A good luxury villa rental contract in Mykonos puts every important detail in writing: dates, guests, the total price, deposits, payment dates and cancellation terms. Before you pay, also check that the villa has a Property Registration Number (AMA) that matches the listing, and that you pay through a traceable method. If you are still choosing a villa, start with our Mykonos villa rental guide.
What a Villa Rental Agreement in Greece Should Include
For a holiday villa, the agreement is often a booking confirmation plus written terms. What matters is that the key points are clear and agreed before any money moves.
Arrival and departure dates, check-in and check-out times.
The maximum number of guests and whether day visitors are allowed.
One final amount for your dates, with taxes and any extra charges named.
Housekeeping, linen, concierge or any service you were promised.
What you pay to confirm, what is held against damage, and when it is returned.
The date, amount and method of each payment.
What you get back if you cancel, and what happens if the owner cancels.
Noise, smoking, pets and pool use.
Whether parties or dinners with outside guests are allowed.
Who is responsible for damage and accidents, and how problems are reported.
Also check who you are contracting with. The name on the agreement should match the invoice and the account you pay. Ask any manager to send the AMA and the full terms in writing together with your quote.
How to Verify a Villa Rental in Mykonos
Every short term rental in Greece must be registered with the tax authority (AADE). Each registered property gets a Property Registration Number, known as the AMA. The number must appear in a visible place on every online listing and in any other advert for the property. Some villas that run under a tourism operating licence show their licence number instead, which is also allowed.
- Look for the number on the listing. If you cannot find it, ask for it in writing.
- Compare every listing. If the same villa appears on several sites, the number should be the same everywhere. A different number is a reason to ask questions.
- Check the contract. Ask for the AMA to be written on your booking confirmation, next to the villa name and address.
- Match the details. Villa name, area, bedrooms and photos should match on the listing, the contract and the manager’s website.
- Confirm who gets paid. The payee should be the registered manager or owner, or the company that signs your agreement.
Since 1 October 2025, properties that do not qualify as main use spaces under the Greek building rules are removed from the AADE registry and lose their AMA, and the booking platforms are notified.
Safety Rules in Force Since 1 October 2025
Since 1 October 2025, short term rentals in Greece must meet minimum standards for safety and comfort. The Ministry of Tourism and the tax authority (AADE) carry out compliance checks. A licensed villa rental in Mykonos should have:
- Civil liability insurance with a licensed insurance company, covering damage or accidents.
- Smoke detectors on the ceiling, at least in the bedrooms and the kitchen.
- A portable fire extinguisher, at least one for every 100 square metres.
- A first aid kit inside the property.
- A list of emergency phone numbers inside the property.
Ask the manager to confirm these points in writing, and look for the smoke detectors and first aid kit on arrival. Every villa in our collection, from Villa Casa del Lupo in Lino to Villa Aegeas in Ornos, also comes with in person check-in.
Scam Red Flags to Watch For
Most villa scams follow the same pattern: an attractive villa, a low price, a rush to pay and a payment that cannot be traced.
| Red flag | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Wire to a personal account | Bank transfers to private accounts are hard to trace or reverse | Pay only a company or person named on your contract |
| Price far below the market | Fake listings use low prices to attract quick bookings | Compare with similar villas in the same area and season |
| Pressure to pay now | Scammers rush you so you do not check the details | Take your time, a real manager will answer your questions |
| No written terms | Without terms you cannot prove what was agreed | Ask for a written agreement before any payment |
| Copied photos | Photos taken from other listings hide a villa that may not exist | Run a reverse image search and ask for a video call |
| No AMA or a changing number | Legal rentals must show their registration number | Ask for the number and compare it on every listing |
Also be careful when a platform booking moves to email with a request to pay outside the platform. Airbnb warns that a wire or bank transfer request may signal a fraudulent reservation.
Safe Payment Practices
- Pay a name you can verify. The account holder should match the company or person on your agreement.
- Use a traceable method. A card payment or a transfer to a company account leaves a clear record.
- If you book on a platform, pay on the platform. On Airbnb, for example, paying outside the platform means you lose its AirCover protection.
- Keep everything in writing. Save the agreement, receipts and messages.
- Act fast if something feels wrong. Contact your bank and report the listing.
Choosing between a local agency and a booking platform is a separate question, covered in our guide to villa agencies vs booking platforms in Mykonos.
Book a Villa with Mykonos Agenda
Mykonos Agenda is a boutique villa management company in Mykonos, with a curated collection of 10 luxury villas from 6 guests up to 22 in Combo Kalafatis. Every villa includes in person check-in, daily housekeeping, a dedicated concierge and 24/7 guest assistance. You can browse all our villas, plan extras with our concierge and pre-stocking guide and send your dates through the villa inquiry form or contact us with any question about the terms.
Villa Blue Diamond in Kalo Livadi: 9 bedrooms for 18 guests, infinity pool and smart home.
View the villaFrequently Asked Questions
How to avoid vacation rental scams?
Book only after you get written terms, check that the listing shows its registration number, and pay a company or person named on your agreement. Be careful with prices far below the market, pressure to pay quickly, copied photos and any request to wire money to a personal account. If something feels wrong, stop and ask questions before paying.
How do I know if a rental company is legit?
A legitimate company gives you written terms, a clear total price and an invoice in its own name. It answers your questions before you pay and gives you the AMA or licence number when you ask for it. Check that the company name, the contract and the bank account all match, and look for a real office and phone number.
What are the new rules for Airbnb in Greece?
Every short term rental in Greece must be registered with the tax authority and show its AMA on the listing. Since 1 October 2025, properties also need civil liability insurance, smoke detectors in the bedrooms and kitchen, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a list of emergency numbers. Properties that do not qualify as main use spaces under the building rules lose their AMA.
Will Airbnb refund if scammed?
If you booked and paid on Airbnb, its AirCover for guests can rebook you or give a full or partial refund when, for example, the host cancels or the listing is very different from the ad. If you paid outside Airbnb, by wire or bank transfer, you lose that protection. Report it to Airbnb and contact your bank immediately.
Is no security deposit a red flag?
Not on its own. Some villas ask for a security deposit and others handle damage in a different way. It becomes a concern when it comes with other warning signs, such as no written terms, a very low price or a request to pay a personal account. Ask how damage is handled and get the answer in writing.
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