In Greece, a debate is heating up between landlords and tenants over a proposed rent refund policy. The national property owners’ federation (POMIDA), representing landlords, is calling on the government to introduce a so-called "good tenant clause" before tenants become eligible for the newly announced "rent refund" measure.

After the Greek PM recently announced a full month’s rent to be reimbursed annually to tenants every November, renters unions have argued that presenting the return of one month’s rent as a “housing benefit” is misleading. According to the Union, after tenants receive the refunded rent in November, a sharp rise in rental prices can be expected as early as December – or even sooner. Landlords, a small segment of the population who profit from the housing crisis, are likely to seize the opportunity to “regulate” the market themselves to secure the lion’s share – just as happened recently with the launch of the “My Home 2” housing scheme, which spurred speculation in the property market.

Landlords propose new condition for rent refund

The national property owners’ federation propose that renters should only receive the refund if they have fully met their payment obligations during the previous year. POMIDA argues that this would protect landlords from rent losses and prevent the state from losing tax revenue on unpaid rents. The organisation cites a public interest in preventing tax shortfalls – despite the fact that the average rent officially declared to the tax office is just €255 a month, a figure widely seen as out of step with reality, and one that the Greek Minister of Economy himself recently admitted does not reflect actual market conditions.

POMIDA illustrates its case with an example: A tenant pays €600 a month in rent but stops paying halfway through the year. The landlord is forced to take legal action, eventually recovering the property by the end of December – but not the unpaid rent. Come tax season, the landlord still has to declare and pay tax on the income received, while the unpaid rent remains uncollected – likely indefinitely. POMIDA argues that it is unfair and even unethical for such a tenant to receive an additional €600 rebate funded by taxpayers the following year.

Thessaloniki renters’ union response

The renter’s union accuse POMIDA of portraying all tenants as bad payers and ignoring the real issue: soaring rents in a country where the minimum wage stands at €880.

“For many households, paying €600 a month isn’t a matter of ‘reliability’ – it’s a matter of survival,” the statement reads.

“People are skipping meals, heat and healthcare just to keep a roof over their heads.”

The tenants’ union also condemns the growing power imbalance between landlords and tenants. They argue that landlords, often with impunity, raise rents, carry out evictions, refuse to make repairs, and retaliate against those who complain.

They are especially critical of what they see as a veiled effort to create a national “blacklist” of tenants – a kind of credit registry where renters who fall behind could be excluded from future housing.

“The proposed refund becomes a tool of control and punishment,” they argue. “It’s not about ensuring fairness – it’s about threatening those who can’t keep up with impossible rents.”

The union further points to long-standing issues with under-the-table rent payments and tax evasion in the rental sector. They allege that many landlords declare only part of their rental income – sometimes as little as half – while pocketing the rest tax-free.

“Now they want renters to become enforcers, pushing landlords to declare their income just so we can access a small bonus – and then penalise us if we can’t afford the full rent.”

In conclusion, the tenants call for real solutions: immediate rent controls, lower housing costs, and investment in public housing.

“For too long, POMIDA has spoken without opposition. Now, finally, it has one.”

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