Greece bans windowless basements, freezes central Athens licenses in overhaul of short-term rentals

ATHENS, Greece — 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. “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. “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. The number of rooms available using short-term rentals was roughly equivalent to those in hotels nationwide in 2023, but nearly double in central Athens, according to a study commissioned by a national hoteliers association.