25 May

Residential Leases

  • The law defines the minimum duration of a lease as 3 years, irrespective of what is set out in the contract. For a period of longer than three years, the contents of the lease will apply.
  • The common maintenance expenses bear the lessee.
  • It is customary for the tenant to pay one or two rents in advance as a guarantee.
  • The annual rent increase is usually set at 2-2.5% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as defined by the National Statistical Service of Greece, and does not normally exceed 5%.
  • Subletting is prohibited, but if it is agreed between the contracting parties, the lease must state expressly that it is permitted.
  • The stamp tax of 3.6% has been abolished for residence leases.
  • The lease must be submitted electronically on taxisnet to the competent tax office (D.O.Y.)  within 30 days of its signature; any delay incurs a fine. After the electronic submission of the lease by the owner, the tenant must note his acceptance of it.