Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer
Landlord and tenant relationships in Agia Paraskevi follow the general framework of Greek property and contract law. Most disputes arise from residential and commercial lease contracts, maintenance and habitability issues, rent payment and increases, and eviction procedures. While local practices in Agia Paraskevi reflect national law, practical steps such as where to file a case or which local authorities to contact will usually be handled at the municipal or court level near Agia Paraskevi. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, understanding your written lease, your obligations under Greek law, and the local procedural steps is essential before taking legal action.
You may need a lawyer in a landlord and tenant matter for several reasons. If you face or want to initiate eviction, a lawyer can guide you through the court procedures and enforcement steps. If a lease contains unclear clauses or you suspect it violates public-order rules, a lawyer can review and advise. Disputes about repairs, habitability, deposit returns, subletting, or rent increases often require legal interpretation and formal notices. A lawyer is also necessary if a matter may proceed to litigation, if you need an interim injunction or provisional measures, or if you require assistance with tax reporting of rental income or with drafting a clear, enforceable lease. Finally, a lawyer can represent you in mediation or court and prepare documentation to protect your rights and limit future risk.
Lease relations in Greece are primarily governed by provisions in the Greek Civil Code and by the Code of Civil Procedure for matters of enforcement and litigation. Key principles include freedom of contract within public-order limits, obligations of the landlord to deliver the property in a habitable condition and to maintain it, and obligations of the tenant to pay rent and use the property according to the lease terms. Eviction of a tenant generally requires a court judgment followed by formal enforcement carried out by the competent enforcement agencies. Security deposits and advance rents are common, and the terms governing their return should be set out in writing. Rent increases are typically governed by the contract terms or statutory rules where applicable. Both landlords and tenants must declare rental income and comply with tax obligations under Greek tax law. Local procedures such as filing a lawsuit, seeking provisional measures, or enforcing a judgment are handled at the competent court for the area, and many practical steps are carried out at municipal offices or through Citizens Service Centres.
The basic rules governing leases are found in the Greek Civil Code and relevant civil procedure rules for enforcement. If your lease contains specific clauses, those clauses generally apply as long as they do not contravene mandatory law or public policy. For precise application to your case it is important to have the lease examined by a lawyer familiar with local practice in Athens and Agia Paraskevi.
Eviction normally requires a court action initiated by the landlord, a judgment ordering eviction, and then formal enforcement to remove the tenant if they do not comply voluntarily. Emergency or provisional relief may be available in certain circumstances, but forcibly evicting a tenant without a court order is illegal. A local lawyer can guide you through filing the claim, obtaining judgment, and the enforcement phase.
Whether rent can be increased depends on the lease terms. Fixed-term contracts usually bind the parties for the agreed duration unless the contract includes an escalation clause or both parties agree to change the rent. For open-ended or statutory tenancies, contract terms and applicable law will determine permitted increases. It is common and important to have clear written clauses about indexation or increases to avoid disputes.
The landlord must deliver the property in a condition fit for the agreed use and maintain habitability during the tenancy. The lease should allocate responsibility for repairs and maintenance. Urgent repairs affecting health or safety are generally the landlord's duty, but specifics depend on the contract and the nature of the defect. Tenants should notify landlords in writing about defects and keep records of notices and any related costs.
Tenants should insist on a written lease that specifies rent, duration, deposit amount, responsibilities for utilities and repairs, and any other special terms. Conduct a joint inventory and take dated photos of the property condition, get receipts for all payments, and pay rent by traceable means such as bank transfer when possible. Keep copies of the lease, ID documents, and correspondence with the landlord.
A security deposit is commonly requested and its amount is usually defined in the lease. The contract should specify the conditions under which it will be returned, timelines for return, and any allowed deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. To recover an improperly withheld deposit, tenants may need to send a formal demand and, if necessary, start a court claim to enforce return of the funds.
Subletting or assignment normally requires the landlord's consent unless the lease expressly allows it or law provides otherwise. Tenants should check their lease and seek written permission before subletting. Unauthorized subletting can be grounds for termination of the lease, depending on the contract and the facts of the case.
First, document the non-compliance with dated photos, copies of communications, and receipts. Send a formal written notice describing the breach and requesting remedy within a reasonable period. If the issue is not resolved, consult a lawyer to evaluate sending a formal legal demand, initiating mediation or conciliation, or commencing legal proceedings at the competent court. For urgent matters affecting safety or habitability, seek immediate legal advice about emergency measures.
Yes. Rental income must be declared to the Greek tax authorities and is subject to income tax and potentially other contributions. Landlords should keep clear records of rental income and allowable expenses, and comply with tax filing and withholding obligations where applicable. Tenants paying rent should keep receipts in case proof of payment or deductions is needed. For detailed tax advice consult a tax professional or lawyer with experience in Greek tax law.
Duration varies widely depending on the complexity of the case, the need for evidence, whether provisional measures are sought, and court workload. Some disputes may be resolved quickly through negotiation or mediation. Litigation can take many months and, in some cases, longer if appeals are involved. A local lawyer can provide an estimate based on the particular facts and procedural route chosen.
For practical help and authoritative information in Agia Paraskevi consider these resources and bodies that commonly assist in landlord and tenant matters. The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi can provide local administrative guidance and information on municipal services. Citizens Service Centres - KEP - can assist with obtaining standard documents and guidance on administrative procedures. The local Bar Association, such as the Athens Bar Association, can help you find a qualified lawyer who specializes in property and tenancy law. Courts of First Instance in the greater Athens area are where most landlord-tenant litigation is filed. The General Secretariat for Consumer Affairs and the National Consumer Protection bodies can provide advice on consumer-related issues that sometimes intersect with tenancy disputes. Tax offices handle questions about rental income reporting and compliance. If you are eligible, state legal-aid services or legal clinics at universities may offer free or low-cost legal consultations.
If you need legal assistance in Agia Paraskevi, start by gathering all relevant documents: the lease, any written correspondence, receipts of rent and deposit payments, inspection reports, and photographs of the property condition. Write a clear summary of the facts and what outcome you seek. Contact a local lawyer who specializes in landlord and tenant law for an initial consultation - ask about experience with similar cases, likely strategies, timeframes, and fee arrangements. Consider alternative dispute resolution such as mediation if that could achieve a faster, less costly outcome. If finances are limited, ask about legal aid options or low-cost consultations through university legal clinics. Finally, act promptly when time-sensitive steps are required - for example, formal notices, deadlines for filing claims, or emergency measures related to safety and habitability - because delaying can reduce available remedies.
