Quick answer: The standard rental deposit in Athens is 1–2 months’ rent. Document the apartment condition thoroughly at move-in with timestamped photos and a written inventory shared with your landlord. To get your deposit back, give proper notice, clean the apartment, pay all final bills, and do a walk-through with the landlord. Deductions are only valid for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
How Deposits Work in Athens
If you are renting an apartment in Athens, you will almost certainly need to pay a deposit before moving in. The deposit protects the landlord against unpaid rent or damage to the property. Understanding how deposits work in Greece — how much to expect, what to document, and how to get your money back — can save you stress and money at the end of your lease.
Standard Deposit Amounts
In Athens, the standard rental deposit is 1–2 months’ rent. The exact amount depends on the landlord and the type of rental:
- Private unfurnished apartments: Usually 2 months’ rent as deposit, plus the first month’s rent upfront. So you pay 3 months total at signing.
- Furnished apartments: Often 1–2 months’ rent. Furnished rentals aimed at expats and students sometimes charge a lower deposit to reduce the barrier to entry.
- Co-living and managed housing: Typically 1 month’s rent. At Mobee House, the deposit is one month’s rent, returned in full at move-out if the apartment is in good condition.
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb-style): Usually no deposit, but a damage waiver or hold on your credit card.
Greek law does not set a maximum deposit amount, so it is negotiable. However, anything above 2 months’ rent is uncommon and should be questioned.
What to Document at Check-In
The single most important thing you can do to protect your deposit is to document the condition of the apartment at move-in. Many disputes happen at move-out because there is no record of pre-existing damage.
Move-In Checklist
- Take photos and videos of every room — walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures. Use your phone with timestamps enabled.
- Open and close everything — windows, shutters, doors, drawers, cabinets. Note anything that sticks, is broken, or does not work properly.
- Test all appliances — stove, oven, fridge, washing machine, water heater, AC units. Run them to make sure they work.
- Check for water damage — look at ceilings and walls for stains, mold, or peeling paint. Check under sinks.
- Note furniture condition — scratches, stains, or damage to furnished items.
- Record utility meter readings — electricity, water, and gas meters. Take a photo of each.
- Write it all down — create a written inventory list and share it with your landlord. Ask them to sign or acknowledge it.
Send the photos and inventory to your landlord by email immediately after move-in. This creates a dated record that both parties have.
The Lease Contract
Your lease contract (misthotirio) should clearly state:
- The deposit amount.
- Conditions for returning the deposit.
- Timeline for return after move-out (usually 1–2 months).
- What deductions can be made (damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities, etc.).
If the contract is in Greek only, get it translated before signing. Never sign a lease you do not fully understand. Some landlords in Athens offer bilingual contracts for international tenants.
Getting Your Deposit Back
Before Move-Out
- Give proper notice. Most leases require 1–2 months’ written notice before moving out. Check your contract.
- Clean the apartment. Return it in the same condition you found it (minus normal wear and tear). A thorough clean makes a strong impression.
- Fix minor damage. Small holes from picture hooks, scuff marks — fix these yourself if possible. It is cheaper than having the landlord deduct from your deposit.
- Pay all final bills. Settle electricity, water, and any outstanding utility payments before the final inspection.
The Final Inspection
Schedule a walk-through with your landlord or property manager before handing back the keys. Go through the apartment together, compare the current condition to your move-in photos, and agree on any deductions. Get any agreements in writing (even a text message or email works).
Timeline for Return
In practice, deposit returns in Athens can take anywhere from 1 week to 2 months. The timeline depends on the landlord and whether there are any disputes. If your landlord is slow to return the deposit without justification, you can send a formal written request and, as a last resort, seek assistance through a lawyer or consumer protection agency.
Common Deductions
Landlords can deduct from your deposit for:
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear (broken fixtures, stained carpets, holes in walls).
- Unpaid rent or utility bills.
- Missing items from a furnished apartment.
- Deep cleaning if the apartment is left in poor condition.
They cannot deduct for normal wear and tear — minor scuffs on walls, slight fading of paint, or worn flooring from regular use. These are expected over time.
How Mobee House Handles Deposits
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a typical rental deposit in Athens?
Most landlords in Athens require 1-2 months rent as a deposit. At Mobee House, the deposit is one month of rent, clearly stated in the lease agreement.
When do I get my rental deposit back in Greece?
By law, your deposit should be returned when you move out, minus any documented damages beyond normal wear and tear. The timeline is typically within 30 days of move-out.
What should I document at move-in?
Take dated photos of every room, check all appliances and fixtures, note any existing damage, and confirm everything in writing with your landlord. This protects your deposit at move-out.
At Mobee House, we keep things straightforward. The deposit is one month’s rent, clearly stated in the lease. We do a documented check-in together when you arrive and a final walk-through when you leave. If the apartment is in good condition, you get the full deposit back — no hidden deductions or unnecessary delays. Contact us to learn more about renting with Mobee House.
