Greece | To Set Strict Rules for Airbnb-type Short - Term Rental Accommodation

 

The Greek Ministry of Tourism has set out to introduce an new operation regime concerning a new operating regime to set strict rules for short – term rental accommodation such as those offered by platforms as Airbnb and it intends to do so through a bill that will be presented for public consultation shortly.

The bill stems for recent discussions with protagonists relevant mininistries and aims to introduce stricter rules, more closely aligning short - term rental operations with hotel standards.

This initiative is based on previous adjustment to the tax framework and seeks to create a fairer competitive environment between short – term rentals and hotels.

Thus, key provisions of the bill include mandatory controls by the Greek Ministry of tourism to ensure compliance with the rules, with sanctions in case of non - compliance.

It should be notet that, for the first time, properties will have to comply with specific rules to operate in the Greek short – term rental market.

The Greek Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni presented the basic operating rules of the bill and these include :

·       Civil liability insurance for damage or accidents

·       Certification from a licensed electrician, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, shut off relay, and exhaust signals

·       Pest control certificate, first aid kit and guide with emergency contact numbers

·       Residential dwelling with adequate lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning

In addition to these operating , listed rules, the bill sets mnimum, housing sizes and excludes basements from short – term rentals.

The proposed regultations are expected to remove many properties from the Greek short - term rental market due to the cost or difficulty of meeting the new requirerements.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/103774_grecia_marcara_normas_estrictas_para_alquileres_tipo_airbnb