On 31 October 2024, a new bill concerning new operational specifications for properties available through short-term rental platforms was presented to the Cabinet by the Minister of Tourism.
The new regulatory framework now stipulates certain essential requirements for the operation of short-term rental properties, aimed at ensuring safety, sustainability, and quality.
What are the new operational specifications for short-term rental properties?
The new regulatory framework focuses on key areas of safety and sustainability, each of which includes specific measures.
Safety and Equipment Standards. It is clear that an Airbnb property must have safety equipment standards for various reasons, related both to the protection and safety of guests and to safeguarding the owner from legal liabilities.
A safe property primarily ensures the prevention of accidents and a swift response in cases of danger and emergencies, such as a fire.
The most fundamental requirement for operating a property through short-term rental is liability insurance, which provides compensation in the event of theft, damage, or accidents during guests’ stays.
Owners are required to install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in their properties, as well as an RCD (Residual Current Device) or circuit breaker, and to provide a responsible electrician’s declaration for the safe operation of the property’s electrical installations (this refers to the old DEH certificate).
In addition to the above, owners and managers of Airbnb properties and other short-term rental platforms must provide a first-aid kit in the property, as well as a guide with emergency contact numbers to assist guests, along with clear escape route signage.
Furthermore, significant attention should be given to natural lighting and the regular inspection of electrical and plumbing installations, such as air conditioning units, ventilation systems, etc.
Finally, the issuance of pest control and extermination certificates, certifying the property’s disinfection, is mandatory.
Sustainability. A key element of sustainability is the balance between the production of goods and raw materials. The aim of sustainability is to achieve greater production with the least expenditure of raw materials, both for the present and the future, yielding the best possible outcome for humanity and the natural environment.
It is well known that older electrical appliances we possess are more energy-consuming compared to newer ones, thereby increasing our energy footprint. Appliances are categorised by energy consumption, and there is a concerted effort to prioritise the selection of low-energy consumption devices, especially at a time when electricity bills are at quite high levels.
One electrical appliance that is certainly activated by every guest, whether in winter or summer, is the air conditioning unit. The air conditioning units you install in your Airbnb property should have high energy efficiency ratings to reduce your property’s energy footprint.
Additionally, to reduce energy consumption, you can replace incandescent and halogen bulbs with LED lights and install light sensors.
Unfortunately, in Greece, we lack the education necessary to understand how harmful our environmental footprint is, and how much damage we inflict on the environment with every action we take. In our country, approximately one-quarter of total energy consumption comes from households, due to old and energy-intensive appliances, devices that remain on standby 24 hours a day, charging devices that are not unplugged, and so on.
While they may seem trivial at first glance, reckless human activity as a whole has intensified both the occurrence and frequency of extreme weather events.
What are the benefits of complying with the new operational specifications?
Compliance with the new regulations offers significant advantages for you and your property, such as increased trust, higher ratings, and protection from penalties.
- Increased Trust: Guests feel more secure and comfortable knowing that the Airbnb property they have chosen meets certain basic operational specifications.
- Higher Ratings: Positive reviews lead to better rankings and, consequently, higher occupancy rates.
- Protection from Penalties: Compliance with the specifications protects you from legal sanctions and fines.
Next Steps for Short-Term Rental Property Owners
The new operational specifications are not only necessary for legality but also present an opportunity for property owners to upgrade their services and stand out in the competitive short-term rental market.
By investing in quality, safety, and sustainability, you can ensure that your property continues to attract travellers and remains successful. Upgrading the energy efficiency of your accommodation will help you save more money while doing something good for the environment.
Be sure to update your property page on Airbnb and other platforms to inform that your property meets all operational specifications and that you have taken the necessary measures to protect the environment.
By choosing Sparrow for the management of your property, you can rest assured of the prompt execution of every new government directive and the adherence to all regulations set by short-term rental platforms.
