From 2026, rent in Greece only through a bank: new rules and fines

From January 1, 2026 All rental payments in Greece must be made only through the owner’s bank account registered in ΑΑΔΕ. Payment “in hand” will actually be prohibited.

WITH January 1, 2026 In Greece, the procedure for paying rent for housing is radically changing. According to the law 5222/2025all rental payments must be transferred exclusively to the owner’s bank account specified in ΑΑΔΕ. Thus, the practice of transferring rent “by hand” or by other unofficial means is stopped. The new rules apply to both existing and new leases.

The changes come with strict sanctions. Owners who continue to receive rental payments other than through a bank lose 5% tax credit for repair costs and depreciation. For their part, tenants who refuse to pay through the bank lose the right to government benefits and subsidies. The law introduces a dual control system, motivating compliance with the rules by both parties.

What owners should do

Organization ΠΟΜΙΔΑ recommends that all owners make changes to existing and new lease agreements. The standard clause about the place and method of payment should be replaced with mandatory wording:

“Payment of rent is carried out exclusively by depositing or transferring funds to the landlord’s bank account with IBAN… during the first five days of each month. All transfer costs are paid by the tenant. The tenant’s refusal to pay on time through the bank is considered non-payment and gives the landlord the right to demand the return of the property by all legal means.”

Important requirements for owners:

• The account must be issued exclusively to the owner. It is prohibited to use the accounts of relatives, lawyers or managers.
• Mandatory IBAN registration in ΑΑΔΕ according to a special procedure that will be published additionally.
• If a joint account is used, the owner’s name must be first among co-rights holders.
• If there are multiple owners, each must indicate your own IBAN to receive the corresponding share.
• All payments for the year must be received through the bank by December 31otherwise the tax benefit is lost.
• Rent is not subject to the €1,250 “untouchable” income regime that applies to salaries and pensions. This means that funds can be collected by ΑΑΔΕ if there are debts.

Real estate market reaction

According to ΠΟΜΙΔΑmost rental payments are already made through a bank, but the new system requires strict adherence to the rules. Violations can result in serious tax losses for owners. The changes are expected to improve transaction security and reduce unofficial payments, but the full transition to the new system will take time.

What is important for tenants to know

Tenants should note that failure to pay a bank payment is now considered a material breach. Consequences include loss of benefits, subsidies and other government benefits. The new rules provide more transparency in rental transactions and introduce tight controls on payments through the banking system.

PS Greek media write that the law says nothing about remuneration for denunciation of those who rent out housing without registration through the tax office.

Source link