When we think of “short-term rentals,” we immediately associate them with holidays, relaxation, and leisure. However, things aren’t quite that simple – or rather, they aren’t just that.
Beyond the rights we have as guests at a property we’ve paid for to enjoy our holidays, we also have certain obligations that don’t cease simply because we’re on holiday. One such obligation is to observe and respect quiet hours.
What are quiet hours?
Quiet hours are periods during the day or night when loud disturbances should be avoided to ensure peace and quality of life for all residents in the area.
Although we’re all familiar with the term, it helps to clarify the specific hours applicable for each period, as well as the activities or tasks that should be avoided.
Quiet hours in Greece
According to Police Regulation No. 3/1996 and Government Gazette No. 15/B/12-1-1996, the quiet hours in Greece are:
- Summer Period (1 April – 30 September): 15:00 – 17:30 and 23:00 – 07:00.
- Winter Period (1 October – 31 March): 15:30 – 17:30 and 22:00 – 07:30.
What this means for Airbnb guests
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, guests might assume they have no obligations and can act freely, whether by playing loud music or enjoying the company of friends on the balcony, speaking loudly. However, it’s important to remember that regulations must be followed; otherwise, there’s a risk of complaints, fines, and certainly an unpleasant stay.
How to ensure compliance with quiet hours
If your guests do not respect the quiet hours or even the building rules (if it’s an apartment block), you, as the owner,r may face penalties. Therefore, it’s advisable to inform your guests of the rules applicable to your building, as well as the quiet hours and activities to avoid during those times.
According to Article 1 of the aforementioned Police Regulation, during quiet hours, the following are prohibited:
- Noisy work and activities, except in emergencies requiring a justified permit from the local Police Department commander.
- Operating TVs, radios, etc., at high volumes, playing musical instruments, singing, and shouting in private spaces.
- The same applies to public spaces such as streets and squares.
This includes disputes, noisy games in cafes, loading and unloading goods from trucks, and many more.
Conclusion
As we can see, most of these are everyday occurrences, especially for those of us living in urban centres. Disputes can happen at any time, whether inside or outside private spaces. Trucks continuously load and unload throughout the day. Backgammon doesn’t pause at noon – along with the cicadas, dice, and the knocking of pieces on balconies, it’s a characteristic sound of summer during the afternoon lull.
Since we’re known for not being particularly diligent in following rules, it’s wise to prevent the possibility of police arriving at your property’s doorstep by clearly setting the rules your guests need to follow.
It’s important to inform guests in advance about the quiet hours and any additional rules applicable to your property. A simple notice or a reminder in the accommodation’s regulations helps avoid misunderstandings and promotes harmonious coexistence.
With small gestures of respect and understanding, we create a more welcoming environment for everyone. Let’s not forget that besides inconsistency, we’re also renowned for our hospitality.
