Best Landlord & Tenant Lawyers in Arta

About Landlord & Tenant Law in Arta, Greece

Landlord and tenant relationships in Arta are governed by nationwide Greek civil law, primarily the Greek Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure, along with special statutes that set mandatory rules for lease duration and procedures. Arta follows the same national framework as the rest of Greece, but the practical handling of disputes takes place before the local courts and with local professionals such as judicial bailiffs and lawyers registered with the Arta Bar Association.

Residential and commercial leases are usually straightforward contracts, but Greek law also imposes certain mandatory protections. A key rule is the minimum three-year term for most residential and post-2014 commercial leases, even if the written contract states a shorter duration. Electronic lease filing with the tax authority is required. When conflicts arise, there are structured court and out-of-court processes to resolve them, including fast-track eviction procedures for unpaid rent and the option to use mediation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer to draft or review a lease so that the terms comply with mandatory rules and protect your interests, especially regarding duration, rent increases, repairs, and deposit conditions.

Legal help is useful if rent is unpaid or chronically late. A lawyer can guide landlords through the correct notices, fast-track procedures, and court filings, and can advise tenants on defenses or settlement.

Disputes over repairs, habitability, moisture or mold, utilities, or building common charges often benefit from early legal advice to preserve evidence, send formal notices, and negotiate workable solutions.

Ending a lease can be complex. Lawyers ensure that termination notices are valid, deadlines are met, and delivery is done through a judicial bailiff when required. This reduces the risk of invalid termination.

If a property is sold, inherited, or mortgaged, a lawyer can clarify how the lease continues, what the new owner must honor, and what options each side has.

In commercial tenancies, issues such as use clauses, fit-out, signage, subletting, and business disruptions usually require tailored legal drafting and advice.

Local Laws Overview

Minimum duration - Most residential leases have a mandatory three-year minimum term under Greek law, regardless of a shorter written term. Commercial leases signed after 2014 also generally have a three-year minimum. Parties can agree to longer terms. When the agreed fixed term ends, the lease may convert to an indefinite term if the tenant stays with the landlord's tolerance.

Electronic lease filing - Landlords must file an electronic lease declaration with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue within a short statutory period, typically within 30 days of signing or amending the lease. Tenants usually accept the filing electronically. This filing is necessary for tax and proof purposes.

Security deposit - Greek law does not set a statutory cap. The amount is agreed by the parties, commonly one to two months of rent. There is no statutory escrow. The deposit is typically returned after move-out when keys are delivered, bills are settled, and any damages beyond normal wear are assessed.

Rent and increases - Greece does not have rent control. Rent increases are based on what the lease provides or on later written agreement. Mid-term increases generally require a contractual clause or mutual consent.

Repairs and maintenance - The landlord must keep the property suitable for the agreed use and handle major repairs. The tenant must take ordinary care, carry out minor day-to-day maintenance, and promptly notify the landlord of defects. Building rules and condominium regulations apply to common areas.

Utilities and common charges - Parties can agree on who pays for electricity, water, gas, and internet, but metered utilities are usually paid by the tenant. Building common charges are typically shared per the building regulation. In Arta, utility providers may require a copy of the lease to put accounts in the tenant's name.

Subletting and short-term rentals - Subletting or listing on short-term rental platforms usually requires the landlord's prior written consent unless the lease allows it. Short-term rentals must comply with tax registration requirements set by the national tax authority and with any building restrictions.

Termination and notices - Termination rules depend on whether the lease is still within its minimum or fixed term, or has become indefinite. Notices often must be served by a judicial bailiff to be effective. Self-help eviction is illegal. Only a court can order eviction and a judicial bailiff can enforce it.

Eviction procedures - For unpaid rent or lease expiry, the law provides court procedures that can be relatively fast if the paperwork is complete. Landlords usually need a written lease, proof of delivery of the property, and proper prior notice. Timelines vary by court workload in Arta.

Leases over nine years - A lease of more than nine years should be registered at the land registry or cadastre to be enforceable against third parties. Most ordinary residential leases are shorter and do not require registration.

Mediation - Mediation is available in Greece and may be mandatory for some civil disputes based on monetary value and type. Housing eviction for unpaid rent is commonly handled by court procedures without mandatory mediation, but voluntary mediation can still resolve disputes faster and at lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a standard residential lease in Arta include

It should clearly state the parties, the property description, duration, rent and payment method, deposit amount and return conditions, responsibility for utilities and common charges, repair obligations, rules on subletting and pets, inspection rights, and what happens at lease end. Make sure the lease acknowledges the mandatory three-year minimum for residential leases.

Can the landlord raise the rent during the lease term

Only if the lease agreement includes a rent adjustment clause or if both sides later agree in writing. There is no automatic statutory increase. For fixed terms, mid-term changes require a contractual basis or mutual consent.

How much security deposit is allowed

There is no statutory cap. One to two months of rent is common. The lease should specify when and how the deposit is returned, and under what conditions deductions can be made. The deposit is not a prepayment of rent unless the contract says so.

What is the process if the tenant stops paying rent

The landlord typically sends a formal notice, often via judicial bailiff, demanding payment and reserving rights. If unpaid, the landlord may file for an order to pay and pursue eviction through a special court procedure. A lawyer in Arta can prepare the required documents and manage service and deadlines.

Can a landlord enter the property without the tenant's consent

No. Entry requires the tenant's consent except in emergencies. The lease can set reasonable rules for inspections or repairs with prior notice. Unauthorized entry can create liability for the landlord.

Who pays for repairs and maintenance

The landlord handles major repairs needed to keep the property suitable for its agreed use. The tenant takes care of minor maintenance and must report problems promptly. If the tenant causes damage by misuse, the tenant is responsible for repair costs.

Can a tenant sublet or list the property on a short-term rental platform

Only with the landlord's prior written consent unless the lease expressly allows it. Short-term rentals must comply with tax registration rules and building regulations. Unauthorized subletting can be a ground for termination.

What notice is needed to end a lease

During the mandatory minimum term, early termination is limited and depends on the contract and specific legal grounds. After the fixed or minimum term, an indefinite lease can usually be ended with written notice served by a judicial bailiff, observing the notice period in the contract or by law. A lawyer can advise on the correct timing and form.

What happens to the lease if the property is sold

The buyer generally steps into the seller's shoes and must respect the existing lease. The tenant continues to pay rent to the new owner after being notified. The terms remain the same unless the parties agree to amend them.

How does a tenant get the deposit back at move-out

The tenant should give proper notice, settle utility and common charge balances, document the condition with photos and a handover report, and return all keys. The landlord should return the deposit promptly minus any agreed and documented deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear.

Additional Resources

Arta Bar Association - for referrals to local landlord-tenant lawyers and information about legal aid appointments.

Arta Magistrates Court and Arta Court of First Instance - local courts that hear landlord-tenant disputes, eviction cases, and payment orders.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for electronic lease declarations and tax compliance information on rental income.

Judicial Bailiffs in Arta - for formal service of notices and enforcement of court orders.

Hellenic Cadastre - for matters involving long leases over nine years and property registrations.

Citizens Service Centers in Arta - general guidance on documents required for public services related to housing and utilities.

Local utility providers in Arta - the local water utility and the electricity distribution operator can advise on placing accounts in the tenant's name and required documents.

Mediation providers and accredited mediators in Epirus - for voluntary dispute resolution in lease conflicts.

Next Steps

Gather key documents - lease agreement, any addendums, rent receipts or bank statements, utility bills, photos or videos of property condition, and written communications between the parties.

Assess deadlines - identify rent due dates, notice periods in the lease, and any court or administrative time limits so that you act on time.

Send a formal notice - if there is a dispute, consider an extrajudicial notice served by a judicial bailiff to preserve rights and create clear evidence.

Consider negotiation or mediation - many disputes in Arta settle quickly with a lawyer's letter or a structured mediation session that sets a realistic payment or repair plan.

Consult a local lawyer - an Arta-based lawyer can explain your options, estimate costs and timelines, and represent you in court if needed. Ask about legal aid if your income is low.

Stay compliant - landlords should file the electronic lease and issue any required documentation. Tenants should keep proof of payments and comply with building rules and the lease.

If court is necessary - your lawyer will prepare filings for payment orders or eviction, arrange for service by a judicial bailiff, and represent you before the Arta courts until enforcement is complete.