Five Tips for Renting Affordable Student Accommodation in Athens

What to look out for regarding student housing in Athens

So, you're off to Athens for your Erasmus? Great decision!

Athens is one of the most popular destinations for Erasmus students.

With its year-round sunshine, historic landmarks, and vibrant café culture, it's not hard to see why.

You can expect a mixture of things from the city. 

From the world's most famous historical sites and cultural landmarks... to thriving nightlife at its bars and clubs.

Living in Athens for the first time is a unique experience for almost every student. Some things will be easy to figure out, while others may take a little time to get used to.

But whether you're here for a semester or a year, you're sure to have a fantastic time! 

Here at roomsAthens, we're dedicated to providing the finest affordable accommodation in Athens. And to help you choose the ideal rental property, here are our top five tips.

Use them, and you'll rent a student house by the end of the week!

Location

Athens is full of students, and that's great!

There are many student-friendly neighborhoods here with plenty of things to do. The perfect student neighborhood in Athens is always a hot topic among students.

If you want to be in the thick of it all, there are plenty of student areas that will keep you close to all the action.

Although opinions vary, Exarchia is probably the most popular area for students.

With many great restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues, it's easy to see why so many people flock here.

Also, close to places like posh Kolonaki (1.5km), lively Gazi (2.5km), and a must-visit Monastiraki (1.5km)... the area is impossible to beat.

Affordability

Affordability is usually the top priority for finding student accommodation in Athens. 

If you're on a budget and don't have time to spend commuting, it's better to choose an apartment close to your university. But bear in mind that central districts like Koukaki or Kolonaki might be more expensive. 

Try choosing a more affordable area if you want cheaper student accommodation. 

Also, consider the availability of public transportation. If there are plenty of buses nearby, then it should be easier to commute.

If you don't mind living with other students, it's better to look for a shared apartment. 

The good news is that we own & operate over a hundred rental properties in and around the Athens center.

From studio apartments to private rooms in large flatshares and with prices from 80€ per week... we can assure you you'll find a rental that suits your budget.

The contract and deposit

Before you sign, make sure you understand all terms of the agreement. 

You must know when your rent is due and what kind of deposit is required. You should also be aware of fees and penalties if you do not pay on time.

Signing a contract without reading it often leads to problems later on. Reading it thoroughly will ensure there are no hidden charges or unexpected expenses. 

Most landlords, including us, require a deposit. The deposit usually is one month's rent.

The contract must include:

• your name and the landlord's name

• the address of the flat

• the date you moved in (i.e., when did you take up occupation?)

• how much rent is to be paid, and how often it is to be paid

• when and how much deposit will be returned at the end of your tenancy
  

Here is why a rental agreement is so important:

It protects your rights as a tenant. 

It is not uncommon for tenants in Greece, especially students, to be evicted without respecting their legal rights. If something like that happens, you will need to prove that you were indeed living in the apartment by showing some sort of document or receipt.

It protects the landlord's rights as well. 

A contract can help in case of damages caused by the tenant and in cases of late payment of rent or other expenses (like water, electricity, etc.).

Make sure that you get an inventory of the flat's contents and take photos of anything that is already broken or damaged. As soon as you move in, check that everything works properly and note any problems.

When you leave (or even during your tenancy if something needs fixing), give plenty of notice in writing so that the landlord can arrange for repairs to be made (unless it's an emergency).

If you are moving into student accommodation, you may be asked to sign a code of conduct stating that you won't hold loud parties or disturb other tenants. If you break this code, you could be kicked out with no refund for your deposit or rent.

Roommate compatibility and an exit plan

Here's what to look for in a roommate and how to behave with them.

1. Create an exit plan 

When renting student accommodation in Athens, it is vital that you have an exit plan if things don't work out with your roommate. Agree on the terms of your lease, and make sure that you are both aware of the consequences if either party breaks the contract. 

2. Have a safety plan 

Suppose your roommate is threatening or making you uncomfortable. In that case, you must know what to do and how to leave quickly without conflict. Contact your landlord or university, as well as the police if appropriate. Do not wait until something happens! Better safe than sorry. 

3. Be honest about your needs and expectations 

Make sure that you are open and honest about yourself from the get-go so that you find someone compatible with your needs and expectations. 

If you need a more quiet environment, this will probably not be the best situation for you if your potential roommate loves throwing parties every weekend.

Security

When you choose an apartment to rent in Athens, make sure the accommodation has a good level of security. No student wants to have their laptop or mobile phone stolen from them. 

It can be costly to replace these items, and many insurance policies don't cover them.

Check to see whether the accommodation has CCTV cameras or on-site security guards. You should check that the doors and windows have secure locks, too.

It is also important that your apartment has a security door. A security door will allow you to lock your front door and prevent intruders from entering your home. 

Whether at home or not, having a security door will act as an extra barrier between yourself and any unwanted visitors. The main entrance of the building should also have a security door with an intercom system. 

An alarm system might be a good idea too. An alarm system might alert your neighbors if someone enters your apartment while away or at night while sleeping. 

Some modern buildings already have this system installed, so check with the owner before signing your rental contract.

In conclusion:

When you're looking to rent accommodation in Athens, you must weigh your options carefully. 

Since many property owners don't use the same standards, you need to consider a variety of things to land the ideal place for your needs. 

We hope we have provided helpful information on renting student accommodation in Athens.

Use these valuable tips to ensure your stay is as smooth and trouble-free as possible.

Five Essential Items To Pack For Your Erasmus in Athens [INFOGRAPHIC]→

So you’ve picked Athens as your Erasmus city, and the excitement is starting to build.

But before you get carried away with the thought of all-night partying and endless tanning sessions, there’s one important piece of business to take care of: your packing list!

This infographic will help you pack essential items for your Erasmus in Athens and make your adventure an unforgettable one.

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Get this infographic with the five essential items, and make sure you pack them!

(We skipped one item but are sure that's the ONE you'll remember first of all :)

Top Three Reasons Why Athens Is Excellent For Erasmus Students

If you're thinking about where to go for your Erasmus studies, think no more! Greece and Athens, in particular, have quickly become one of the favorite choices. 

We've asked hundreds of Erasmus students who stayed in our apartments in Athens what they enjoyed most of all.

Based on their responses, here are the three main reasons why you should go to Athens:

1. The weather. 

Enjoy a sunny day on one of the beaches along the 70km seaside in Athens, Greece.

Athens has one of the best climates in Europe with some of the mildest, warmest winters... and simply magical summertime. 

Throw in about 70km of coastline where you can actually swim, and you have an unbeatable combo! The Athens Riviera is a short ride from the city center.

Sunbathe, swim and enjoy a cool beverage on one of the amazing beaches. 

Grab a bite to eat in the many beautiful seaside tavernas & restaurants. Then dance the night away in one of the super cool coastal bars & clubs. 

2. History.

Visitors appreciate hundreds of artifacts in the Acropolis museum spanning from Mycenaean times to the Roman and Early Christian eras.

Athens is considered the birth of western civilization. 

And rightfully so. There's so much history to explore. So many mind-blowing things to learn...that you might need to spend the entire year just doing that.

Every part of Greece offers a tremendous historical journey. And Athens is no exception.

Many of our Erasmus apartments in Athens are located within a short walk to the best museums.

The National Archaeological Museum of Greece, the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important devoted to ancient Greek art globally, is just a few minutes walk from some of our most popular rental apartments in Athens.

One of the most visited museums, The Acropolis Museum, is definitely a must. It hosts valuable artifacts found on the Acropolis from Mycenaean times to the Roman and Early Christian eras.

The great news is that you can reach this museum on foot from most of our apartments too.

Another prominent place to visit is Benaki Museum. Benaki is one of the most important museums related to ancient and modern Greece's history, art, and culture.

And here are over 100 museums for you to consider sorted by travelers' favorites!

3. Food.

Amazing food and scenery in one of the stunning seaside restaurants in Athens, Greece.

When Gordon Ramsey speaks, the world foodies listen. In his latest TV show, Gordon visits Greece. 

And he brings two chefs along: one French, the other one Italian (almost like an anecdote). 

They visit a few well-known islands, Crete, Santorini & Mykonos, and the Greek capital Athens.

They explore and cook local cuisine specialties. And even compete at souvlaki contest with the locals in Athens! It doesn't get better than that!

There was some "drama" when Gordon said to his Italian friend that greek cuisine is better than Italian (OMG!)... there was lots of fun, too, when Gordon gently rubbed healing mud onto his friend's back. 

But the most startling thing was what Gordon Ramsey said at the end of the show. 

He said that food in Greece is right up there in the first tier with better-known food destinations such as France, Spain, and Italy. 

Coming from a renowned 16 Michelin star chef, that isn't something anyone who likes great food should ignore.

If you're an Erasmus student coming to Athens and you'd like to stay in a rental property with other students, get in touch with us now. We'd love to host you!

How To Find Awesome Flatmates In Three Simple Steps

Erasmus Students Enjoying Hot Beverage In Their apartment In Athens

Co-living is great for creating memories.

The challenge is how to make sure the memories will be good.

Of course, a lot depends on your choice of housing. But even more relies on who you're sharing the house with.

So, how can you make sure you don't end up living with Hannibal Lecter?

There isn't a definite formula. Many aspects of finding a great flatmate are pure luck.

Yet, a few things can point you in the right or wrong direction.

Based on our decade-long experience providing shared apartments for Erasmus students and professionals coming to Athens... here are three simple steps to follow.

The first step is ASK.

No shame in asking your future landlord a simple question: who do you usually rent to? Are your tenants students?

If not, who can I expect to co-live with?

What is their age? Background? Interests?

If these questions seem to you like prying, well... are you better off asking questions or asking if you could leave without losing your deposit?

For example, we get asked these questions eight times out of ten bookings.

And we gladly answer them without disclosing any personal details of course.

Now, will that solve all your worries if you know that your future flatmates are students... who are studying journalism, like playing musical instruments and collecting coffee mugs?

Most likely not.

But at least you'll know if you have anything in common.

Step two is Connect.

Request your future flatmates’ contact info. Connect with them on social media.

Talk to them. The sooner you get to know each other, the more you can understand their personalities.

Don't go too personal but do ask questions.

Find out if that's a first-time living away from their parents.

Talk about choirs. Talk about studies. Talk about habits.

Are they really interested in learning? Or more in hanging out with friends, drinking, and having fun?

In other words, take the guesswork out of the equation.

Don't get embarrassed to find out more about who you're to co-live with for almost a year.

Your peace of mind and wellbeing are way too important.

Step three is Present.

Talk about yourself too. Show your personality.

Talk about your hobbies, interests, values... and whatever else can help your future flatmate understand you.

This way, you can at least hope they'll be respectful of your views.

Remember to be subtle about it. No one likes when someone forces their views on them.

Discuss the house rules. What you agree with and what you think is too harsh.

This will give you insight into what to expect.

For example, when all the questions we receive are about playing music, hanging out on the rooftop... and inviting friends for parties it's obvious the main concern isn't their studies.

In conclusion:

If you want to make sure your stay is filled with great memories, don't shy away from asking questions, requesting information... and learning everything you can about your future flatmates.

That's the difference between "OMG, I miss my new friends" and " I hope to never meet another creep like that.

great flatmates help creat amazing memories

Are you an Erasmus student, professional... or just relocating to Athens for a new experience?

If you want to rent a comfortable & secure fully furnished room or apartment in Athens... then give us a chance, we’ll be happy to host you!

How To Find & Rent Excellent Accommodations in Athens Without Spending a Fortune

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide For Erasmus, Professionals & Leisure Travelers On a Budget

If you're an Erasmus student or professional moving to Athens for a mid or long-term stay…

And you want to make sure you'll be living in a great place at the most affordable price

Then this report is your ultimate tool for finding and renting the most amazing accommodations in Athens!

In this guide you'll learn things like:

1. the exact simple steps to find the most conveniently located housing in Athens

2. the five most crucial things to ask your landlord to get the best bang for your money

3. how to avoid costly mistakes and pain & frustration with your housing

4. the exact way to present yourself to the landlord to make sure you close the deal

5. the six things to pay most attention to during your stay

And a lot more!

Read on and get the industry's best-kept secrets

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Location Location Location

When you come to Athens to study or work the chances are you already know where you'll need to be

That gives you an excellent opportunity to search the areas near your workplace or university

Without a doubt, the public transportation system in Athens has improved significantly over the last decade

More subway stations and new tram service, along with buses and trolleys, make your daily commute a lot more pleasant

But the fact is nothing beats a pleasant short walk to your work or school

That's the way we source our properties

One of the main priorities is to always be within walking distance to the main universities and metro stations

And that's where you should be looking too

Here are a few easy steps to do it right

1. Use Google maps to identify the radius within 2.5 km to your daily work or study

2. Zoom in and write down the nearby main streets

3. Use street view and take a virtual walk around to get the feeling of the area

Now you're ready to do the real detective work!

Get on forums, Facebook groups, and review sites

The wealth of real information from real people is mind-boggling

Join groups such as foreigners living in Greece

Ask questions about your location of choice and expect a ton of useful (and sometimes not very useful) comments

And often, based on your research, you will probably prefer a somewhat longer daily commute to living in certain areas

Also, you'll notice how different will be the views on some neighborhoods between the locals and foreigners

Equipped with all the information, you're now ready to start looking for that charming, warm & cozy new home in Athens…

If you find this guide helpful go ahead and download the full version…and never have trouble finding excellent housing in Athens again!

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Erasmus Students Moving To Athens

Here's The Complete Checklist For Renting Your Ideal Flatshare

"I felt like a fish out of water in that place," said a 22-year-old French student when our staff member asked him why he wanted to move out of his current place in Athens.

The apartment is fine.

But my flatmates. How should I put it delicately…

Let's just say they're in much different stage of their lives to enjoy the same things as I do".

Renting a room in a shared apartment has been a preferred housing option for many Erasmus students in Athens.

And after renting our rooms to thousands of Erasmus students in the past ten years... we created a simple checklist with the seven most essential things for renting your ideal place in Athens.

Always ask for a rental agreement

Official contracts are in Greek. Use a translator and ask your landlord to clarify anything you don't understand.

Make sure the place is for students

Rent a room with other students. This way, you know you share a place with your peers. Expect a much more harmonious and pleasant stay.

Ask about building rules and regulations

Very important! Clarify if parties and large gatherings are allowed and under what rules. If you're expecting your family members to visit, make sure your landlord allows it free or for an extra charge.

Rooftop access

Rooftops are a lot of fun on a warm summer night, enjoying the view and having a beer. That is if you're allowed to use it. Make sure you ask your landlord about the rooftop use. Just because there is a rooftop doesn't guarantee you can use it, so don't take anything for granted and make sure to ask your landlord.

When something isn't working, who do you call?

And who pays for repairs? Know it before you find yourself in an unpleasant situation and bill to pay.

Request written check-in &out forms

You must know what you have in your room and shared areas, so you don't get accused of misplacing things, breaking them, or worse... stealing stuff! Check that you're getting everything you're promised.

Define the conditions for your deposit refund

Don't lose your money under some silly excuse your landlord feeds you with. Know exactly when, how, and why you may lose the deposit.

In conclusion:

Don't shy away from asking questions! Better safe than sorry. Know as much as you can about your rental, flatmates, building rules, and enjoy a fun, pleasant stay.

Got any questions?

We are here to help! Get in touch with our team and find out what we have available for Erasmus students now.

We're looking forward to hosting you in Athens!

How To Be an Ideal Tenant and Flat-Mate… In Ten Easy Steps.

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A group of friends having a good time

Renting a room in a flat-share in Athens is supposed to be so much fun!

You get to meet new people. And you get to spend almost a year together.

Your flatmates become your friends. And more often than not, you create memories for life.

All the dinners together. Watching your favorite shows. Nice strolls through the lively streets of Athens.

Or those awesome trips to the stunning Greek islands. Dancing around the bonfire. The night swims. And so much more...

In all the years of hosting international students in Athens, we've seen it all.

And based on our experience, these are the simple ten steps you need to follow to have it all!

Follow them and never experience any issues with your landlords or flat-mates.

Step one

It must be self-evident.

Yet some people forget that you should be:

friendly, social, respectful and mindful of your flat-mates’ privacy race, religion, culture and customs.

Step two

Use your own food supply and toiletries!

You can't imagine how many times we've heard something like this:

I don't mind sharing food when someone asks, but why would someone take it without permission?!

Act wisely.

Step three

Keep your room and shared areas neat and tidy.

Ok, this is paramount! If you're messy in your room, it's your problem.

When you're messy in the shared areas, it becomes everyone's problem.

Tidy up after you use the kitchen and bathroom. And keep the living space neat and pleasant.

Respect your flat-mates.

Step four

Students like to party. We get it.

In fact, who doesn't like to party?

But remember that buildings have rules and regulations.

And you better make sure you ask before you book the room if you're allowed to have parties and large gatherings in your apartment.

Step five

Quiet hours.

Most buildings in Athens still follow the 2 pm to 5 pm quiet-hour rules.

Cut down on noisy activities during the so-called siesta time, lots of people still use this time to rest and nap.

Step six

Hanging out with friends.

When you do have guests over, and things get wild, try to end any noisy activities by 10 pm on weekdays.

On Friday and Saturday, you might spoil yourself by being naughty till midnight (again depends on the building rules, so ask your landlord beforehand)

Step seven

Flat-shares usually offer a flat rental payment that includes all the utility bills.

But it doesn't mean you need to act recklessly.

Switch off the AC & Water boiler when not in use.

Not only is it unfriendly to mother nature, but it carries the risk of electrocution and/or damage to the appliances.

Step eight

In Athens, the trash collectors are in the street.

Take the trash out regularly to avoid roaches and other unpleasant guests.

Step nine

Now, this is a little weird, but...the sewage system in most buildings in Athens isn't built to "digest" papers and other objects.

So, dispose of those things into the trash bin instead.

Step ten

Even if you're a certified electrician or plumber, please do not mess with anything in your rental.

Just get in touch with your landlord to handle it.

Even less so, when you learn how to repair a faulty electrical appliance on YouTube.

There you have it.

The ten simple steps that make you a flat-mate to love and tenant to desire.

Have a great time in Athens!

If you have any questions regarding your stay in Athens, get in touch with us now.

We're always happy to help.

Why You’re Taking a Huge Risk When You Rent an Apartment in Athens (and what to do about it)

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beautiful, clean rental apartments in athens

www.roomsathens.com

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Oh, the disappointment of your expectations! 

We've all been there… 

Like when you're impatiently waiting for the new season of your favorite show to drop just to find out it went off the story and now sucks big time!

But unlike a movie or TV show that lasts for a few hours, the disappointment of finding out your rental apartment is a complete disaster may torture you for months. 

And on top of all, your landlord is very unlikely to give you back your security deposit.

But is there a simple formula to separate proper accommodations from a dump?

Yes and no...

And here's why

When you reserve your room or apartment in Athens, you're most likely doing it from the comfort of your home out of Athens.

Which impedes your ability to view the apartment you're about to rent.

All you have at your disposal are a few photos and a description.

And more often than not, the photos and descriptions don't tell the whole story. 

So, is there any way to score excellent accommodation in Athens then?

Here's what you should do.

Pay Attention to vague descriptions.

No matter what channels you use to book your property, the process is mostly identical.

You look at photos and read the descriptions.

And if what you see is a couple of low-quality images and a few lazy lines of descriptions the warning signs are there:

If the person or company that lists the property is too bored to bother with a proper presentation, how likely is your experience to be pleasant? 

Not very…

And many of our tenants who switched to our properties back this claim up.

So, should you run for your life at first sight at the photos? 

More often than not, the answer is YES.

But if your curious mind wonders "what if" then try to get in touch with whoever handles the listing.

Here are the things you should ask them:

• Do you verify the property owner/operator?

• Has this property been booked before?

• What is the feedback from the tenants?

And probably the most critical question of all:

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SEE THE PROPERTY, I DON'T LIKE IT AND DON'T WANT TO STAY IN IT?

See, we receive many tenants already in Athens and don't like the properties they had previously booked.

And nine out of ten of them would usually have a hard time getting their security deposits back.

Even when there are solid reasons...

For instance, we had a lovely gentleman whose previous landlord wouldn't pay the water bills on time! Even though he collected the money from the tenant. 

As a result, the tenant woke up one morning and found out he had no water to wash his face!

When he informed his landlord about his decision to leave, the landlord said sure, go ahead, but I'm keeping your deposit.

If you want, sue me, it'll take you a ton of time and money spent on lawyers...

Obviously, the tenant didn't get involved in any legal action as he needed to stay in Athens just for three more months and wouldn't have time or money to waste on legal procedures.

And that is a severe case of misappropriation of tenant's money!

Imagine if you want to leave due to less "serious" reasons...

The chances are you will say goodbye to your security deposit.

In conclusion

If you want to make sure your rental room or apartment in Athens turns out exactly as you hoped it would here are the three questions to ask any property owner, landlord, or listing website:

1. Is this property verified

2. Has it been booked before and is there feedback from the former tenants

3. What happens if when I arrive in Athens, see the apartment, and do NOT like it?

Hopefully, this will help you find your ideal rental property in Athens. 

If you need our help, we're always happy to assist you.

What is our NEW "On 24/7" service and why our tenants love it so much

chill out in our apartments in Athens with our 24/7 ongoing support

www.roomsathens.com

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When you look for accommodation in Athens, what do you value most?

Is it location? Amenities? Rental price? 

Probably all of it!

And rightly so! 

All these essential features have popped up as top things to desire in every customer poll we've run.

But here's a question?

What about your peace of mind? 

What do you do when the plumbing goes bust, power goes out or God forbid the Internet is down?

Whom do you call? Text, email, or send messenger pigeons to?

Since the day we offered our first furnished apartment for rent in Athens a while back

And to the point when we passed the 100 rental properties mark

Our main focus has always been on making our tenants feel absolutely and totally at home.

The reason we've put so much emphasis on this simple:

Many of our tenants are international students, Erasmus students, and professionals working in Athens.

And lots of them are living on their own for the first time!

For us, that has always meant one thing: always be available to resolve any matters our tenants may have. 

At all times. No questions asked

Easier said than done, though.

While it was relatively easy to achieve with a few properties, it became extremely challenging with many.

The ongoing support required lots of investment.

Investments in infrastructure. 

Investments in extra staff...

Our high-end customers didn't mind paying the extra premium to receive that service.

But what about our budget-oriented tenants?

We had to find a way to offer similar support for them without making it too pricey.

So, about six months ago, we started testing our new "On24/7" feature.

And boy, oh, boy!

Our tenants met the service with so much excitement that now many of them name it their favorite.

And all because the "On 24/7" service eliminates confusion and time waste by keeping all the maintenance requests and other house related communication in one simple app. 

• Tenants get 24/7 support at their fingertips, no more phone calls, and emails 

• Tenants can upload a video or photo of any house-related issue, and the support team will get on it immediately

• Tenants can make an inquiry via their designated messenger, which keeps all messages in one place and is available at all times

Here are just a couple of our tenants rave reviews about how fast and easy our support was for them to receive:

" I lived in the en-suite room in the giant two-level apartment in Athens center for two and a half months. 

The room is bright, clean, and with a private bathroom attached!

The most amazing part is how fast ANY maintenance issues get resolved. You have 24/7 support and always feel secure and at ease.

Thank you, roomsAthens, for saving me a ton of money and frustration! "

— Clemence B. 

"I loved reactivity, kindness, reliability, and legal aspects!"

What firstly appealed to me in this lovely room in Athens was its features: things such as air conditioner, balcony, cleaning service, WiFi, among many others.  

But what sealed the deal was the speed and the level of attention of roomsAthens team. 

In fact, I'd list their reactivity, kindness, reliability, and legal aspect as the top four things I loved!    

They saved me a ton of time because they always answered my questions very quickly!  

— Juliette Kary 

Here's the best part. 

We now offer this once premium service at NO EXTRA cost!  

You read it right! 

All our tenants now enjoy 24/7 ongoing support without having to pay premiums!

So, if you'd like to rent a beautifully furnished, fully equipped sunny bright room or apartment in Athens...

And experience a pleasant, stress-free stay, then go ahead and get in touch with us. 

We're looking forward to hosting you in Athens!

Renting Room or Apartment in Athens

The Three Crucially Important Things To Clarify with Your Landlord Before You Sign

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So you set your mind on this charming, warm & cozy new rental that looks and feels like your ideal home in Athens

And you're ready to pull the trigger and give the security deposit to make sure the place is yours...

But what makes rental in Athens remarkable and what would make it a disaster?

Here's what you need to ask your landlord

First and foremost: the rental agreement

Why?

You must know what it is you're getting exactly, what it costs you, and how you get out of it

We've had countless customers who wanted to switch from their rentals to ours and found it hard to get their deposits back

And more often than not, they lost the deposit due to non-existent rental agreement

Our tip: don't become a hostage of your own shortsightedness! Always, always demand the rental agreement signed

***Important***

There are two sets of rental agreements you must receive from your landlord in Athens

One is a detailed document where you write up all the terms and conditions

The other is the Tax authorities verified agreement

The latter is the official rental document that you need in case you want to open a bank account, for example

It is a must to have both agreements on hand

When you rent a furnished apartment, always ask for the detailed equipment description

It should include a list of furniture, kitchen appliances, room equipment, and electronic devices in the property

Ask if linens and towels are included, you don't want to find yourself sleeping on the mattress and running to buy a new set of towels

A good rule of thumb?

Have pretty much every detail written down

You will be held accountable for those things at the end of your stay when the deposit refund comes into play

Ask for the check-in report when you move in

Check all the items and the condition they are in before you sign it

Bills, bills, bills... 

There is a wide range of options when it comes to the structure of the rental payments

Probably the most common is the monthly rental payment plus all other bills 

In this case, electricity, water, the Internet, building maintenance bills are your responsibility

The second option is somewhat in the middle

You pay the monthly rental payment that already includes part of utilities (e.g., water, Internet)

And you're responsible for electricity and building maintenance bills

And then there is an all-inclusive rental payment

That is the easiest and quickest option

And that's the option we've been offering all our tenants in the last few years

It saves you lots of time and confusion

Rids you of having to deal with utility providers and makes your stay so much easier! 

Heating and Cooling & Maintenance

Den Kanei Kryo Sthn Ellada...which means It's never cold in Greece is a well-known Greek song

And while it is true, the Athenian winters are among the mildest in Europe, we suggest you make sure your rental apartment in Athens provides heating!

Ask your property provider what type of heating there is in your rental. And make sure your rental agreement clarifies it

You don't want to come to Athens to find out there isn't any heating in your rental property

There are three types of heating in Athens

1. Heating is pre-set by the building manager to switch on automatically

Usually early in the morning and late in the evening or in many cases just once a day

It is strictly due to high heating fuel costs and the inability of many tenants to pay these high bills 

2. Independent heating is a more convenient option, but you can have it mainly in more modern buildings

It allows you to turn your heating on and off whenever you feel like it 

3. And quite often, there is no heating provided by the building at all! That means every tenant must take the matter in their own hands. Usually, AC units do the job in cases like this

Talking about AC units-it's a must!

It gets boiling hot in Athens during the summer, and you'll suffer if you don't have a properly working air conditioner in your rental apartment

Ask your property provider when the AC unit got serviced the last time. If the answer is vague, there is a good chance it hasn't happened in a long time

The risk? 

It won't work well enough

And if it breaks down, the landlord might blame you, so demand you see it is fully functional and freshly serviced

For example, we service all our AC units twice a year and provide on-going support whenever there is an issue

Your home's micro-climate has always been high up on our list of priorities

And last but not least

Whom do you call when something doesn't work at your home?

When all of a sudden, the apartment went dark? 

Or the water boiler stopped warming the water?

Or God forbid, the Internet is down!!

Please do yourself a favor and clarify that with your landlord. The last thing you'd want in a city you just moved to is dealing with electricians, plumbers, and other contractors

In fact, on-going support is such an important matter!

Seven out of ten of our tenants in our recent customer feedback survey put it as their most favorite feature of our service

And rightly so! 

We turned it into an obsession and have successfully introduced a 24/7 no days off on-going support

No tenant of ours ever feels abandoned — another high priority of our company

These Ten Apps Helped Hundreds of Our Tenants Live in Athens Stress-Free

Relocating to another city should be an exciting experience.

And Athens, with its mind-blowing nightlife, fascinating history, excellent weather, and magnificent coastline certainly lives up to all the fun and excitement.

However, quite a few things might be confusing, and at times, quite stressful.

Getting the hang of public transportation, doing grocery shopping, or ordering food delivery are just a few of those things.  

We asked hundreds of our tenants what apps helped them settle in and feel at home in Athens.

Here are the ten apps they mentioned the most

#1 ATH Airport

This FREE app gets you all the info you need for a pleasant, hassle-free travel

• arrival/departure times

• directions to & from the airport

• and even the latest deals from the airport's shopping mall!

• available for Apple & Android

#2 Beat

This FREE app makes using taxi services quick & easy 

• type in your location or let the app find you

• type in your destination

• expect your driver in a few minutes

• pay by credit card, PayPal or good ol' cash

• available for Apple & Android
  
  
  

#3 OASA Telematics

Don't want to spend on a taxi? 

No worries! This FREE app helps you navigate buses like a real Athenian

• track the nearest bus stops

• see the routes & timetables

• track the buses' locations in real-time

• available for Apple & Android
  
  

#4 Moovit

This FREE app gives you all the available public transport options 

• track your location

• receive directions

• find stations around

• get lines for any type of transportation

• available for Apple & Android

#5 AthensBook

This FREE app is as good as the Yellow Pages of Athens and helps you find:

• nearby banks & ATMs

• pharmacies open now

• restaurants, bars & cafes

• hospitals & doctors

• available for Apple & Android

#6 E-food

Hungry or craving coffee? This FREE app helps you choose your next meal and get it delivered to your door.

• choose cuisine you like

• take advantage of great deals & offers

• pay by credit card, PayPal or in cash

• available for Apple & Android

#7 E-fresh

This FREE app is your supermarket grocery shopping delivered to your door! And it offers English descriptions!

• easy to navigate

• option to build your lists

• wide range of organic products

• pay by credit or debit card, PayPal, cash on delivery

• available for Apple & Android, website

#8 Google Maps

This FREE app is absolutely essential if you don't want to get lost in the many small streets of Athens

• works well throughout Greece

• load the maps & use off-line

• estimate your arrival time with the real-time traffic calculation

• public transportation routes available

• spot shops, cafes, restaurants and a lot more right on the map and transfer with one click

• available for Apple & Android

#9 Google Translate

This FREE app makes the phrase "It's All Greek to Me" irrelevant. Not 100% there yet in terms of precision, but good enough to communicate with locals most of the time

• option to load Greek language and use off-line

• translate English-to-Greek and/or Greek-to-English

• voice feature with the correct pronunciation

• available for Apple & Android
  
  
  
  
  

#10 E-table

This FREE app lets you book a table in one of 1700 restaurants in more than 20 cities...and it is in English!

• free on-line reservation

• just type in your location and choose where you want to eat

• browse reviews, menus, and photos

• get offers, discounts, and exclusive deals

• available for Apple & Android

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