The proposed legislative amendments significantly accelerate the eviction process and expand landlords’ rights to reclaim their properties—even in the absence of outstanding rent payments. The new legal framework introduces two key changes.
The first change concerns the landlord’s right to request an eviction order (order for restitution of the leased property) not only in cases of rent arrears, as was previously the case, but also upon the expiration of the lease term, regardless of whether the tenant has consistently paid rent on time. This constitutes a substantial shift, effectively transforming the lease expiration into a valid legal ground for eviction. As a result, tenants lose the ability to remain in the premises after the contractual term has ended, even if they have acted in good faith and fulfilled their financial obligations.
This provision addresses a previously unregulated legal gap that allowed many tenants to prolong their stay by continuing to pay the previously agreed, and often lower, rent—thus delaying eviction proceedings. The issue was particularly pronounced in areas experiencing rapid rent increases, such as central Athens, where the proliferation of short-term rental platforms (e.g., Airbnb) has led to significant market distortions. Under the new regulation, the landlord may now initiate eviction proceedings immediately upon contract termination.
The second substantial change relates to the authority responsible for issuing the eviction order. Previously, such orders could only be granted through a judicial process, following a judge’s decision. Under the new framework, this authority is transferred to licensed attorneys, who are registered members of the local bar associations. This amendment aligns the eviction process with that of issuing a payment order, thereby expediting the procedure significantly and reducing the involvement of the judicial system. Consequently, evictions may now be enforced more promptly and without the need for a formal court hearing.
According to the new provisions, a written extrajudicial notice of intent to reclaim the property must be served by the landlord at least three months prior to the lease’s expiration. Once the eviction order is issued, enforcement proceedings may begin as early as two months thereafter.
