New, clear clarifications regarding the rights of property owners have been issued by the Union of Working Consumers of Greece (EEKE). The announcement sheds light on three “hot” questions that trouble landlords: When and how they can inspect their property, how they should react if they discover damage and deterioration, and what the legal course is if the tenant refuses to return the house after the contract expires.
Read: House rental: Property owner rights and tenant obligations according to EEKE
Detailed breakdown of landlord’s basic rights toward tenants
Property access: The landlord can visit the rental property during times agreed upon in the lease contract.
Payment delays: If the tenant fails to pay rent or common charges, the landlord can take legal action, claiming owed rent and requesting the return of the property lease.
Damage and deterioration: The tenant is obligated to return the property in the condition they received it (except for normal wear and tear). If there is damage, the landlord can seek compensation, unless there is another agreement.
Contract expiration: After the lease expires, if the tenant does not vacate, the landlord can request their eviction from the property through legal action, as well as compensation for the tenant’s use of the property from the expiration date until final return.
Security deposit: If a security deposit has been given (e.g., one month’s rent), it can be offset against owed rent, to cover damages or debts (common charges, etc.). It cannot be considered to cover the case of use compensation, meaning the amount the tenant must pay the landlord if they remain in the property after the lease expires.
EEKE advises:
Always have a written contract with the actual and agreed terms to avoid misunderstandings.
Document the condition of the house at the beginning and end of the lease.
