kathimerini.gr
New Greek Law Streamlines Eviction Process, Impacts Landlords and Tenants
Starting January 1, 2026, a new Greek law expedites evictions by allowing landlords to obtain an eviction order from a certified lawyer, rather than a court, after a lease expires without renewal, while requiring a three-month notice to the tenant.
- What is the most significant immediate impact of the new Greek eviction law on landlords and tenants?
- Landlords can now obtain eviction orders through certified lawyers after lease expiration without court involvement, speeding up the process. Tenants receive a mandatory three-month notice before eviction, offering time to relocate. This contrasts with previous procedures requiring lengthy court battles.
- What are the potential long-term effects of this legislation, considering tenant protections and the broader housing market?
- While potentially freeing up properties for the market and reducing court congestion, the law might disproportionately affect vulnerable tenants if they cannot find alternative housing within the three-month period. The effectiveness will depend on the balance between protecting landlords' rights and ensuring tenant protections, especially during a housing crisis.
- How does this new law aim to address existing issues in landlord-tenant relations, and what broader implications does it have?
- The law aims to alleviate court backlogs and improve efficiency for landlords seeking to reclaim properties after lease expiry, preventing drawn-out legal battles. It also seeks to address the imbalance where tenants can leave without penalty but landlords face lengthy processes to reclaim their property.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the new law, including perspectives from landlords (POMIDA) and tenants (PASYPE). However, the extensive quoting of POMIDA's president might subtly favor the landlords' viewpoint by giving more weight to their arguments. The headline, if there was one, could also influence framing. The inclusion of a tenant's counter-argument helps mitigate this, but the overall structure provides slightly more space to the landlords' concerns.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although words like "πετιέται στον δρόμο" (thrown into the street) used by PASYPE are emotionally charged. The article also uses the term "κακοπληρωτές" (bad payers) which is somewhat judgmental. Neutral alternatives could be 'tenants with payment difficulties' or 'tenants with outstanding payments'.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including data on the number of landlords versus tenants in Greece to give better context to the impact of this law. Additionally, the perspectives of other relevant stakeholders, such as legal professionals specializing in tenancy disputes, could enhance the article's balance. The long-term effects of this law on housing affordability are not fully explored.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the issue as a conflict between landlords and tenants. The reality is likely more nuanced, with many landlords willing to negotiate with responsible tenants, and many tenants facing genuine financial hardship. This simplification oversimplifies the complexities of the rental market.
Sustainable Development Goals
The new legal framework aims to streamline property rental processes, potentially boosting investor confidence and leading to increased property market activity. This could stimulate economic growth and create jobs related to legal services and property management. However, the impact on employment for renters remains uncertain.