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Rental Law in Turkey for Foreign Tenants

Rental Law in Turkey for Foreign Tenants

Created04.09.2025, 12.34

Updated04.09.2025, 17.56

foreign tenant rights in Turkey Relocating to Turkey offers foreigners a chance to enjoy the country’s rich culture, Mediterranean lifestyle, and growing opportunities. Whether you plan to live in İstanbul, Antalya, or a coastal Aegean town, renting a home is often the first step.

Before signing rental agreements in Turkey, it’s important to understand the rental law in Turkey. Knowing your rights and obligations will help you avoid disputes, protect yourself, and enjoy a smooth renting experience.

This guide explains key rules on short- and long-term rentals, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, deposits, rent increases, and the eviction process so you can rent with confidence.

Foreign Tenant Rights in Turkey

The foreign tenant rights in Turkey are largely the same as those granted to Turkish citizens under the Turkish Code of Obligations. That means landlords cannot treat you differently based on nationality. You are legally protected under the same framework as local tenants.

Key tenant rights in Turkey include:

The right to have a valid written rental contract.
The right to fair rental conditions without discrimination.
Protection against unfair eviction.
Legal limitations on rent increases.
The right to the return of your deposit if you meet the contract terms.

At the same time, tenants’ rights and obligations in Turkey come with responsibilities: paying rent on time, using the property in line with its purpose, and covering any damages caused by misuse.

Understanding both sides, the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in Turkey, is essential for a healthy rental relationship.

Types of Rental Contracts in Turkey

When renting a home, you will come across different types of rental contracts in Turkey. Each one has specific implications for your stay.

Fixed-Term Rental Agreements

These contracts are typically signed for one year. Unless either party gives notice to terminate, they are automatically renewed under the same conditions. This structure is very common under the Turkish long-term rental law.

Indefinite-Term Rental Agreements

Less common but still valid, these agreements don’t set an end date. They offer flexibility but can sometimes create uncertainty for both tenant and landlord.

Verbal Rental Agreements

Although rental regulations in Turkey recognize verbal agreements as legally binding, they are highly discouraged, especially for foreigners. A written contract is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and protect your rights.

For anyone renting in Turkey, having a proper rent contract law for foreigners in Turkey means ensuring all terms are clearly stated in writing.

What Should a Rental Contract Include?

A valid rental contract in Turkey should clearly list the essential details to protect both parties. According to rental contract requirements in Turkey, the document typically includes:

Full names and passport/ID numbers of the landlord and tenant.
The full address of the property being rented.
Agreed monthly rent and payment method.
Deposit amount and conditions.
Start and end dates of the agreement.
Renewal and termination clauses.
List of furnishings of the home provided by the owner
Signatures of both parties.

Practical Tip: Always request your rental agreement in writing. For foreign tenants, a bilingual contract (Turkish + your native language) provides extra clarity. If you are entering into a long-term lease or paying a high deposit, notarizing the contract adds another layer of security.

How Rental Deposits Work in Turkey

Most landlords request a security deposit before handing over the keys. Under the deposit rules in the Turkish rental law, these deposits are tightly regulated:

The maximum deposit cannot exceed the value of three months’ rent.
The landlord is required to deposit the money into a separate bank savings account, not their personal account.
At the end of the rental term, the deposit must be returned unless the landlord can prove property damage, unpaid utility bills, or outstanding rent.

Important: In practice, not all landlords comply with these deposit rules. To protect yourself, always get written confirmation of the deposit amount and where it will be held. This is especially crucial in property rental disputes in Turkey, where deposits are often the main issue.

Rent Increase Law in Turkey

One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How much can a landlord increase rent in Turkey?”

By law, rent can only be increased once a year, and only during the lease renewal period, not whenever the landlord wants. The increase in the rental price is valid provided that it does not exceed the 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI, called TÜFE in Turkish). This is only applicable if a low rate is stated in the contract. There is no increase requirement, and landlords are not obliged to apply verbal rents.

Tenant Protection: If your landlord demands a higher rent increase than the legal cap, you are not required to accept it. In cases of dispute, tenants can file a claim in rent adjustment courts to enforce their rights.

Eviction Process in Turkey

Understanding how to evict a tenant in Turkey or the legal eviction reasons in Turkey is equally important for both landlords and tenants.

According to the law, landlords cannot simply demand that you leave without cause. Tenant eviction rights in Turkey ensure that tenants are protected from unfair treatment.

The eviction process in Turkey is strictly regulated and usually requires legal grounds, such as:

Persistent failure to pay rent.
Subleasing the property without permission.
Using the property for purposes other than stated in the contract.
Causing significant damage to the property.
Landlord or immediate family requiring the property for personal use (with proof).
Court-ordered eviction due to legal disputes.

Landlords must provide notice and, in most cases, go through legal channels to evict a tenant. For tenants, this means you cannot be removed overnight without due process.

If you face an eviction attempt, seeking legal support for tenants in Turkey is highly recommended.

Landlord and Tenant Disputes in Turkey

Despite clear laws, landlord and tenant disputes in Turkey are relatively common. They often arise from:

Unlawful rent increases.
Disagreements over deposit returns.
Maintenance and repair obligations.
Early termination of the rental contract.

The law balances landlord rights in Turkey with tenants’ rights and obligations in Turkey. Landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a livable condition, while tenants must respect payment obligations and property care.

For foreigners, navigating property rental disputes in Turkey may be complex due to language barriers and different legal systems. Having bilingual agreements and professional assistance is key.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Rental Laws in Turkey

Foreign tenants often ask about the difference between the Turkish short-term rental law and the Turkish long-term rental law.

Short-Term Rentals: Common in tourist-heavy cities like İstanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum. If renting for less than six months, ensure your landlord has the required short-term rental permit, since registration and taxation obligations apply to property owners, not tenants.

Long-Term Rental: Governed by fixed-term or indefinite-term contracts, long-term agreements are more stable and fall under the protections of the new rental law in Turkey.

Both arrangements are legal, but your choice depends on whether you are relocating for work, study, or lifestyle.

Secure Your Rental Journey in Turkey

Renting a property in Turkey is an excellent way to begin your new chapter, whether you are moving for career opportunities, retirement, or lifestyle.

For foreign tenants, having clear contracts and professional guidance makes all the difference. If you want stress-free support in finding and managing rental homes, explore expert property management services offered by trusted real estate professionals. With the right help, your journey in Turkey can be smooth, secure, and rewarding.

Looking for reliable rental options and professional management in Turkey? Expert teams are ready to guide you every step of the way. Start exploring rental opportunities here.