Changes in Rents: Mandatory Payment via Bank

From April 1st, 2026, the landscape of property leasing is changing radically. Mandatory payment of rents via bank is now becoming the sole legal transaction method, aiming at transparency and tackling tax evasion. Compliance with the new framework is critical, as the use of cash entails significant financial losses for both parties. 🏡

What are the consequences for those who pay in cash?

Landlords who continue to collect rent “in hand” will lose the 5% discount on rental income, leading to increased tax. Correspondingly, tenants who do not use the banking system will be deprived of state aid, housing benefits, and even the tax “bonus” equivalent to one month’s rent per year. 💰

How should the IBAN be declared in lease agreements?

In every new or amending declaration to the AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue), stating the IBAN is now mandatory. The account must belong to the lessor and not to third parties (e.g., relatives or lawyers). In the case of a joint account, the landlord’s name must appear as the primary beneficiary to facilitate AADE’s automatic cross-checks.

What applies to the seizure-exempt limit of accounts?

It is important to know that the €1,250 limit does not automatically cover rental income. To protect these amounts, landlords must electronically declare their account as “solely seizure-exempt” on the AADE platform, characterizing it as a periodic credit account. 💡

How are co-owners of a property affected?

If a property belongs to multiple individuals, each co-owner must declare their own account (as the primary beneficiary) for the percentage corresponding to them, unless the upcoming ministerial decision allows deposit into a joint account of all co-lessors.