Rent payment only via banks

The government is currently considering the mandatory payment of rent through bank accounts as an additional measure in order to curb tax evasion, which – according to all indications – is widespread.

According to the plan, from 2026 each tenant will be required to pay the amount stated in the rental contract monthly by depositing it into the landlord’s bank account.

This means that otherwise, if someone continues to pay in cash, there will be consequences which, although not yet decided, may include severe fines for landlords, while there will also be penalties for tenants.

Officials at the Ministry of National Economy and Finance estimate that paying rent through the banking system will lead to greater transparency and that it will lead, in combination with other measures, to the reduction of tax evasion recorded by property owners, many of whom hide income from real estate.

It is noted that in 2023 the average declared income from real estate, and specifically from primary residences, was only 211 euros per month, while for student housing the average monthly expense was just €173.

Meanwhile, rental prices in the Attica region are up to four times higher than the average declared income from rentals.

Kathimerini