Greek Law 5170/2025: New Mandatory Safety Standards for Short-Term Rentals in Crete

If you own a property in Crete and rent it through Airbnb or Booking, the rules have changed. Law 5170/2025, effective October 1, 2025, introduces mandatory safety standards for all short-term rentals in Greece. The fine for non-compliance: EUR 5,000 for the first offense.

Why this law is a game changer

Before October 2025, short-term rental obligations were mostly limited to obtaining an AMA (registration number) and paying the TAKK (climate crisis fee). Law 5170/2025 goes much further: it imposes physical safety standards comparable to those required for hotels.

The ministerial circular (Protocol N.19231, September 19, 2025) detailed the requirements just 6 days before the law took effect. Many foreign property owners never heard about it.

The 12 mandatory safety standards

Here is the complete list of requirements under Law 5170/2025 for every short-term rental property. All are mandatory, no exceptions.

Fines: EUR 5,000 and up

Payment deadline is 15 days after notification. Inspections are conducted by joint teams from the Ministry of Tourism and AADE (Greek tax authority), with 10 days' advance notice.

Other obligations not to forget

AMA (registration number)

Obtained through the AADE platform (TAXISnet), it must appear on all your online listings. Prerequisite: a Greek AFM (tax number). Rental declarations must be submitted by the 20th of the month following the guest's departure.

TAKK (Climate Crisis Resilience Fee)

The TAKK is not included in platform prices. Guests must be informed in advance. Each collection requires a special receipt issued through myAADE.

How to get compliant: the action plan

1. 1Get a licensed electrician for the RCD diagnostic and compliance declaration.
2. 2Purchase and install fire extinguishers (class 21A-113B-C, 6 kg minimum).
3. 3Install standalone smoke detectors in every bedroom and kitchen.
4. 4Mount an emergency light block above the main exit.
5. 5Hire a licensed pest control company and keep the certificate.
6. 6Verify every bedroom has heating/cooling air conditioning.
7. 7Measure ceiling height in every room (2.50 m minimum).
8. 8Assemble a bilingual first aid kit.
9. 9Display the local emergency contact list.
10. 10Take out liability insurance with a Greek-licensed insurer.

What Kairos does for its property owners

At Kairos Guest Management, regulatory compliance is part of our service. For every property we manage in Crete, we work with a Greek partner accountant who handles all obligations: AFM, AMA, TAKK declarations, E1/E2 tax filings, ENFIA.

For the safety standards under Law 5170/2025, we coordinate all interventions: electrician, pest control, equipment installation. The owner receives a complete compliance file before the season starts.

Frequently asked questions

Does Law 5170/2025 apply to all properties in Crete?

Yes. All short-term rental properties in Greece are subject to it, regardless of size or location. The only exception is air conditioning for properties above 600 m altitude.

I have a valid AMA. Am I automatically compliant?

No. The AMA is a prerequisite, but Law 5170/2025 adds additional safety obligations. A valid AMA does not exempt you from the new safety standards.

What happens if I don't comply?

EUR 5,000 fine for the first offense, EUR 10,000 for the second, EUR 20,000 for subsequent ones. Most importantly: possible suspension of your AMA, making your rental activity illegal.