The implementation of the new rent refund program begins, aimed at providing financial support to citizens who rent primary or student housing. This initiative, based on the recent Decision by Deputy Ministers of National Economy and Finance Georgios Kotsiras and Athanasios Petralias, provides for automatic granting of financial assistance without submitting an application. The rent refund for 2025 concerns leases of the 2024 tax year, with lump sum payment by the end of November 2025.
Rent refund: Financial assistance amounts and beneficiary categories
The rent refund program offers different amounts depending on the type of housing. For primary residence, beneficiaries receive up to €800 annually, with an additional €50 for each dependent child. Similarly, for student housing, assistance of up to €800 annually per student is provided.
The calculation of the rent refund is based on one-twelfth of the total annual rent paid in 2024. In cases of successive leases, the amount is determined by the sum of all rent payments made.
Income and asset criteria for primary residence
The rent refund for primary residence requires the simultaneous fulfillment of specific income and asset criteria. The income limits are structured as follows:
• Single persons: up to €20,000 annual household income
• Married or Civil Partnership Members: up to €28,000, increased by €4,000 for each dependent child
• Single-parent Families: up to €31,000, increased by €5,000 for each additional dependent child beyond the first
Regarding asset criteria, the total value of real estate based on ENFIA is not allowed to exceed €120,000 for single persons, while for married couples or civil partnership members the limit increases by €20,000 for the spouse and each dependent child.
Special provisions for student housing
The rent refund for student housing is governed by simplified criteria. Specifically, only the income criteria mentioned above are examined, regardless of whether the student housing is declared in the parents’ tax return or as primary residence in the student’s declaration.
Essential requirements and procedures
For successful payment of the rent refund, beneficiaries must have submitted to AADE the Declaration of Lease Information Elements by July 15, 2025. Additionally, the number of this declaration must have been included in the 2024 tax return.
In cases where the lease number has not been declared, AADE conducts cross-checking through the electricity supply number to identify the lease details.
Special cases and exceptions
When the lessor is not required to submit an information declaration or submits a handwritten declaration, tenants must deposit the required documents by October 20, 2025, through the “My Requests” application on the myAADE platform.
For specific cases of non-payment of assistance, such as incorrect application of asset criteria for student housing, beneficiaries can submit relevant documents by December 31, 2025.
Future changes in rent settlement
From January 1, 2026, a new ministerial decision will determine the details for mandatory rent settlement through deposit to the lessor’s bank account. Payment of assistance is made as a lump sum to the IBAN account notified to AADE through the myAADE digital portal.
For more information, interested parties can contact AADE Taxpayer Service my1521:
- By phone at 1521, weekdays from 7:00 – 20:00.
- Digitally at my1521, under Social Policy > Benefits > Housing programs > Rent Refund, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
