Starting today, July 1, 2026, the method of paying rent in Cyprus is changing, as mandatory payment via bank accounts, bank transfers, or cards, with the primary goal of combating tax evasion and undeclared income.

The Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons (YMAPE) of the Ministry of the Interior informs the public, and particularly recipients and applicants for rent subsidies, that as of today, July 1, 2026, the new legislation regarding the method of rent payment will be fully implemented.

SEE ALSO: No More “Cash Rent” Starting July 1: What’s Changing in Rent Payments

According to Article 48A of the Law on the Assessment and Collection of Taxes, Law No. 4/1978, as amended by Law 243(I)/2025, the payment and collection of rent relating to real estate within the Republic shall be carried out exclusively via:

• bank transfer, or
• debit or credit card payment, or
• any other recognized electronic payment method.

Therefore, paying rent in cash (whether in person or by deposit into a bank account) is expressly prohibited by law.

SEE ALSO: Checks, bank deposits, or online transfers: How to pay rent starting July 1

Consequently, as of today, July 1, 2026, for all new applications, as well as for cases where the Agency is re-evaluating existing beneficiaries, it is mandatory to submit the corresponding electronic proof of payment. Please note that handwritten receipts or simple cash receipts from landlords will not be accepted and will constitute grounds for rejection of the application and/or suspension of the subsidy.

The above requirement applies to all natural and legal persons, regardless of the amount of rent and the type of real estate. It should be noted that this new obligation is accompanied by penalties that apply to both landlords and tenants. The Service urges all interested parties to make the necessary arrangements with the owners of the rented properties in a timely manner.