Greece ‘s new round of inspections targeting short-term rental properties is now underway, as the first official notices from the Regional Tourism Services have been delivered to Airbnb hosts and property managers, marking the practical implementation of the regulatory framework introduced under Law 5170/2025.
As previously reported by BnBNews, these inspections are the first to be carried out under the new technical and operational standards established for Airbnb-style accommodation. Property owners selected for inspection are required to submit, within a strict ten-day deadline, a series of documents proving that their property complies with the new legal requirements.
What inspectors are requesting from short-term rental properties
According to the notices, owners must provide documentation demonstrating that the property qualifies as a legally approved primary-use space and has adequate natural lighting and natural ventilation. They are also required to submit all relevant legal and technical documentation, including, where applicable, the building permit or legalization documents, floor plans, architectural drawings and technical reports.
In addition, inspectors request:
- a valid public liability insurance policy;
- an Electrical Installation Declaration certifying that the property’s electrical system is equipped with a residual current device (RCD);
- photographic evidence showing the installation of smoke detectors and emergency lighting;
- a valid pest control and rodent control certificate;
- photographic evidence confirming the presence of a first-aid kit and an emergency telephone contact list displayed inside the property;
- documentation confirming the availability of a fire extinguisher.
Particular emphasis is also placed on the requirement for air conditioning, with the law stipulating that at least the bedrooms must be equipped with an air-conditioning system.
Authorities are even requesting purchase receipts
The first inspection notices have already raised concerns among a number of property owners. In addition to photographic evidence, authorities are, in many cases, requesting copies of purchase receipts or invoices for equipment such as:
- air-conditioning units;
- fire extinguishers;
- first-aid kits.
Many hosts point out that when the new standards were introduced, it was never clarified that these purchase documents would be required during inspections. As a result, many no longer have the original receipts, either because the equipment was purchased several years ago or because it was already installed when the property was acquired or renovated.
Some owners fear that the absence of these documents could create compliance issues, even though the required equipment is present and fully operational.
What the law requires
Since October 1, 2025, all short-term rental properties in Greece have been required to comply with a set of minimum technical, safety and hygiene standards.
Among other requirements, properties must provide natural lighting and ventilation, air conditioning, public liability insurance, a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, a residual current device (RCD), a first-aid kit and a clearly displayed list of emergency telephone numbers.
Inspections are carried out by the Regional Tourism Services, while non-compliance may result in significant administrative penalties and fines.
Further clarifications expected
The first inspection notices provide the clearest indication so far of how Greece’s new inspection regime is being implemented in practice. However, the concerns already being raised by property owners are expected to prompt requests for further clarification from the Ministry of Tourism, particularly regarding whether purchase receipts constitute a mandatory compliance requirement or whether inspectors may simply verify that the required equipment is installed and operational.
The issue is expected to become increasingly important in the coming months, as inspections are rolled out to a growing number of short-term rental properties across the country.
