What does the Ministry of Tourism’s explanatory circular provide for the specifications for short-term rental properties?

By circular issued on September 19, 2025 (Gazette No. 19231), the Ministry of Tourism determines the specifications that will apply from October 1, 2025 for all short-term rental properties, in application of article 3 of Law 5170/2025 .

New specifications for short-term rental properties – What the Ministry of Tourism’s clarifying circular provides

The audit will concern both properties that are already registered in the Short-Term Residence Property Registry of the Hellenic Real Estate Agency (AHA), as well as those that will be registered in the future.

a) They must be areas of primary use – Natural lighting – Ventilation – Air conditioning

Areas of primary use of buildings are those intended to serve the main use of the building and the stay of its users in them, such as bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, offices in residential buildings and have a free height of at least 2.50 m. (paragraph 95, article 2, Law 4067/2012 (A’79) “New Building Regulations”). Areas of auxiliary use are areas that are not intended to serve the main use of the building and the stay of its users in them, such as circulation areas, corridors, lobbies, staircases, sanitary areas, engine rooms, warehouses, car parking areas, buildings for keeping animals (paragraph 96, article 2, Law 4067/2012 (A’79) “New Building Regulations”).

Presumption of Legality 

The legality of the site is proven by its building permit (building permit) and/or by the existence of its zoning , based on urban planning legislation.

Bedrooms should have natural lighting from external walls or ceilings, at a minimum, which will come from frames of a size greater than or equal to 10% of the net area of ​​these spaces.

Bedrooms must have natural ventilation from external walls or ceilings, as a minimum, which will come from openings in the frames with a size greater than or equal to 5% of the net area of ​​these spaces.

The frames must face either a common area, an uncovered area of ​​the plot or building, or a side of an open semi-outdoor area that is open to one of these areas.

Air conditioning is required at a minimum in the bedrooms of the property by a cooling – heating air conditioner (split type or portable) , which should have silent and automated operation and ensure the desired conditions of comfort and well-being in these areas. In the cases of properties where the placement of external air conditioning system units is not permitted on the facades of the building, the use of portable cooling – heating air conditioners is required.

The cooling-heating air conditioner is not mandatory for properties located in mountainous areas with an altitude of 600m and above .

b) Liability insurance

Every property rented on a short-term basis must be covered by a third-party liability insurance policy. This policy is taken out by the owner and must be in force to cover any damages or accidents that may occur during the guests’ stay.

The insurance must be taken out with an insurance company that is legally licensed in Greece. For this purpose, interested parties may refer to the Register of Insurance and Reinsurance Undertakings maintained and published by the Bank of Greece.

c) Electrician’s solemn declaration – Fire protection – Escape marking

Every property rented on a short-term basis must have a valid Installer’s Declaration (YDE) , which confirms the existence of a leakage or anti-electric shock relay. The relevant information and forms are available on the HEDNO website.

Regarding fire protection, a portable dry powder or water-based fire extinguisher with a capacity of at least 6 kg is required for every 100 m2 of gross area , in accordance with the Building Fire Protection Regulation (P.D. 41/2018). The fire extinguisher must have an extinguishing capacity of 21A-113B-C .

In addition, the property must have autonomous smoke detectors mounted on the ceiling, which will cover at least the square meters of the bedrooms and the kitchen.

Finally, it is mandatory to have safety lighting at all exits of the property, as well as clear escape signage .

d) Pest control and disinfestation certificate – First aid kit – Guide with emergency telephone numbers

Every property rented short-term must have a valid Pest Control and Disinfestation Certificate , which is issued by licensed companies.

In addition, it is mandatory to have a first aid kit , clearly marked in Greek and English (“FIRST AID KIT”). The kit must include at least the following items:

  • Oxygen, bottle of at least 50 cc
  • Povidone Iodine Solution 10%, bottle of at least 30 ml
  • Sterile gauze pads, 5 pieces of different sizes
  • Fabric stretch film, white, at least 3 cm wide, 1 box
  • Elastic bandage, 1 piece
  • Adhesive bandage fixing tape, 1 piece
  • Pressure tourniquet, 2 pieces of different sizes
  • Hydrogel sachets for burns, 2 pieces
  • Ammonia stick for after stings, 1 tube
  • Powdered latex gloves, non-sterile, 4 pieces

In addition to the pharmacy, each property must have a guide with emergency telephone numbers , so that tenants have immediate access to help in the event of an emergency.

ServiceTelephone / Phone Number
European Emergency Service Line112
Immediate Action / Hellenic Police100
Fire Department / Hellenic Fire Service199
Medical Emergency Service – Ambulance166
Poison Centre+30 210 7793777
Hellenic Coast Guard108
National Child Protection Helpline1056
Hospital / Nearest HospitalThe nearest Hospital
Taxi / Taxi ServiceTheLocal Taxi service

How to Prepare Your Property

Preparing your property to meet new requirements may seem demanding, but the right support can make the process simple and efficient.

Golden BnB is Next to You

Golden BnB takes full responsibility for the preparation process of your property. Specializing in short-term rental management, we offer:

  • Full inspection of the property: We evaluate the existing infrastructure and provide a detailed list of adjustments.
  • File support: We undertake the preparation and submission of all necessary documents.
  • Presence at inspections: We accompany the process with our physical presence to ensure the successful completion of each inspection.
  • Specialized Services: We collaborate with professional electricians, but we also undertake the execution of disinfestations and rodent control, ensuring that the property fully complies with the requirements.
  • Trading of essential items: We offer first aid kits, smoke detectors, and exit signs at competitive prices, so you can get what you need without stress.

Don’t let changes in legislation drive you into despair. Proper preparation is the key to standing out from the competition and triumphing in the short-term rental market. Trust us to ensure that your property is fully compliant with the legislation and remains competitive.

Contact Us

For more information and to start the process of preparing your property, visit our page: 

Our team is ready to help you adapt to the new requirements quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your property will continue to generate income safely and legally.