New Regulations for Airbnb Owners in Greece

The Greek government is introducing new legislation for short-term rental properties, as announced by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

Key Proposed Specifications

• Entire property rentals or single rooms in owner-occupied residences only

• Minimum size requirements: 12 sq m for rooms, 25 sq m for apartments

• Adequate lighting, ventilation, and climate control

• No underground or semi-basement spaces

• Maximum 8 rooms per property, with occupancy limits

• Hygiene and fire safety certification

• Liability insurance

• Elevator certification for apartments (if applicable)

• Safety equipment: fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, first-aid kit

• Emergency information and escape route signage

• Regular sanitation and certification

• Energy-efficient heating and cooling

• Non-slip surfaces in bathrooms

Additional Measures

• Increased resilience fees: €2 in winter, €8 in summer (April-October)

• Development of an inspection system to ensure compliance

New Airbnb License Restrictions

• One-year ban on new licenses in central Athens areas (Koukaki, Thisio, Petralona, Pagrati, up to Neos Kosmos)

• Government plans to offer incentives for converting short-term rentals to long-term rentals