in contract or mutual agreement). Check your specific contract terms.
Final handover: Arrange a formal handover date with the landlord. Return all keys (including any extra copies made). Carry out a joint walk-through inspection and document the condition of the property. Take final meter readings for electricity, water, and gas and inform utility providers.
Deposit return: The deposit should be returned in full after deducting any legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Request an itemised deduction list. If the landlord refuses to return the deposit without justification, you can file a claim at the local Peace Court (Ειρηνοδικείο) — small claims process, affordable and accessible without a lawyer.
Your tenant rights
Tenant association: There is no single national tenant association in Greece. Consumer organisations EKPIZO (ekpizo.gr) and INKA handle housing rights issues and can assist with rental disputes. For legal disputes, the Peace Court (Ειρηνοδικείο) is the primary venue for small claims — straightforward and accessible without a lawyer for most deposit disputes. DYPA provides some housing support for unemployed persons.
Rent control: Greece currently has limited formal rent control. Rent can be freely negotiated. Annual rent increases are not capped by law (though reasonable increases of 2–4% per year are customary). Short-term rental (Airbnb) bans have been introduced in several central Athens districts (Kolonaki, Koukaki, Pangrati, Exarchia) from 2025, which may gradually ease rental supply pressure in those areas. Check the current legislative position on rent control as political discussion continues.
Eviction protection: Tenants cannot be evicted without following the legal process. From 1 January 2026, restitution orders are issued by Bar Association members (not courts); the order is only enforceable after 2 months from formal service, during which the tenant has 15 working days to file an objection. Illegal eviction (changing locks, removing possessions without a court order) remains a criminal offence. The revised 2026 process aims to be faster than the previous 3–12 month court timeline while preserving tenant safeguards.