Greece bans windowless basements, freezes central Athens licenses in overhaul of short-term rentals
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Lawmakers in Greece began debating proposed legislation on Friday to toughen rules for short-term rentals amid a surge in tourism, including a ban on using converted storage spaces and windowless basements. Renovated warehouses, underground spaces and former industrial properties will be removed from rental platforms under the proposed changes, including locations already converted for hospitality use.
“Basements will no longer be allowed for use: Rental spaces must serve as primary residential use areas, with natural light, ventilation and air conditioning,” Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni told state-run television ahead of the debate. “We are introducing minimum operational and safety standards, because this is a tourism product,” she said. “Our goal is the long-term, sustainable and high-quality development of Greek tourism, not just breaking records every year.”.
The draft legislation coincides with a one-year ban in Athens on new short-term rental registrations in popular districts like Kolonaki, Koukaki and Exarchia, with violations punishable by a fine of 20,000 euros ($20,500). Vacation rentals have helped expand Greece’s vital tourism industry — directly accounting for 13% of the country’s gross domestic product in 2023 — but also added pressure on household expenses because of higher rents during the broader cost of living crisis.
