Greece to Introduce Draft Bill with Strict Operating Rules for Airbnb-type Rentals

Photo source: Airbnb

A new operating regime for short-term rental accommodations, such as those offered by platforms like Airbnb, is set to be introduced through a draft law by the Greek Tourism Ministry. The draft is expected to be submitted for public consultation next week.

Industry sources report that the draft law follows recent discussions with relevant ministries and aims to introduce stricter regulations, aligning short-term rental operations more closely with hotel standards. This bill builds on previous tax framework adjustments and seeks to create a “fairer competitive environment” between short-term rentals and hotels.

Key provisions of the bill include mandatory checks by the Tourism Ministry to ensure compliance, with penalties for non-compliance. For the first time, properties will be required to meet specific standards in order to operate in the Greek short-term rental market.

Operational standards for Greek short-term rentals

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

The basic operational standards in the draft law were first presented by Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni during a cabinet meeting in late October. These include:

– Civil liability insurance for damages or accidents
– Certification from a licensed electrician, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, a cut-off relay, and escape signs
– A certificate of pest control, a first-aid kit, and a guide with emergency contact numbers
– Residential properties with proper lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning

In addition to these operational standards, the bill sets minimum accommodation sizes and excludes basements from short-term rentals.

The proposed regulations are expected to remove many properties from the Greek short-term rental market due to the cost or difficulty of meeting the new requirements. Industry insiders highlight that the aim is for these properties to be redirected to the long-term rental market, helping alleviate housing pressures in major urban centers — an issue aligned with broader government policies.

Minister Kefalogianni is expected to provide further details at the 12th General Assembly of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels on Saturday, November 23, which will take place during the Xenia 2024 hospitality exhibition at the Metropolitan Expo.

The draft law will also introduce a new classification system for Greek hotels based on sustainability criteria, including environmental and social performance. Additionally, it proposes that Greek hotels provide accommodation for public servants, such as teachers, doctors, police officers, and emergency responders, who are temporarily assigned to rural areas.