10/23/2025
Starting January 1, 2026, a new regulation (Law 5222/2025) will come into force, introducing mandatory bank payments for all rental transactions in Greece. This means that cash payments ("in hand") will no longer be allowed, even for residential leases.
According to the new law, all rent must be paid through a bank account belonging to the property owner. Both landlords and tenants face penalties for non-compliance.
Landlords who accept rent in cash will lose the legal 5% tax deduction related to property depreciation and damages.
Tenants who fail to pay rent via bank transfer will lose eligibility for the annual housing allowance (equivalent to one month’s rent), as well as other potential state benefits or rent-related subsidies.
The new rule effectively replaces the long-standing Civil Code provision (Article 601) that allowed rent payments directly at the landlord’s residence.
To ensure smooth compliance and avoid penalties, the Hellenic Property Federation (POMIDA) recommends that landlords take the following actions:
Update all lease agreements to specify that rent must be paid exclusively via bank transfer to the landlord’s account (IBAN).
Ensure the account is in the landlord’s name — not in the name of a lawyer, agent, or relative.
Declare the account online via AADE (the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue).
For joint accounts, the landlord’s name should appear first to facilitate verification.
In cases of co-ownership, each landlord should provide their own account or follow future ministerial guidelines.
Request rent for all 12 months within the same fiscal year to maintain the right to the 5% deduction.
Declare the rent account as “non-seizable” (ακατάσχετος) through AADE if applicable, to protect deposited amounts from automatic deductions.
This reform aims to enhance transparency, reduce tax evasion, and modernize the rental system. While most landlords and tenants already use electronic payments, this move formalizes the process and introduces strict consequences for non-compliance.
For real estate professionals, it’s crucial to update lease templates, inform clients, and verify payment practices well before the January 2026 deadline.
Source: https://www.capital.gr/oikonomia/3950283/enoikia-oi-allages-sta-misthotiria-apo-to-2026-ti-tha-isxuei-gia-idioktites-kai-enoikiastes/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcANXHZFleHRuA2FlbQExAAEevW58I_hkdhKtgRvV_nPOF0K7zPWukpQKr9fQNDUv0afsGtGZXeK42yqP_gk_aem_Ypb2sbJH-J2KA8kuvxdIoA#Echobox=1760181102