The deadline for rent refund is approaching and nearly one million beneficiaries have just a few days left to complete the process. With a deadline of September 30th, filling in code 081 on the tax return is the key to securing financial assistance of up to €800 in November.
Who qualifies for rent refund – Critical details for correct declaration
The measure targets households facing difficulties due to the housing crisis and increased rental prices. The rent refund covers both primary and student accommodation, offering significant relief to thousands of families across Greece.
According to the Ministry of Finance, even without completing code 081, the subsidy can be paid if there is an electronic lease in AADE records. However, experts recommend mandatory completion of the code for absolute security, as there is a risk of identification failure during cross-checking.
Special attention is required when entering the lease number. Taxpayers must declare the number corresponding to the most recent renewal, excluding 2025. If renewal took place in 2024, this is the correct number for the refund application.
Those with pre-cleared declarations must verify the accuracy of the lease number and ensure that the declared rent amount corresponds to the actual rent they paid during the year.
Automatic calculation and eligibility criteria
The rent refund calculation is done automatically, based on the tenant’s income tax return for the previous tax year. The process is completed by the last working day of September of the payment year.
Income limits are structured as follows:
- Single persons: maximum income €20,000
- Married or civil partnership: maximum household income €28,000, with an increase of €4,000 per child
- Single-parent families: maximum household income €31,000, with an increase of €5,000 for each additional child
Regarding asset criteria, the total value of family assets cannot exceed €120,000 for a single-person household, with an addition of €20,000 for each additional member.
Subsidy amounts and maximum limits, consequences of incorrect declarations and penalties
The maximum rent refund amount that will be automatically deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the end of November reaches €800 annually for primary residence. The amount increases by €50 for each dependent child, while for student accommodation the maximum limit remains at €800.
Importantly, the total rent refund for primary and student accommodation cannot exceed €1,700. For two student accommodations, the maximum limit is set at €1,600.
If it is found that the tax return data is inaccurate or the assistance amount was calculated incorrectly, the consequences are serious. Undue amounts are charged with interest at 0.73% monthly from the date of grant.
Additionally, the beneficiary is excluded from any future rent assistance for three years, beyond additional penalties that may be imposed.
Practical examples of rent refund calculation
To help beneficiaries better understand the calculation method, here are characteristic examples. A family without children with monthly primary residence rent of €750 will receive €750. A family with one child and rent of €900 will receive €850, while a family with two children and the same rent will receive €900.
In the case of a family with owned primary residence and one student paying €550 monthly rent, the rent refund will amount to €550. Finally, a family paying €800 for primary residence and having two students with rents of €480 and €500 respectively, will receive a total refund of €1,780.
