Important clauses, tenant rights, and pitfalls to avoid when signing a rental contract.
Essential Clauses
- Identity and address details of the parties
- A clear description of the rented property
- Start and end date of the tenancy
- Monthly rent amount and method of payment
- Deposit amount and conditions for its return
- Who is responsible for the utility bills
- Management fees and shared building expenses
Rent Increase Rate
Under Article 344 of the Turkish Code of Obligations, the annual increase in residential rent may not exceed the rate of change in the consumer price index (CPI) according to twelve-month averages in the previous rental year. Clauses above this are invalid for the tenant.
Deposit Rules
It can be at most 3 months' rent. It is a legal requirement that it be held blocked in a bank deposit account. The landlord is prohibited from pocketing it.
Eviction Conditions
For residential leases, a fixed-term contract is automatically extended by one year at a time when it expires. The landlord can end the contract only at the end of the ten-year extension period or on legal grounds (such as own housing need, two justified warning notices or a written undertaking to vacate). The tenant, on the other hand, can leave by giving notice at least 15 days before the end of the term.
Condition Report
Recording the condition of the home in a written report when taking over the keys is vitally important. Photos serve as supporting evidence.
