By Chrysostomos Tsoufis
The days when anyone could instantly convert an old warehouse, basement, or storage unit into a “charming little Airbnb” are over.
Starting Wednesday, October 1, strict regulations will come into force regarding what can legally be offered as a short-term rental in Greece. The rules are detailed in a ministerial decision signed by Vasiliki Koutsoukou, Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development, and come with heavy fines for violations.
Minimum standards for short-term rentals
- Main use areas only: Rentals must consist of spaces designed for primary use, such as bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, or offices, with a minimum ceiling height of 2.5 meters. Spaces like corridors, stairwells, bathrooms, storage rooms, garages, or animal shelters are excluded.
- Legal status: The property must have a valid building permit and comply with planning regulations.
- Natural light & ventilation: Bedrooms must have windows equal to at least 10% of their surface area for daylight and 5% for ventilation.
- Air conditioning: At minimum, bedrooms must be equipped with heating/cooling AC units (split or portable). Exceptions apply to mountainous regions above 600m altitude.
Safety and insurance requirements
- Liability insurance: Property owners must maintain an active liability insurance policy covering damages or accidents.
- Electrical safety: A valid installer’s certificate (ΥΔΕ) is required, confirming the presence of residual-current devices.
- Fire protection: One fire extinguisher (6kg) per 100m², smoke detectors in bedrooms and kitchens, emergency lighting, and exit signage are mandatory.
- Pest control: A valid certificate for disinfection/rodent control from licensed companies must be available.
First aid and emergency information
All rentals must include:
- A first aid kit labeled in Greek and English, containing antiseptics, dressings, bandages, burn gel, ammonia sticks, latex gloves, etc.
- A list of emergency phone numbers in Greek and English, including:
- 112 – European Emergency Number
- 100 – Police
- 199 – Fire Brigade
- 166 – Ambulance Service
- +30 210 7793777 – Poison Control Centre
- 108 – Coast Guard
- 1056 – Child Protection Hotline
- Local hospital and taxi service numbers
- 112 – European Emergency Number
Heavy fines for violations
- €5,000 fine for first-time non-compliance.
- If a repeat violation is found within one year, the fine doubles to €10,000.
- For subsequent repeated offenses, the fine rises to €20,000.
The new framework aims to ensure that short-term rental properties meet basic safety, quality, and legal standards, protecting both visitors and residents.
Source: skai.gr
#kalymnostimes #news #tourism #airbnb #ministryof tourism
