The Greek tax authority (AADE) is in the final stages of cross-checking data for the rent subsidy program, as critical codes in tax returns are being carefully verified to unlock financial support for 1.18 million households. The verification process is expected to be completed within the coming days, allowing automatic crediting of amounts to beneficiaries’ accounts to begin next month. Payments will be made without applications or additional documentation, as all necessary data is drawn directly from rental declarations and tenants’ tax returns.
According to sources, AADE is cross-referencing landlord and tenant data, confirming that leases are active and declared in TAXISnet, and checking IBANs to ensure the subsidy is paid to legitimate beneficiaries. Special attention is given to whether the declared rental amount corresponds to the actual rent paid during the year.
However, if verification reveals that tax return data and subsidy amounts are inaccurate, consequences follow. If amounts are paid incorrectly, they are charged with interest at 0.73% monthly from the grant date, while the beneficiary is excluded from any future rent assistance for three years, in addition to other penalties that may be imposed.
This measure is being implemented for the first time and aims to provide relief to households burdened by increased housing costs. Amount crediting will be completed by November 20, while for cases where discrepancies or pending issues are identified, taxpayers will be notified electronically through personalized information in myAADE to make corrections.
Rent subsidy: What amounts beneficiaries will receive
According to the law, the maximum subsidy amount that will be automatically credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts reaches €800 annually for primary residence, increased by €50 for each dependent child. For student housing, the maximum refund amount is €800.
The income criteria are:
- Single: maximum income €20,000.
- Married / civil partnership: maximum household income €28,000, increased by €4,000 for each child.
- Single-parent families: maximum household income €31,000, increased by €5,000 for each additional child beyond the first.
Regarding asset criteria, family wealth value cannot exceed €120,000 for single-person households, with an increase of €20,000 for each additional member.
It’s noted that rent subsidy for primary and student housing cannot exceed €1,700, while the maximum refund amount for two student residences is €1,600.
Rent: Subsidies and tax deductions only with electronic payment from 2026
From January 2026, tenants of primary and student housing who continue paying rent in cash will not be entitled to the subsidy. Additionally, landlords who collect rent “by hand” will be required to pay higher taxes on this income.
Specifically:
– Tenants who don’t pay rent for primary and student housing through banks will lose the rent subsidy, even if they meet income or asset criteria. For example, a primary residence tenant paying €800 monthly who continues paying rent in cash from 2026 will be excluded from financial assistance. They won’t be entitled to any euros from the annual rent refund. Note that the measure will be implemented from November and specifically for this year will be paid to tenants based on this year’s tax returns.
– Taxpayers who rent properties and receive rent “by hand” will lose the 5% discount on gross rental income, which is calculated automatically without submitting documentation. For example, a taxpayer receives €12,000 annually from rent currently paid in cash. If they continue receiving rent “by hand,” they will be taxed on the full €12,000 income rather than €11,400, as the 5% discount on rental income received will not apply.
