Starting 1 October, Greece has put in place stricter rules for short-term rentals, and inspection teams have already started their checks throughout the country. According to Corfu TV News, the Ministry of Tourism has issued a standard inspection form that all auditors are required to use for short-term rental properties. For a major tourist destination like Corfu, this means hosts and property managers should check their compliance quickly before the inspectors show up.
What changes for short-term rentals from 1 October?
The new regulations make the operating conditions stricter for properties listed on platforms like Airbnb. In addition to starting inspections right away, the government intends to designate more areas by the end of the year where new listings will be limited, building on the three neighborhoods already named in Athens. As of now, no other locations have been announced.
How will Airbnb inspections be carried out?
The inspection process is guided by the Ministry’s official checklist. Inspection teams fill out the form, note any instances of non-compliance, and add their own observations. This helps maintain consistent checks in all regions, including Corfu, and gives hosts clear standards to follow.
How much advance notice before an inspection?
Inspectors are required to inform the property manager of their visit ten days in advance, using any suitable method of communication. This timeframe is intended to allow for transparency and give hosts time to prepare.
What do inspectors check inside a property?
The checklist covers essential safety and living condition requirements, such as:
- Whether the property is classified as a primary-use space according to its building permit.
- Natural lighting in bedrooms, supplied by openings in external walls or the roof that make up at least 10% of each room’s net floor area.
- Natural ventilation in bedrooms through openings that are at least 5% of the net floor area.
Inspectors will document any problems directly on the form and add extra notes if needed.
Why does this matter for Corfu?
Corfu has a robust tourism economy and, as a result, a large number of short-term rentals. With inspections beginning across the country, local hosts should make sure their documentation is current and that their properties comply with basic light and ventilation rules. Guests can also look forward to more consistent quality in their accommodations.
When will additional restricted areas be named?
Officials have stated that by the year’s end, more zones will be established where adding new short-term listings will be prohibited. Besides the initial three neighborhoods in Athens, no other areas have been named, and there is no official word concerning the Ionian Islands.
Where can hosts find the official checklist?
The official Short-Term Rental Property Inspection Sheet is available on the Ministry of Tourism’s website. Hosts in Corfu should review it closely and make the necessary preparations.
Source: corfutvnews.gr
