Fixed-term residential lease (Greece)

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A Greek residential lease between private individuals for a fixed term: the property, the rent and its yearly adjustment, the deposit, running costs, each side's duties and the move-in and move-out records. It reflects the three-year minimum Greek law (Law 1703/1987) sets for a home let as a main residence, gives the tenant an early-exit clause the law otherwise does not, in which the landlord gives up rent for the rest of the term, has the landlord declare the lease to the tax authority (ΑΑΔΕ, through myAADE) by both parties' tax numbers, and sends the rent only to the landlord's bank account, as Law 5222/2025 will require (from 1 July 2027, under the tax authority's latest decision).

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Common questions

Can a Greek residential lease be agreed for one or two years?

It can be written that way, but it will not run that way. Under Article 2 of Law 1703/1987, as replaced by Law 2235/1994, a lease of a main residence lasts at least three years even if agreed for less or for no fixed term, and the minimum binds both sides. It does not cover a holiday or second home. The term can be shortened only by a later agreement made at least six months after the lease began and proved by a notarial document.

Who declares a Greek fixed-term lease to the tax authority, and by when?

The landlord files the lease information declaration (Δήλωση Πληροφοριακών Στοιχείων Μίσθωσης) in myAADE by the end of the month after the lease begins, giving both parties' tax numbers (ΑΦΜ); failing to file on time carries a €100 fine. The tenant accepts it within 30 days or is treated as having accepted. The tenant's rent refund also depends on the declaration, which is why the lease asks for both tax numbers.

Why does this Greek lease require the rent to be paid through a bank?

Because Article 210 of Law 5222/2025 makes payment into the landlord's bank account, declared to the tax authority (ΑΑΔΕ), compulsory. The start has been postponed three times; under ΑΑΔΕ decision A.1187/2026 it is now 1 July 2027. From then, rent paid in cash is not recognised for tax: the landlord loses the 5% deduction and the tenant the rent refund. The lease applies the rule from signature, records the landlord's IBAN and makes the bank's receipt the proof of payment.

Can the tenant leave a Greek fixed-term lease before it ends?

Greek law gives a residential tenant no right to leave early, and a tenant who leaves without cause generally owes the rent to the end of the term. That is why this lease contains an early-exit clause: the tenant gives written notice with the period and compensation you agree, and the landlord gives up rent for the rest of the term. Because the law shortens the three years only by a later notarial agreement, such a clause may be challenged inside the three years, so the waiver of rent is written separately. Defects or a danger to health give a right to terminate by law (Civil Code 585, 588).