Changes to Real Estate Leases: 30 Days for Acceptance and No to Cash from 2026

03 June, 2025 12:58

The real estate market in Greece is entering a new digital era, with the Independent Authority of Public Revenue (AADE) establishing stricter rules for transparency, tax compliance and the proper recording of all leases. As of June 2, 2025, a new system for accepting lease declarations is activated, while as of January 1, 2026, mandatory rent payments exclusively through banks are established.

Digital confirmation of leases – 30 days to accept or reject

Based on decision A.1068/2025 of the AADE, each new declaration of lease of a property must be confirmed within 30 days by the tenant and the co-owners. If no action is taken within the deadline, the declaration is automatically considered accepted and binding.

In case of rejection, justification is required through a special field. This new regime brings transparency, limits arbitrary declarations and makes co-owners and tenants essential participants in the process.

Transition period until 30 June 2025

To facilitate the transition, a transitional period is foreseen until June 30, 2025 , during which:

• Interested parties can accept or reject declarations submitted by June 1 .

• Landlords can declare the termination of leases that have ended up to April 30, 2025 , without penalty .

To the Property Ownership and Management Registry (MIDA)

The new system is a precursor to MIDA , the Property Ownership and Management Registry, which is being planned by the Hellenic Property Administration. The goal is to fully digitalize each lease, with a clear record of who leases what, to whom, under what terms and when. This puts an end to:

• Virtual leases for allowances or presumptions,

• Subletting without consent,

• Declarations made without the knowledge of the co-owners,

• Undeclared expirations and old dates to avoid tax audits.

"Implicit consent" is no longer valid — digital confirmation is now mandatory.

Rents exclusively through banks from 1/1/2026

From January 1, 2026 , mandatory payment of rent through the banking system is introduced. Cash transactions are prohibited and violation of the new legislation entails strict fines and penalties .

The measure concerns all types of residence (main, student, holiday, etc.) and aims to:

• Reduction of tax evasion , through cross-checks between deposits, declarations and announcements,

• Strengthening government revenues ,

• Permanent abolition of "black" rents .

Conclusion: Renting real estate in Greece is changing radically. From digital acceptance of declarations to mandatory payment through banks , the new regulations create a more transparent, controlled and fair system. Landlords and tenants are called upon to adapt immediately, as the eras of inaction, tacit acceptance and cash are coming to an end.

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