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5 Simple Steps to Rent a Property in Turkey for Foreigners

5 Simple Steps to Rent a Property in Turkey for Foreigners

Created25.09.2025, 09.46

Updated25.09.2025, 18.08

Renting a property in Turkey as a foreigner might seem difficult at first. After all, you need to choose the right city and find a home that your family will truly love. But, once you’ve picked the ideal property, the property rental process in Turkey is surprisingly simple.

Securing a rental home in many European countries involves months of paperwork, background checks, and strict regulations. Turkey, on the other hand, makes the rental process much more accessible. It is straightforward, transparent, and typically completed within just a few days.

Below, we’ll walk you through 5 key steps to rent a property in Turkey, from finding the ideal home to securing a long-term property to rent in Turkey.

1. Choose the Right City and Neighborhood

The location of your home plays a big role in your daily life, routines, and even mood. A home in the right location can save you hours of commuting and give you effortless access to social and leisure activities. Property Hunting to Rent in Turkey

If you’re moving to Turkey for work or school, choosing a location becomes significantly easier. A local agent can provide insider knowledge and help you understand which districts are quiet, well-connected, and expat-friendly. But if you haven’t decided on a city yet, this step can be more challenging.

Turkey is a country of contrasts, offering something for every taste. Some cities are ideal for families, while others attract young professionals. Best places to rent a property in Turkey include İstanbul, Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, Fethiye, and Bodrum. If you’re undecided, a detailed comparison of Turkey’s top cities for expats can provide a clearer perspective.

2. Start Your Property Hunting with a Trusted Agent

Once you’ve settled on a location, the next step is to connect with a trusted local agent to find a property in Turkey for rent. Renting through professionals helps you avoid unreliable listings, unclear rental terms, and language barriers. A good agent verifies the property’s legal status, handles the paperwork, and ensures a stress-free process.

Before the property viewing tour, it’s helpful to prepare a checklist. These property rental tips in Turkey will ensure you cover all the essentials:

Neighborhood Amenities: Are there markets, schools, or hospitals nearby?
On-Site Facilities: Does the project offer a gym, pool, security, or other features?
Furnishing: Is the property fully furnished, partly furnished, or unfurnished?

Don’t forget to examine the small details before renting an apartment in Turkey:

Damp spots, mold, or humidity issues
Condition of windows, doors, and locks
Taps, flush, water pressure, and hot water
Electrical outlets and sockets
Availability of sufficient storage space

Finally, clarify the financial and practical details: Does the rent include electricity, internet, or maintenance? How is rent paid? Can you make changes to the property? Who is responsible for repairs?

3. Sign the Lease Agreement

You should never rush through signing the contract. Taking the time to understand lease terms in Turkey protects your rights as a tenant.

Here’s what you can see in a rental contract in Turkey:

Personal Identification of Parties: Full details of both landlord and tenant.
Property Details: Full address, property type (apartment, villa, or commercial unit), and size.
Lease Duration: Typically valid for one year, with automatic renewal unless notice is given.
Monthly Rent Payments: Rent in Turkey is typically paid via bank transfer. The rent amount is stated in both numbers and words in the contract.
Agency Commission: Often one month’s rent, to cover services.
Security Deposit: Often one month’s rent, to cover potential damages or unpaid bills.
Aidat (Maintenance Fees): Monthly contributions for shared services in shared spaces.
Property Condition & Inventory: Furniture, appliances, and the general state of the home.
Modifications: Limitations on making changes to the property.
Rent Increase Clause: Annual adjustment in case of contract renewal, linked to official inflation rates.
Notice Period: The timeframe required to terminate the lease.

4. Understand the Rental Laws in Turkey

You can rent a home in Turkey without having a residence permit. Many expats actually rent first and then apply for their permit later. However, without a residence permit, you cannot apply for electricity and water subscriptions in your own name. In that case, your landlord can keep them under their name until your permit is approved.

The documents needed to rent a house in Turkey are:

Passport
Tax ID number
Proof of income or employment (requested by some landlords)
Turkish bank account (requested by some landlords)

Notarization: Rental contracts in Turkey are generally valid without notarization. However, if you are a foreigner renting in Turkey and plan to use your rental agreement for a residence permit application, notarization is required.

Tahliye Taahhütnamesi (Pre-signed Eviction Letter): Under house rent regulations in Turkey, this optional document lets the landlord request the tenant vacate the property by a specified date. If the tenant doesn’t comply, the landlord can proceed with eviction without a court process.

5. Move In and Settle

Once you’ve found a Turkey real estate for rent and completed all the paperwork, it’s time to get it ready for living:

Register Your Address

By law, you must register your address within 20 days of moving. You can complete the process within minutes in E-Devlet if you already have a Turkish address. If not, get an appointment and visit the local Nüfus Müdürlüğü (Population Directorate) in your district. Bring these documents with you:

Your notarized rental agreement in Turkey
A recent utility bill showing your name and address
Passport
Residence permit card

Connect Your Utilities

Electricity, water, natural gas, and internet subscriptions are generally not active when you first move in. You can register these services in your name with your rental contract, DASK document, and tax ID number. There is a refundable security deposit for most services.

Renting with TEKCE Property Management

TEKCE Property Management offers a smooth, transparent, and fully supported rental experience. Unlike traditional agencies, we handle every step of the process, from preparing rental agreements with our in-house lawyers to setting up utilities.

Our multilingual agents, fluent in over 30 languages, create a personalized property portfolio tailored to your preferences. If traveling isn’t possible, our TeleProperty services allow you to explore homes remotely, and for clients who cannot be physically present, we can manage the entire rental process through a notarized Power of Attorney.

Now that you know how renting works in Turkey, it’s time to find a place that truly feels like home. Check out our selection of Turkey property for rent and find the perfect one for you. Your next home could be just a few clicks away!